Very interested in ChromeOS but I've yet to come across a Hardware/Performance combo that I like. I really like want HP's Chromebook 11 but with a Haswell Celeron CPU.
My daughter got me an Acer C720 for Christmas. I have an assortment of home-built PCs dual-booting Windows 7 and Ubuntu 12.04 (and variants), and a couple of tablets. The one machine I use nearly every day is the Chromebook! It boots up cold in 7 seconds, and wakes from sleep instantly. It is great for some quick browsing and internet work, and with Crouton, I have it running Ubuntu 12.04 side-by-side with ChromeOS in a chroot'ed jail, with the ability to switch back and forth instantly with a triple-key combo! I get Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Vudu, and Chromecast compatibility on ChromeOS, and Skype, terminal, KeePassX, and all my favorite programs in Ubuntu, all at once! I LOVE this thing, and I laugh at people who tell me I should have gotten a Windows 8 laptop with Chrome on it! At 2.75 lbs, I throw it in my bag and take it with me everywhere. I almost never touch the tablets anymore, except to read a Kindle book now and again.
I did not think Netflix would work after switching to developer mode (which is needed to install Crouton)? Do you still get official auto-magic Google Chrome OS updates?
I've had the Samsung Series 3 for over a year. I use it ALL the time and I've also done the dev mode crouton Ubuntu thing. The only gripe I have is having an ARM processor, which NOTHING proprietary EVER seems to be compiled for. It's all about the Intel. Other than that, Everything from the Ubuntu repo seems to work just fine.
EVERYTHING runs exactly as expected. Except on developer mode, when booting, a warning screen happens where you need to press Ctrl-D to finish the boot but it still boots in 8s. Updates indeed DO still happen, as if you never transitioned to developer mode. I use the Beta channel of Chrome on Developer mode and get all the updates and everything works great.
Check out Dell's new Chromebook or Lenovo's x131 Chromebook. Both are built incredibly well, and are beautiful systems with Haswell Celerons. I have Dell's on hand for testing at work right now.
The Lenovo model has a Trackpoint (if you like them, I do) and something many Chromebook's don't --a wired Ethernet port. However, it's much pricier than the Dell. If you don't need wired Ethernet, the Dell model is the way to go.
Yeah, I would have liked a little more information on the user experience while running Linux, though I suppose that's not really what the article is about...
This is my plan too. Anyone know if the SeaBIOS can be enabled like on the C720? Also, do you need to remove a write protect screw like on the C720 in order to have the SeaBIOS boot by default. Without that, you have to press ctrl+l on each boot.
They're totally different. Maybe you think they shouldn't be, but there are no similarities except for the controlling company. ChromeOS with a mouse/touchpad and keyboard is a really good experience. Android with a mouse/touchpad and keyboard is pretty terrible. ChromeOS uses *full* Google Chrome, meaning you won't run into any weird issues that Android's Chrome runs into, and you have full Flash player and NaCL support. ChromeOS is significantly more secure than Android. With dev mode enabled, you can modify ChromeOS to be a more full blown Linux without even replacing it, though replacing it is an option. ChromeOS also has a proper windowing system -- something Android lacks. The differences are huge.
Android works well with keyboard and touchpad. I am writing this on an Android laptop. Android also has the same (disabled) support for windowing as ChromeOS, not that it really matters, as ChromeOS only runs a single user-application which manages its own windows. The exact same interface could run on top of Android, but with the advantage of the immense Android ecosystem. And full Chrome can run on Android too with flash and all.
The diferences are not huge. They are relatively minor, with Android being more capable in every way.
I don't think ChromeOS and Android have too many things in common, a phone OS behaves completely different from a PC OS, everything is designed to be a phone, that means you can lock/unlock it at any time. The life cycle of the applications are completely different, and so is the OS that manages everything.
That's OK, Microsoft doesn't understand why either. In short, if you don't understand why a phone OS should behave differently from a desktop, server or workstation os, simply use Windows.
I do. I still don't get why having the metro start screen as an app launcher and being able to do everything else in the usual desktop environment is so offensive to people.
And if you don't like using the start screen for an app launcher, there's still the taskbar launcher and just plain putting icons on your desktop. Oh and using the search, but of course that pops up the scary metro screen so that's out.
"Amazon’s top two best selling notebooks are both Chromebooks, and Google’s presence on that list is nothing new."
I've always felt the message implied along side this fact is overstated. There're dozens of entry level windows laptops for each Chromebook; by itself it's not enough to say anything about ChromeOS's share of the entry level laptop market. Does amazon (or any other major etailer/oem) break out aggregate sales for ChromeOS vs Windows on entry level hardware?
I've always taken the "top of the Best Sellers list" statement with a grain of salt. It's still true that ChromeOS vs Windows (vs anything) market share is still heavily on the Windows side so it's easy to dismiss the idea of Chromebooks being top sellers based on market share. However, I don't think it's insignificant that a pair of ChromeOS laptops are the #1 and #2 selling models compared to every other model of laptop by every other manufacturer on Amazon.
It's clear who ChromeOS is targeted towards - people who only need a cheap machine with a web browser but don't want to settle for a tablet. ChromeOS devices not only save money by not needing a Windows license; they also cost far less because the OS can run so smoothly on less powerful hardware. In order for Windows PC's to drop anywhere near Chromebook prices they need to go with cheap hard drives, super low-end CPUs, and cut costs on materials - all of which negatively impact the user experience in Windows or with the device in general. ChromeOS devices swap the cheap hard drive for small, affordable flash-based storage and can run smoothly on low-end CPU's, improving the user experience and leaving room in the budget for higher-quality materials.
It's absolutely meaningless, sometimes things that aren't actually available yet (even for preorder) are on the top of the list, which means there hasn't even been sales yet.
I'd presume that it'll principally be the notebook, or in this case desktop, form factor that they're opting for. It is also I suppose rather more reliable/safe than Android.
With Ubuntu or Debian this thing would make a great low-power server with considerably more thrust (and memory) than an RPi and still largely irrelevant power-draw.
For basic office or home tasks I would prefer something like that integrated with a screen (with speakers and webcam) though. Setting up a Chromebox with a display and webcam and speakers on a desk still produces the same cable fuss as with a PC.
@anand: Do you happen to know what version of DisplayPort the ASUS Chromebox is running? Is it DP v1.2 (which would then allow daisy chaining monitors)?
Anand, do you think you can sneak this over to Ganesh with a larger M.2 SSD so he can see how viable the Celeron-based Haswell is for a HTPC?
Also, I'm curious about your reports on the fan noise. I own a Haswell i3 NUC, and I've noticed that it has some odd fan spats. My NUC pretty much just runs PLEX, and a lot of the time, it spends sitting on the main menu. However, there are times when the fan just runs rampant at rather high speeds, and no matter what I do, the fan speed will not reduce. There isn't even any CPU usage and the GPU should be idle after closing PLEX. So, I'm wondering if the Chromebox may have a problem like this as well?
These Chromeboxes are only really viable as a barebones system. Once you want a i3 processor, the NUC PCs become a much better buy.
Also, I think many users want to use Office and similar apps on desktop, on notebook it can vary wildly, but on desktop, most use it as their workstation. Even most kids in junior high these days use Office on a regular basis. Sure, you can use Google's online equivalent(the former Google Docs) but the formatting not infrequently pretty bad once you save it as a powerpoint or word file and try to open it in Office.
Nevertheless, any competition is always good. And I hope they fix those issues and give Microsoft a run for their money.
Just like I hope MS gets their act together and gives Google a run for their money in the mobile space, instead of having both companies monopolize each end of the computing spectrum.
My two or three year old Asus VH235 monitor has VGA and DVI ports only - no DisplayPort or HDMI. Will the Asus Chromebox work with this older monitor? I assume I will need to purchase a DisplayPort to DVI adapter or a cable with one DisplayPort plug and one DVI port? If the Chromebox will not work well with this monitor, I can't justify buying it, but I really want one.
Also, I assume it is pretty easy to add another 2 GB of RAM? Any in particular you would recommend in the $20-25 price range you mentioned?
You can convert the HDMI to DVI with a cheap (< $10) adapter. (HDMI and DVI are electrically compatible - just different connectors). This is probably the cheapest way for you to get it working.
You can probably get a cable to go from displayport to DVI too, but possibly more expensive than the above.
Any RAM should be fine, just get something reasonably cheap, I doubt it's going to make any significant difference getting more expensive RAM in a machine like this.
Most DisplayPort devices support outputting single-link HDMI/DVI compatible signals with cheap passive converter cable. I don't think Intel's implementation is an exception.
Man, that Core i3 version is about $100 too expensive for no discernible reason.
They should include the qwerty remote with every configuration. Something like this is ideal as a media streamer, netflix/pandora. I think by not including it and trying to sell it as a computer they're setting themselves up for failure.
Blame Intel, not Asus. The list prices for the CPUs are $107 for the celeron, and $281 for the i3. That's $164 of the $190 price difference. About half the rest is probably the ram; with the remainder coming down to prices normally being set so that more of the R&D costs and profit come from higher end models.
The i7 in the top end model is $393, so I'd expect a price of near $500 for it.
The i7 option seems like overkill for Chrome OS use, unless you're hoping for more games released running within WebGL and Javascript (not impossible I suppose). What's the boot process like on these things, could you swap Chrome OS for Steam OS for example?
I think some relatives will be getting these for their birthday. I'll consider it money well spent if I no longer have to clean virii from their computers!
I don't understand at $179 why you would buy one of these rather than a chrome book. For $20 more you get a display and keyboard and if you want to use it as a desktop just add a monitor and keyboard setup.
I can't stand the Chrome browser, and I loathe the idea of running everything inside a browser window. It's such a serious step backwards, I can't imagine why anyone would do it. I'd want to blow away the Chrome OS and put Linux or Windows 7 on it ASAP.
You know, with Windows 8.1 update 1 extending support down to 16GB of disk space...this might just make a fun little HTPC with Windows 8.1SP1 on it, or XBMC. Sadly the next model up for 4k support is a heck of a lot dearer.
Maybe have to wait till Cherry Trail later this year for an inexpensive 4k capable HTPC?
Have another look at the article.. unfortunately it appears that the bios locks out support for booting Windows. (Other Linux, Ubuntu was specifically mentioned, appear to be able to be loaded without issue however).
As Crazysurfanz pointed out below, booting Windows is, unfortunately, a no-go on these. Too bad, as for those who don't care about surround sound support these would be nice little HTPC boxes with Win8.1 (you'd likely want to swap a more spacious SSD in there, but that doesn't look to be a problem).
I'd hope some PC OEM would see the value in making boxes like this running Win8.1 (and with surround sound support) for cheap desktop replacements and for HTPC use.
I guess I'll just have to wait for a Cherry Trail NUC. The Bay Trail NUC is intriguing...but for HTPC stuff, my Apple TV works great...it just doesn't do 4k...but then again I don't have a 4k TV.
Yet.
Honestly I kind of like Windows 8. Its grown on me. A Bay Trail NUC with a wireless keyboard and mouse tucked away in a drawer with a wireless touch pad or Xbox 360 controller to interact instead, automatic login and setup the start screen with the handful of things you'd need and it would be a pretty nice HTPC.
Too bad smartglass doesn't work on Windows 8/8.1.
Meh. Probably be some dedicated streamer by the time 4k is popularish that can handle 4k. Though being able to play all my legacy console games on the TV would be nice.
"Too bad smartglass doesn't work on Windows 8/8.1."
Er, it doesn't? News to me, as I was just using my Dell Venue 8 Pro to Smartglass with my Xbox 360 while playing Fable Anniversary just the other day...
Anand, I'm disappointed that this was tested in a dual-channel configuration instead of the single-channel only that it will come with. Obviously for most of us, it's not a problem to add an additional stick, but I think that it misrepresents the performance that the device in it's available, stock configuration. You should have rejected that test model or taken out the extra DIMM.
How about you let us install a steam client on ChromeOS, like I could do with Ubuntu? An external USB 3.0 Hard Drive with 1TB of storage should be enough for the games that would be playable on that hardware(I think there are 500+ Linux compatible on Steam now). Seriously, offering a desktop-installable version of ChromeOS with the ability to use the Steam Client would essentially put a dagger through Microsoft's heart.
I've made a mistake in recommending Chromebooks to lots of folks I thought only needed (and told me they only needed) basic web access and simple document editing. I know it's not for me, but I thought it was fine for elderly relatives etc. Turns out, every single one of them has ended up getting in to it, and requesting a feature that is not available in ChromeOS. Now, I know I can put a full Linux distro on them to supply the missing features, but boy is that a hassle, and so is supporting that going forward - whereas starting with a Windows box from the outset would have been a lot easier when they came to want to use more advanced features.
"You need to have a workload that can live almost exclusively within the confines of a web browser. That means relying on Google Docs instead of Microsoft Office, and Gmail’s web interface instead of Outlook."
this is not true. I spent a large amount of my time using office.com for the online versions of word, excel, PowerPoint, and outlook... Which are completely free
Unless they ship a HDMI to DVI+Audio adapter that somehow fits that port arrangement, this is not a desktop replacement. Most cheap monitors don't have HDMI (as far as I've looked/experienced). Talk about frustrating.
It has a 3.5mm audio jack, why would you need a DVI+Audio adapter? A standard HDMI to DVI or DisplayPort to DVI adapter should work fine. They cost less than $3 on monoprice.
I wonder how something like this would compare to say a Mac Mini... (although some might call it an unfair comparison, but I've been looking for a mini computer to drive my TV, and I want something that can do it decently well, not just "ok")
If the Celeron based model is not completely quiet under moderate load, then I guess the fan in the i7 model will be very audible. Would it be possible to get an i7 model for testing any time soon?
ChromeOS is just way, way, way too limited even for my mom. I was toying with the idea, when I remembered Windows RT. I bought her a Surface, and it's been perfect for her. Has real Office, a real browser, a real file system, real Flash, PDF support, etc. It does absolutely everything that she ever actually needs, and is quite extendable thanks to the "app" store. It works as a desktop (how I set it up for her), works with her existing printer, monitor, scanner, keyboard and mouse-it just automatically grabbed and installed drivers from Windows Update for everything.
It's been perfect, and I'd highly recommend it for people who's parents or others need a real computer, but don't run a ton on it, which I suspect is a LOT of people.
Hey now, careful with talk like that. You'll upset the people who complain about WinRT's inability to run legacy Windows apps while ignoring that the same is true of every platform that isn't, y'know, x86 Windows.
Nevermind that it's far more capable than Android, iOS, or the glorified web browser that is ChromeOS.
I do wish it was possible to install WinRT on small, cheap boxes like these for folks like your mom. The original Surface works fine for that purpose, though, I suppose.
For anyone with light computing needs who really doesn't want a laptop, this is quite slick (and if ChromeOS ran Plex Media Server, this'd be the ultimate HTPC).
But as is, I have to agree with some other comments here: $20 more for an Acer C720 seems like a better deal for most users.
is it upgradeable- larger HD ect.... also can you hook a terabyte or 2 terabyte external HD up to it via USB and access windows files on it MP3, MP4s video files. What file system does it run- NTFS or some other variant and is it compatable to external HDs. If not its not worth it and I am better off with a media center PC to run on my TV
We've had a Chromebook for nearly two years now, a Samsung. It's a super device for people with simple general computing needs. I would say perfect for someone that isn't already a Windows user (elderly maybe, computer unsavvy, etc.) and just needs to use the web and create the occasional document. I find myself using it often to look something up (quicker and easier than my phone), have it displaying a recipe while cooking, or just to browse.
I can easily see a device like this being used in a similar way hooked up to a modern TV with a wireless keyboard and mouse handy near the sofa.
I'll give one of these a shot... as soon as someone other than Asus makes it. Here in Canada, I just went through an eye-wateringly bad experience with a faulty Nexus 7 tablet. It turns out that Asus is farming its warranty support out to a third party here in Canada, and their RMA approach seems to be
1) Receive RMA
2) unbox RMA and repackage it
3) Send RMA back to customer with the claim that there is nothing wrong with the unit.
In my case, after a few hours of phone calls, they gave me another RMA and this time, the tablet was fixed.
I have a Acer Chromebook, and I hate QuickOffice from Google. Since MS has free Office Online (last month) I am happy! All docs show perfect and I cabn even edit with others and place comments. This free Office Online is a great Windows killer!
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lightsout565 - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Very interested in ChromeOS but I've yet to come across a Hardware/Performance combo that I like. I really like want HP's Chromebook 11 but with a Haswell Celeron CPU.scavio - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I finally gave in and ordered an Acer C720 this week. I am sure someone will announce a product that puts it all together as soon as I open the box.dochood - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
My daughter got me an Acer C720 for Christmas. I have an assortment of home-built PCs dual-booting Windows 7 and Ubuntu 12.04 (and variants), and a couple of tablets. The one machine I use nearly every day is the Chromebook! It boots up cold in 7 seconds, and wakes from sleep instantly. It is great for some quick browsing and internet work, and with Crouton, I have it running Ubuntu 12.04 side-by-side with ChromeOS in a chroot'ed jail, with the ability to switch back and forth instantly with a triple-key combo! I get Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Vudu, and Chromecast compatibility on ChromeOS, and Skype, terminal, KeePassX, and all my favorite programs in Ubuntu, all at once! I LOVE this thing, and I laugh at people who tell me I should have gotten a Windows 8 laptop with Chrome on it! At 2.75 lbs, I throw it in my bag and take it with me everywhere. I almost never touch the tablets anymore, except to read a Kindle book now and again.rrolsbeana - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
I did not think Netflix would work after switching to developer mode (which is needed to install Crouton)? Do you still get official auto-magic Google Chrome OS updates?corey9878 - Monday, March 24, 2014 - link
I've had the Samsung Series 3 for over a year. I use it ALL the time and I've also done the dev mode crouton Ubuntu thing. The only gripe I have is having an ARM processor, which NOTHING proprietary EVER seems to be compiled for. It's all about the Intel. Other than that, Everything from the Ubuntu repo seems to work just fine.EVERYTHING runs exactly as expected. Except on developer mode, when booting, a warning screen happens where you need to press Ctrl-D to finish the boot but it still boots in 8s. Updates indeed DO still happen, as if you never transitioned to developer mode. I use the Beta channel of Chrome on Developer mode and get all the updates and everything works great.
LoneWolf15 - Friday, March 14, 2014 - link
Check out Dell's new Chromebook or Lenovo's x131 Chromebook. Both are built incredibly well, and are beautiful systems with Haswell Celerons. I have Dell's on hand for testing at work right now.The Lenovo model has a Trackpoint (if you like them, I do) and something many Chromebook's don't --a wired Ethernet port. However, it's much pricier than the Dell. If you don't need wired Ethernet, the Dell model is the way to go.
Anders CT - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I am going to get this and put linux on it. Just what I need.Old_Fogie_Late_Bloomer - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Yeah, I would have liked a little more information on the user experience while running Linux, though I suppose that's not really what the article is about...jdjem - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
This is my plan too. Anyone know if the SeaBIOS can be enabled like on the C720? Also, do you need to remove a write protect screw like on the C720 in order to have the SeaBIOS boot by default. Without that, you have to press ctrl+l on each boot.agb34 - Wednesday, June 25, 2014 - link
Then why not just configure a NUC?ILUVFREEWIFI - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Can you add more RAM and swap out the SSD for a larger one?Aikouka - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
You should be able to. You can buy larger M.2 SSDs on Amazon that are the same 22x44 form factor. Here's a 128GB one: http://www.amazon.com/MyDigitalSSD-Super-Cache-Sol...Anders CT - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Btw, I fail to see why Chrome OS is not just Android? What can Chome OS do that Android cannot do, or at least be easily modified to do?Adding-Color - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I assume it all comes down to marketing, establishing Chrome OS as a notebook, desktop OS and having android on tablets and phonescoder543 - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
They're totally different. Maybe you think they shouldn't be, but there are no similarities except for the controlling company. ChromeOS with a mouse/touchpad and keyboard is a really good experience. Android with a mouse/touchpad and keyboard is pretty terrible. ChromeOS uses *full* Google Chrome, meaning you won't run into any weird issues that Android's Chrome runs into, and you have full Flash player and NaCL support. ChromeOS is significantly more secure than Android. With dev mode enabled, you can modify ChromeOS to be a more full blown Linux without even replacing it, though replacing it is an option. ChromeOS also has a proper windowing system -- something Android lacks. The differences are huge.Anders CT - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Android works well with keyboard and touchpad. I am writing this on an Android laptop. Android also has the same (disabled) support for windowing as ChromeOS, not that it really matters, as ChromeOS only runs a single user-application which manages its own windows. The exact same interface could run on top of Android, but with the advantage of the immense Android ecosystem. And full Chrome can run on Android too with flash and all.The diferences are not huge. They are relatively minor, with Android being more capable in every way.
Nirvanaosc - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I don't think ChromeOS and Android have too many things in common, a phone OS behaves completely different from a PC OS, everything is designed to be a phone, that means you can lock/unlock it at any time. The life cycle of the applications are completely different, and so is the OS that manages everything.gseguin - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
That's OK, Microsoft doesn't understand why either.In short, if you don't understand why a phone OS should behave differently from a desktop, server or workstation os, simply use Windows.
EnzoFX - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
lol. This. Gold.Anders CT - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Well, Microsofts problem was that they forced a very different userinterface on existing desktop-users.No one is suggesting that. The exisiting ChromeOS userinterface could easily run on top of Android.
I just don't see any reason for Chrome OS to exist.
LordOfTheBoired - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
"Well, Microsofts problem was that they forced a very different userinterface on existing desktop-users."Well, it worked out pretty well the last time they tried it, I can understand why they thought they could do it again.
RIP PROGMAN.EXE
kyuu - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I do. I still don't get why having the metro start screen as an app launcher and being able to do everything else in the usual desktop environment is so offensive to people.kyuu - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
And if you don't like using the start screen for an app launcher, there's still the taskbar launcher and just plain putting icons on your desktop. Oh and using the search, but of course that pops up the scary metro screen so that's out.sligett - Friday, March 14, 2014 - link
Less is more.DanNeely - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
"Amazon’s top two best selling notebooks are both Chromebooks, and Google’s presence on that list is nothing new."I've always felt the message implied along side this fact is overstated. There're dozens of entry level windows laptops for each Chromebook; by itself it's not enough to say anything about ChromeOS's share of the entry level laptop market. Does amazon (or any other major etailer/oem) break out aggregate sales for ChromeOS vs Windows on entry level hardware?
WithoutWeakness - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I've always taken the "top of the Best Sellers list" statement with a grain of salt. It's still true that ChromeOS vs Windows (vs anything) market share is still heavily on the Windows side so it's easy to dismiss the idea of Chromebooks being top sellers based on market share. However, I don't think it's insignificant that a pair of ChromeOS laptops are the #1 and #2 selling models compared to every other model of laptop by every other manufacturer on Amazon.It's clear who ChromeOS is targeted towards - people who only need a cheap machine with a web browser but don't want to settle for a tablet. ChromeOS devices not only save money by not needing a Windows license; they also cost far less because the OS can run so smoothly on less powerful hardware. In order for Windows PC's to drop anywhere near Chromebook prices they need to go with cheap hard drives, super low-end CPUs, and cut costs on materials - all of which negatively impact the user experience in Windows or with the device in general. ChromeOS devices swap the cheap hard drive for small, affordable flash-based storage and can run smoothly on low-end CPU's, improving the user experience and leaving room in the budget for higher-quality materials.
Deelron - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
It's absolutely meaningless, sometimes things that aren't actually available yet (even for preorder) are on the top of the list, which means there hasn't even been sales yet.Arbie - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Yes, but does it run Crysis?DanNeely - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
No. But IIRC there is an in browser port for at least one version of the quake engine; so if you're willing to go retro you could get your FPS fix.Sunburn74 - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Weird question, but can you stream free hulu in the chrome OS browser?Zxian - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Can you do it in a Chrome browser on Windows/OSX/Linux? Then you can do it in ChromeOS.Mayuyu - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I fail to see how the target market of inexperienced computers users would prefer chrome so over a tablet.Mayuyu - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
*chrome osQwertilot - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I'd presume that it'll principally be the notebook, or in this case desktop, form factor that they're opting for. It is also I suppose rather more reliable/safe than Android.uhuznaa - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
With Ubuntu or Debian this thing would make a great low-power server with considerably more thrust (and memory) than an RPi and still largely irrelevant power-draw.For basic office or home tasks I would prefer something like that integrated with a screen (with speakers and webcam) though. Setting up a Chromebox with a display and webcam and speakers on a desk still produces the same cable fuss as with a PC.
Spuke - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
What hardware/utilities can you use image the OS to a larger SSD?cubanresourceful - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
@anand: Do you happen to know what version of DisplayPort the ASUS Chromebox is running? Is it DP v1.2 (which would then allow daisy chaining monitors)?Aikouka - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Anand, do you think you can sneak this over to Ganesh with a larger M.2 SSD so he can see how viable the Celeron-based Haswell is for a HTPC?Also, I'm curious about your reports on the fan noise. I own a Haswell i3 NUC, and I've noticed that it has some odd fan spats. My NUC pretty much just runs PLEX, and a lot of the time, it spends sitting on the main menu. However, there are times when the fan just runs rampant at rather high speeds, and no matter what I do, the fan speed will not reduce. There isn't even any CPU usage and the GPU should be idle after closing PLEX. So, I'm wondering if the Chromebox may have a problem like this as well?
Doormat - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
The lack of surround sound support kills my interest for this as an HTPC. But if they got that working, I'd be all over this in a heartbeat!Aikouka - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
What sort of surround sound are you looking for? It has HDMI, and it should support pass-through.Mondozai - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
These Chromeboxes are only really viable as a barebones system. Once you want a i3 processor, the NUC PCs become a much better buy.Also, I think many users want to use Office and similar apps on desktop, on notebook it can vary wildly, but on desktop, most use it as their workstation. Even most kids in junior high these days use Office on a regular basis. Sure, you can use Google's online equivalent(the former Google Docs) but the formatting not infrequently pretty bad once you save it as a powerpoint or word file and try to open it in Office.
Nevertheless, any competition is always good. And I hope they fix those issues and give Microsoft a run for their money.
Just like I hope MS gets their act together and gives Google a run for their money in the mobile space, instead of having both companies monopolize each end of the computing spectrum.
crshortt - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
My two or three year old Asus VH235 monitor has VGA and DVI ports only - no DisplayPort or HDMI. Will the Asus Chromebox work with this older monitor? I assume I will need to purchase a DisplayPort to DVI adapter or a cable with one DisplayPort plug and one DVI port? If the Chromebox will not work well with this monitor, I can't justify buying it, but I really want one.Also, I assume it is pretty easy to add another 2 GB of RAM? Any in particular you would recommend in the $20-25 price range you mentioned?
crazysurfanz - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
You can convert the HDMI to DVI with a cheap (< $10) adapter. (HDMI and DVI are electrically compatible - just different connectors). This is probably the cheapest way for you to get it working.You can probably get a cable to go from displayport to DVI too, but possibly more expensive than the above.
Any RAM should be fine, just get something reasonably cheap, I doubt it's going to make any significant difference getting more expensive RAM in a machine like this.
madmilk - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Most DisplayPort devices support outputting single-link HDMI/DVI compatible signals with cheap passive converter cable. I don't think Intel's implementation is an exception.Zxian - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
You can buy a simple HDMI-DVI cable for lower cost than a DP-DVI adaptor. HDMI and single-link DVI connections are pin-compatible.The only reason why you'd explicitly need DisplayPort is if you're running on a resolution higher than 1920x1200@60Hz.
sligett - Friday, March 14, 2014 - link
I use this $6 HDMI to DVI cable on my Raspberry Pi and Chromebook. I bet it will work for youhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009W8EWOG/ref=oh...
Hrel - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Man, that Core i3 version is about $100 too expensive for no discernible reason.They should include the qwerty remote with every configuration. Something like this is ideal as a media streamer, netflix/pandora. I think by not including it and trying to sell it as a computer they're setting themselves up for failure.
DanNeely - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Blame Intel, not Asus. The list prices for the CPUs are $107 for the celeron, and $281 for the i3. That's $164 of the $190 price difference. About half the rest is probably the ram; with the remainder coming down to prices normally being set so that more of the R&D costs and profit come from higher end models.The i7 in the top end model is $393, so I'd expect a price of near $500 for it.
Haravikk - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
The i7 option seems like overkill for Chrome OS use, unless you're hoping for more games released running within WebGL and Javascript (not impossible I suppose). What's the boot process like on these things, could you swap Chrome OS for Steam OS for example?HisDivineOrder - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Too bad someone can't make something like with SteamOS and call it a Steam Streaming Machine.Guspaz - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
You can do that yourself. It's a tight fit, but it should work fine for pure streaming.CalaverasGrande - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I think some relatives will be getting these for their birthday.I'll consider it money well spent if I no longer have to clean virii from their computers!
rickon66 - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I don't understand at $179 why you would buy one of these rather than a chrome book. For $20 more you get a display and keyboard and if you want to use it as a desktop just add a monitor and keyboard setup.BorgDog - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
HTPCanubis44 - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I can't stand the Chrome browser, and I loathe the idea of running everything inside a browser window. It's such a serious step backwards, I can't imagine why anyone would do it. I'd want to blow away the Chrome OS and put Linux or Windows 7 on it ASAP.ShpasheMoween - Tuesday, April 1, 2014 - link
You're clearly not who ChromeOS is made for, then. It's designed for people who work primarily online with very few needs outside of a browser.azazel1024 - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
You know, with Windows 8.1 update 1 extending support down to 16GB of disk space...this might just make a fun little HTPC with Windows 8.1SP1 on it, or XBMC. Sadly the next model up for 4k support is a heck of a lot dearer.Maybe have to wait till Cherry Trail later this year for an inexpensive 4k capable HTPC?
crazysurfanz - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Have another look at the article.. unfortunately it appears that the bios locks out support for booting Windows. (Other Linux, Ubuntu was specifically mentioned, appear to be able to be loaded without issue however).kyuu - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
As Crazysurfanz pointed out below, booting Windows is, unfortunately, a no-go on these. Too bad, as for those who don't care about surround sound support these would be nice little HTPC boxes with Win8.1 (you'd likely want to swap a more spacious SSD in there, but that doesn't look to be a problem).I'd hope some PC OEM would see the value in making boxes like this running Win8.1 (and with surround sound support) for cheap desktop replacements and for HTPC use.
azazel1024 - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
DANG IT ASUS!Sigh...
I guess I'll just have to wait for a Cherry Trail NUC. The Bay Trail NUC is intriguing...but for HTPC stuff, my Apple TV works great...it just doesn't do 4k...but then again I don't have a 4k TV.
Yet.
Honestly I kind of like Windows 8. Its grown on me. A Bay Trail NUC with a wireless keyboard and mouse tucked away in a drawer with a wireless touch pad or Xbox 360 controller to interact instead, automatic login and setup the start screen with the handful of things you'd need and it would be a pretty nice HTPC.
Too bad smartglass doesn't work on Windows 8/8.1.
Meh. Probably be some dedicated streamer by the time 4k is popularish that can handle 4k. Though being able to play all my legacy console games on the TV would be nice.
kyuu - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
"Too bad smartglass doesn't work on Windows 8/8.1."Er, it doesn't? News to me, as I was just using my Dell Venue 8 Pro to Smartglass with my Xbox 360 while playing Fable Anniversary just the other day...
YoshoMasaki - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
I think it doesn't work on Xbox One yet though.dtgoodwin - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Anand, I'm disappointed that this was tested in a dual-channel configuration instead of the single-channel only that it will come with. Obviously for most of us, it's not a problem to add an additional stick, but I think that it misrepresents the performance that the device in it's available, stock configuration. You should have rejected that test model or taken out the extra DIMM.rauelius - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
How about you let us install a steam client on ChromeOS, like I could do with Ubuntu? An external USB 3.0 Hard Drive with 1TB of storage should be enough for the games that would be playable on that hardware(I think there are 500+ Linux compatible on Steam now). Seriously, offering a desktop-installable version of ChromeOS with the ability to use the Steam Client would essentially put a dagger through Microsoft's heart.MikhailT - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
This would be perfect for libraries or shops who wants to offer a suite of PCs for their customers.With the low idle power consumption, it'd save on their energy bills as well.
atkoj - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
I've made a mistake in recommending Chromebooks to lots of folks I thought only needed (and told me they only needed) basic web access and simple document editing. I know it's not for me, but I thought it was fine for elderly relatives etc. Turns out, every single one of them has ended up getting in to it, and requesting a feature that is not available in ChromeOS. Now, I know I can put a full Linux distro on them to supply the missing features, but boy is that a hassle, and so is supporting that going forward - whereas starting with a Windows box from the outset would have been a lot easier when they came to want to use more advanced features.skiboysteve - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
"You need to have a workload that can live almost exclusively within the confines of a web browser. That means relying on Google Docs instead of Microsoft Office, and Gmail’s web interface instead of Outlook."this is not true. I spent a large amount of my time using office.com for the online versions of word, excel, PowerPoint, and outlook... Which are completely free
lmcd - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
Unless they ship a HDMI to DVI+Audio adapter that somehow fits that port arrangement, this is not a desktop replacement. Most cheap monitors don't have HDMI (as far as I've looked/experienced). Talk about frustrating.Guspaz - Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - link
It has a 3.5mm audio jack, why would you need a DVI+Audio adapter? A standard HDMI to DVI or DisplayPort to DVI adapter should work fine. They cost less than $3 on monoprice.alpha754293 - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
I wonder how something like this would compare to say a Mac Mini... (although some might call it an unfair comparison, but I've been looking for a mini computer to drive my TV, and I want something that can do it decently well, not just "ok")joensson - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
If the Celeron based model is not completely quiet under moderate load, then I guess the fan in the i7 model will be very audible.Would it be possible to get an i7 model for testing any time soon?
spikebike - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
Intel lists the celeron 2955U as having a max ram of 16GB. Does the chromebox allow 16GB?bryanb - Thursday, March 13, 2014 - link
2 x 4GB (8GB total) DDR3 1600 max for the Celeron modelsyxbit - Friday, March 14, 2014 - link
I want to buy the i3 version, but it's not even listed on Amazon.Wolfpup - Friday, March 14, 2014 - link
ChromeOS is just way, way, way too limited even for my mom. I was toying with the idea, when I remembered Windows RT. I bought her a Surface, and it's been perfect for her. Has real Office, a real browser, a real file system, real Flash, PDF support, etc. It does absolutely everything that she ever actually needs, and is quite extendable thanks to the "app" store. It works as a desktop (how I set it up for her), works with her existing printer, monitor, scanner, keyboard and mouse-it just automatically grabbed and installed drivers from Windows Update for everything.It's been perfect, and I'd highly recommend it for people who's parents or others need a real computer, but don't run a ton on it, which I suspect is a LOT of people.
kyuu - Wednesday, March 19, 2014 - link
Hey now, careful with talk like that. You'll upset the people who complain about WinRT's inability to run legacy Windows apps while ignoring that the same is true of every platform that isn't, y'know, x86 Windows.Nevermind that it's far more capable than Android, iOS, or the glorified web browser that is ChromeOS.
I do wish it was possible to install WinRT on small, cheap boxes like these for folks like your mom. The original Surface works fine for that purpose, though, I suppose.
errorr - Friday, March 14, 2014 - link
That isn't 'like' the power supplies they have with their ultrabooks, it is exactly what came with my 1 gen. Zenbook.abbeytim - Saturday, March 15, 2014 - link
I don't trust google so I don't trust chrome osdeslock - Sunday, March 16, 2014 - link
For anyone with light computing needs who really doesn't want a laptop, this is quite slick (and if ChromeOS ran Plex Media Server, this'd be the ultimate HTPC).But as is, I have to agree with some other comments here: $20 more for an Acer C720 seems like a better deal for most users.
jeffreysenk - Sunday, March 16, 2014 - link
is it upgradeable- larger HD ect.... also can you hook a terabyte or 2 terabyte external HD up to it via USB and access windows files on it MP3, MP4s video files.What file system does it run- NTFS or some other variant and is it compatable to external HDs.
If not its not worth it and I am better off with a media center PC to run on my TV
Dave Long - Tuesday, March 18, 2014 - link
We've had a Chromebook for nearly two years now, a Samsung. It's a super device for people with simple general computing needs. I would say perfect for someone that isn't already a Windows user (elderly maybe, computer unsavvy, etc.) and just needs to use the web and create the occasional document. I find myself using it often to look something up (quicker and easier than my phone), have it displaying a recipe while cooking, or just to browse.I can easily see a device like this being used in a similar way hooked up to a modern TV with a wireless keyboard and mouse handy near the sofa.
tinybird - Saturday, March 22, 2014 - link
hoping to utilize mine in a security application... investigating cameras and not finding much, yet....mset - Saturday, March 22, 2014 - link
I'll give one of these a shot... as soon as someone other than Asus makes it. Here in Canada, I just went through an eye-wateringly bad experience with a faulty Nexus 7 tablet. It turns out that Asus is farming its warranty support out to a third party here in Canada, and their RMA approach seems to be1) Receive RMA
2) unbox RMA and repackage it
3) Send RMA back to customer with the claim that there is nothing wrong with the unit.
In my case, after a few hours of phone calls, they gave me another RMA and this time, the tablet was fixed.
Sorry Asus. Never again.
ShpasheMoween - Tuesday, April 1, 2014 - link
For most uses I'd think a C720 would be a far better purchase. The C720 has haswell, offers 4GB variants, HDMI port, SD, 2xUSB for mouse and keyboard.wkeller - Sunday, April 6, 2014 - link
I have a Acer Chromebook, and I hate QuickOffice from Google. Since MS has free Office Online (last month) I am happy! All docs show perfect and I cabn even edit with others and place comments. This free Office Online is a great Windows killer!welbinator - Tuesday, April 8, 2014 - link
where can you buy the wireless keyboard and mouse for $50? Do you have a link? A google search didn't reveal anything