The Chromebox is a new miniature desktop from Samsung and Google. It runs Google’s Chrome OS (version 19) and is aimed at businesses operating in the cloud.
If your business is primarily based online – you use Gmail, Google Docs, etc. – this may just be the desktop solution for you. The desktop is powerful enough for standard workplace needs like email and document editing, and the multiple-tab browsing issues that affected the earlier Chromebooks have been worked out. The price is quite decent too, at $329 a unit plus a $150 support fee.
Its most comparable competitor is the Mac mini, which is more of a traditional computer (the Chromebox has rather limited local storage) and is a good bit more expensive. Unlike the mini, it has a DVI port in back, and two USB ports in the front, which add to the usability. The full list of features appears below:
- Intel® Celeron® Processor
- 16 GB SSD drive
- 4GB RAM
- Intel HD Graphics 3000
- Built-in dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Gigabit ethernet
- 6 USB 2.0 ports
- 2x DisplayPort++ Output (compatible with HDMI, DVI, VGA)
- DVI single link output
- Bluetooth 3.0™ Compatible
- Kensington™ key lock compatible
The Chromebox is definitely worth a look. Looking ahead, this may be the precursor to a new trend in ultra-low-cost, portable, cloud-oriented desktops.
by Sharon Campbell
Small Business Solutions 