Google launches first ChromeOS-based 'Chromebox'

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 30 May 2012 6:27 User comments (10)

Google and Samsung have announced the launch of the first desktop 'Chromebox' this week.

The Chromebox will cost just $329 and comes in a small case, familiar to past owners of Mac Minis.

Powered by Google's cloud-based ChromeOS operating system, the mini-desktop has an 1.9GHz dual-core Intel Celeron B840 (Sandy Bridge) CPU, 4GB of RAM, a 16GB SSD and WiFi a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0.

With just an 8-inch footprint, the device packs a decent amount of ports including 6 USB ports, a 3.5mm combination headphone / mic jack, DVI output, gigabit Ethernet and two DisplayPort connectors.

Perhaps most notably, the device will run on ChromeOS 19, the latest version of the OS which makes it a lot more usable and Windows-like. Instead of being browser-only like in the past, the new OS update will look more like the traditional Windows systems in terms of app and window management. Finally, boot time is a remarkable 5 seconds.

Check the screenshot courtesy of Engadget:

Tags: Samsung Google Chrome OS chromebox

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10 user comments

130.5.2012 20:22

ragde

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I want one

231.5.2012 10:48

LordRuss

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It looks nice... But is it just being touted as a desktop for net surfing & kids to do their homework? Kinda like a business PC? You know, spreadsheets & data entry.

Because you just know there are going to be some people out there that think they can take this thing to the house & fire up Crysis at full resolution when it's actually a demigod Ice Cream Sandwich on super soldier serum, doused with heavy doses of gamma radiation.

Yeah, I took my Marvel nerd there... Stan Lee was one of the oldest nerds I have ever worked for & met on the planet.

331.5.2012 15:10

A5J4DX

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very cool

431.5.2012 16:45

Notcow

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What!? 5 seconds. that is incredible.

531.5.2012 16:51

jemaric

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a nettop pc should be better lenovo Q150 (40812TU) Desktop PC Intel Atom D525(1.80GHz) 2GB $339.99

61.6.2012 10:24

Diomeneus

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Originally posted by jemaric:
a nettop pc should be better lenovo Q150 (40812TU) Desktop PC Intel Atom D525(1.80GHz) 2GB $339.99

... Most obvious employee ever

71.6.2012 10:41

DVDBack23

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Originally posted by Diomeneus:

Originally posted by jemaric:
a nettop pc should be better lenovo Q150 (40812TU) Desktop PC Intel Atom D525(1.80GHz) 2GB $339.99
... Most obvious employee ever

Lol agreed. And also why would people pay more for something with a junk Atom processor and less RAM? Shameful plug even for an employee.

81.6.2012 13:16

jemaric

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I'm not an employee ,I'm waiting to pick a nettop up as soon as they are available with windows 8 ,you can throw a codec pack on there & play any file & are wireless

91.6.2012 13:36

i1der

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Bring Chrome OS to dual boot on Android them we might talk, my an app that takes control of android... Keep on the Eco system. i plug my phone on MHL with BT KB/touchpad that works similar or better

102.6.2012 09:34

Bozobub

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The main problem with this is that you can get a far more powerful Intel or AMD (Windows/Linux/Hackintosh) box for roughly the same price; Newegg has them listed constantly in their newsletter. You can even get a halfway-not-crappy laptop at that price point.

With those specs, it's overpriced.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 02 Jun 2012 @ 9:34

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Google launches first ChromeOS-based 'Chromebox'

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