What is a Chromebox?

Chrome OS devices are a whole world. By now, you must have an idea how Chrome OS is your best ally in any situation or what a Chromebook is. You might have realized the wide variety of devices and possibilities that exist. Today this article leaves you with one more of the possibilities that Chrome offers you: Chromebox. Do you want to know ‘what is a chrome box’ and ‘why you should get one?’ Read on, and you will find out!

What is a Chromebox?

Neither more nor less than a computer, a Chrombox is different from what we are used to since it has a different format: a small and fully optimized box, which connects to any monitor or screen, becoming a powerful device.

The Chromebox is like the Chromebook, a computer that runs Google’s Chrome OS, except it is not portable. It is a stand-alone CPU sold without a keyboard, monitor or mouse. Google is attacking the desktop PC market with Chromeboxes and hopes to see its new devices in places like computer labs, schools and businesses.

The first model of Chromebox was launched in 2012. It supported HD output for connection to a TV and could operate up to two 30-inch monitors simultaneously. It had 6 USB ports, a DVI output and 1 Ethernet input.

But, back then, it did not work. Google’s OS reached its peak in 2013 through Chromebooks. Before, Chrome OS was pretty confidential, and only insiders used Google’s system. Initially, Chrome OS computers had to be connected to the internet; otherwise, they would not do anything with it. Then its market was sorely lacking in applications.

It was then impossible to do word processing or watch videos offline. In short, it did not sell.

Are Chromeboxes Sold Today?

It’s time! Indeed, the internet has entered every home, but computer knowledge is not available for everyone. This is where Chromebox takes a prominent place. The advantage of Chrome OS is:

• It starts in seconds
• A computer that is automatically and constantly updated
• Chrome OS is virus-free
• Off-line and On-line applications
• A very extensive Office suite developed by Google, with Drive, Google Docs
• A Market increasingly supplied with Web App.

Features of a Google Chromebox

Depending on the brand and model you choose, it has some characteristics or others. If you want to review the models offered in an online store like Amazon, you can enter the Chromebox category. However, generally, they stand out for:

• Automatic Updates
• Intel Celeron, i3, i5 or i7
• 4GB to 16GB RAM
• Between 32 and 64 GB SSD
• SD card
• HDMI and DisplayPort
• 2 x USB 3.1
• 2 x USB 2.0
• 1 x USB-C
• 1 x Headphone-microphone

Low Price, Top Manufacturers

The idea of ​​expansion is similar to that of Android. They create a free platform, but they need manufacturers to put it on the market, and in fact, the list of names is quite important: ASUS, Samsung, Acer, Toshiba, Lenovo, Dell, or HP. In an attempt to show the world how good Chrome OS could look on an ideal device, they released the elite Chromepixel, but it falls outside the Chrome OS pricing and philosophy.

Price is a huge factor on Chrome OS devices. In the case of Chromebooks, you can find a device that looks like a laptop but is closer to the price of a tablet. If you go to the Chromebox, the price drops significantly by eliminating the screen, battery and other elements that involve mobility.

Why Chromebox?

After hearing the benefits of using other Chrome OS devices, you may wonder what is different about this and why it would be your best option. We explain it to you with these simple examples.

Workspace Optimization

Chromeboxes are a perfect device if you want to optimize the space in which you work as much as possible. Therefore, whether you are in a co-working space, if your office is small, or you do a home office,  and your main priority is not to take up much space on your devices, this will be your best option.

A Powerful Computer

It is possible that, apart from needing a device that does not take up much workspace, you want a powerful device. Sometimes you think that the smaller the device, the less powerful it is. In the case of the Chromebox, it is not like that. As you have seen, Chromebox offers many hardware possibilities, and its operation also gives part of its efficiency and speed in the cloud. Remember that what makes it different from other computers is its appearance. After all, it is a computer.

Connection to different screens

In addition, it is convenient in cases where you want to work with different screens at the same time. Thanks to its multiplicity of connection ports with a Chromebox, you can work with different screens without having space for your monitors and/or laptop.

Digital Signage

With Chromebox, you can improve the experience of your point of sale by plugging it into any screen and broadcasting videos and audiovisual pieces. Beyond workstation solutions, Chromeboxes can also be used in Digital Signage solutions. It is also used in video conferencing solutions.

Some Chromebox Options

The affordable desktop philosophy is true if we do not look at the most demanding configurations, as in the ASUS model. Some notches are powerful.

Although Samsung was the first to be released, the ASUS model is the most appropriate model for understanding what it is and that led the rest of the manufacturers to launch Chromeboxes.

One of the best options is the ASUS Chromebox 4 with Intel Celeron, 4GB RAM (ASIN # B08RHXVV7J). It has an Intel Celeron 5205U processor with dual HDMI and USB-C 3.2. It supports all the above advantages mentioned. ASUS started with a dual-core Celeron 2955U, 2GB of RAM that showed a remarkable performance in the first tests, as fast as most Chromebooks.

Another good option is the Acer Chromebox, Intel Celeron 3867U Processor (ASIN# B084MM63GP). It has a price close to the ASUS Chromebox and is available at a lower price at Amazon than other sellers. Its features include Celeron Dual-Core 3867U Processor, 4GB DDR4 memory, 32GB SSD, DDR4 SDRAM, and others, making it a great Chromebox option at a low price.

Now you know ‘what is a Chromebox?’ and you must have realized why they would conquer the tech sector. Don’t forget to share this information with other tech geeks in your family and friends.