Google announces new Chromebooks and Chromebook Plus laptops
Google has rolled out a new wave of Chromebook features, including new generative AI tools and a central place for its Gemini chatbot on its Chromebook Plus laptops. They’ll soon be available on existing machines via an automatic update, but if you need to buy a new laptop, you’ll be able to get them at […]
Google has rolled out a new wave of Chromebook features, including new generative AI tools and a central place for its Gemini chatbot on its Chromebook Plus laptops. They’ll soon be available on existing machines via an automatic update, but if you need to buy a new laptop, you’ll be able to get them at launch on half a dozen new models.
Read on for a quick overview of all the new Chromebooks:
New Chromebooks
Standard Chromebooks now support GIF screen recordings, one-click access to Google Tasks, and a new gaming dashboard that lets you remap controls to your keyboard. You can also configure them using an Android phone.
Asus Chromebook CM30
With a detachable keyboard and a compact 10.5-inch frame, the Asus Chromebook CM30 will be easy to take with you.
Credit: Google
For users who prioritize portability, the new Asus Chromebook CM30 is a 10.5-inch convertible that includes a stand and detachable keyboard. It has 5 MP front and rear cameras and Google claims it offers up to 13 hours of battery life.
The Chromebook CM30 comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, and buyers have the option to upgrade it with LTE connectivity. It’s now up for grabs at Walmart starting at just $299.
HP 14-inch Chromebook
More colorful laptops, please.
Credit: HP
The HP Chromebook 14-inch is a simple little 14-inch laptop with a low-end Intel Pentium processor and 128 GB of storage. The only thing that doesn’t seem aggressively basic is its finish: It comes in fun colors like “lavender lilac” and “sky blue” in addition to “glacier silver” and “table gray.”
The 14-inch Chromebook isn’t out yet, but it will eventually start at just $249 at Walmart. Costco will also offer a “silver meteor” Chromebook Plus version online starting at $449.
New Chromebook Plus laptops
The latest wave of Chromebook Plus models will come equipped with a suite of new Google AI tools at launch (in addition to the aforementioned features), including a “Help me write” text generator, generative video wallpaper and backgrounds, Magic Editor on Google Photos and a Gemini chatbot built right into the apps shelf. They will also come with one year of Google One AI Premium (normally 19, $99 per month), which gets you Gemini Advanced, Gemini in Google apps, and 2TB of storage.
Crushable speed of light
When it comes to specs, we’re playing a little fast and loose with the word “new” here. None of the Chromebook Plus devices announced by Google on Tuesday were built entirely from scratch: two of them are Plus-ified versions of older Chromebooks, and the other two are different variations of laptops included in Google’s program. Chromebook Plus initial launch last fall. But it’s always nice to have more options.
Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714
The new Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is the most premium model in this offering.
Credit: Acer
Recommended by Google for users “looking for extra power,” this Plus upgrade to Acer’s existing Chromebook Spin 714 packs a new Intel Core Ultra 5 115U processor. (This is a huge step up from the Chromebook Plus series processor. Baseline.) It retains the same 2-in-1 convertible design, which includes a 14-inch touchscreen, aluminum chassis, and a 1440p QHD webcam.
The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 isn’t on shelves yet, but it will start at $699.99 at Best Buy, matching the non-Plus version.
Acer Chromebook Plus 516GE
Acer’s new Chromebook Plus 516 GE looks sexy in obsidian black.
Credit: Google
Mashable’s current favorite gaming Chromebook also got the Plus treatment, which includes a sleek new obsidian black finish and a better Intel Core 5 120U processor (up from the 12th-gen Intel Core i5). It’s stayed true to its predecessor’s 1660p display and 16-inch RGB keyboard, but it also has the same ultra-reasonable price tag, namely clutch.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE starts at $649 with 8GB of memory and 256GB of SSD storage, and it’s available now at Best Buy.
Asus Chromebook Plus CX34
Credit: Google
This new configuration of the Chromebook Plus CX34 (one of eight original Chromebook Plus models) replaces its 12th generation Intel Core i3 processor with a newer 13th generation Intel Core i5 processor. Otherwise, it maintains the same 14-inch build, with 180-degree flat hinges and a speckled white finish. It’s also still configurable with a touchscreen.
The Chromebook Plus CX34 is now available at Best Buy starting at $499 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. That’s $50 more than the base configuration of the original model.
HP Chromebook Plus x360 14-inch
Credit: HP
HP has added another 14-inch hybrid Chromebook Plus variant to its lineup, this new one being the HP Chromebook Plus x360. 14b. This is a slight downgrade compared to the first version, the 14c (which we reviewed), swapping its Intel Core i3-1215U processor and SSD storage for an Intel Core i3-N305 processor and UFS storage. But it’s also much cheaper.
Walmart will soon sell its base configuration with 8 GB of memory and 128 GB of UFS storage for $429. For comparison, the 14c variant starts at $789.99 on HP’s website.
