Introduction and design
Chrome OS has revolutionized the way we look at "inexpensive" and "capable" in the computing world. After producing some truly long lasting laptops, including the Acer Chromebook 13, the Taiwanese electronics maker has turned its attention to desktops with the Chromebox CXI.
No bigger than most wireless routers, the Chromebox CXI brings Google's cloud-based OS to desktops. Of course, small family computers aren't a novel concept. Mini-ITX systems equipped with only a bare minimum of components have long existed. Similarly Intel has also introduced its own line of compact computers with the NUC and then there's also the all-in-one LG Chromebase.
Starting at $179 (£178, about AU$230), the Acer Chromebox CXI is a wonderfully affordable way of turning any monitor or HDTV into a capable computer.
Design
The Acer Chromebox CXI looks best standing up and, for a simple plastic box, it's quite attractive. The exterior of the unit is adorned with a diamond-like engraved texture that's a refreshing change to the usual slab of matte plastic on most Chrome OS devices.
The miniature computer is also about the size of a small paperback book. The unit's small footprint makes it easy to place anywhere, whether you're standing it vertically next to a monitor or placing it horizontally into a small corner of your desk.
Users can also attach the Chromebox CXI onto a small stand accessory with rubber feet to prevent it from sliding off surfaces. Alternatively, the small Chrome OS desktop comes with a fully metal VESA mounting bracket, which allows the device to hook onto the back of a monitor or HDTV, turning displays into a makeshift all-in one PC.
Looking around the device, you'll also notice the Chromebox CXI is outfitted an abundance of ports. In the front we have two USB 3.0 ports with a SD card reader. Around back there are another two additional USB 3.0 ports along with a DisplayPort as well as HDMI.
The position of some of the ports also ends up ruining part of the Chromebox's design. Firstly, Acer chose to put the headphone and microphone combo jack on the back. My other issue lies with the hard L-shaped power that plugs into the back, which just ends up sticking out whether you place the unit on its side or standing up. It's an unfortunate design choice that detracts from the CXI's otherwise clean look.
Plastic, fantastic peripherals
The Chromebox CXI ships with an included mouse and keyboard that are surprisingly more than decent considering the low price of this overall package.The keyboard is firm and solid despite being entirely made of plastic. What's more, the action on the keys feels nice and springy, with each button traveling approximately two centimeters when depressed.
Similarly, the mouse is more than serviceable with audibly clicky buttons. The sides of the peripheral also feature a dimpled texture, which adds a bit more for users to hold onto with a claw-style mouse grip.
Of course, you're free to hook up any peripherals you see fit. The Chromebox had no qualms with connecting to my gaming keyboard or gaming mouse. I was also able to easily pair a set of Wearhaus Arc bluetooth headphones with the Chrome OS desktop.
Specifications, performance and verdict
The Chromebox CXI is a very compact package measuring 1.3 x 5.1 x 6.5 inches overall. The Intel NUC, on the other hand, is more of a squared off puck with 4.6 x 4.4 x 2 inch dimensions. The LG Chromebase is by far the largest device next to these two micro PCs, thanks to it's included 21.5-inch display. As such, you'll need to clear off some more room on your desk to make way for the 20.8 x 15.6 x 7.4 inch all-in-one.
Here is the Acer Chromebox CXI configuration given to TechRadar for review:
Spec Sheet
- CPU: 1.4GHz Intel Celeron 2957U (dual-core, 2MB cache)
- Graphics: Haswell Intel HD Graphics (200 -1000 MHz)
- RAM: 4GB DDR3 RAM
- Storage: 16 GB SSD
- Ports: 4 x USB 3.0, SD card reader, headphone/mic jack, Ethernet, DisplayPort, HDMI
- Connectivity: 802.11bgn with Bluetooth 4.0 + Low Energy
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Size: 1.3 x 5.1 x 6.5 inches (W x D x H)
For this review Acer, shipped us the top of the line version of the Chromebox CXI with 4GB of RAM – double the base unit's still decent 2GB of memory – which normally retails for $219 (£195, AU$359). All configurations share the same 1.4GHz Intel Celeron 2957U processor with integrated HD graphics, and 16GB of SSD storage.
The LG Chromebase, unsurprisingly, comes at a much steeper $319 (£250, AU$599) premium on Amazon. However, dropping the extra 100 clams nets you a decent 1,920 x 1,080 IPS panel outfitted with a very similar 1.4GHz Intel Celeron 2955U processor with 16GB of SSD storage, but only 2GB of RAM.
Users looking for a completely barebones computing experience can pick up the Intel NUC DN2820FYKH for $134 (£99, AU$159) at Newegg. It's the cheapest device in this bunch, but keep in mind it only comes with the hardware inside, which includes a 2.13GHz Intel Celeron N2820 processor with 1GB of RAM, and that's it. Users will have to supply their own keyboard, mouse, screen, operating system and even the storage device.
Performance
Despite being powered by just an 1.4GHz Intel Celeron chip, the Acer Chromebox CXI is no slouch. The compact computer handily kept up with an intense web browsing session in which I opened 30 Chrome tabs open across three browser windows while streaming Google Play Music and editing images in yet another window streaming the Photoshop beta for Chrome OS.
The Acer Chromebox also had no problems driving a 1,920 x 1,200 display and playing YouTube clips, Jack Reacher on Netflix or local HD files I had on tap.
Verdict
After living a week mostly using just Chrome OS, the Acer Chromebox CXI proved to be solid for micro computer at home and work life. There still a few notable omissions in Google's cloud-based world – most notably gaming and media playback – that will make a Chrome OS desktop unappealing to all users.
But for those who need a no frills home computing experience for relatively little money, the Acer Chromebase CXI is an easily recommended option.
We liked
The Acer Chromebox CXI is an attractive little system. The Chrome OS desktop's inherently small shape makes it easy to place anywhere on or off a desk already littered with electronics. What's more, if you have a spare screen on hand, this is an affordable way to add yet another capable computer to the house.
I was pleasantly surprised with how well the Chromebox CXI handled itself despite running with some rather meager components. Whether it was opening 30 Chrome tabs, streaming 1080p YouTube videos or editing images in the Photoshop streaming beta, this little rig rose to the challenge and performed admirably.
We disliked
I only have a few nitpicky issues with the Chromebox CXI. The position of the ports could use bit of revision, especially with the headphone port being located around back. Additionally, it's hard to hide the power cord. And finally, the small fan on the back of the Chromebox can wind up to an annoying whir in a quiet room.
Final verdict
The Acer Chromebox CXI was made with affordability with mind for users whose digital lives gravitate to the web, and it delivers spectacularly on this promise. For $219 (£195, AU$359), this compact Chrome desktop comes at a major bargain compared to building your own mini computer.
Of course, users who don't have a spare display lying around should look to the LG Chromebase for a more complete all-in-one PC package. Conversely, the barebones NUC comes with the absolute bare minimum leaving users with greater freedom, and expense, to supply all the other essentials, including everything from a storage drive and OS to the keyboard and mouse.
The Acer Chromebox CXI fits into a neat middle ground. It's the perfect device for users who want a smaller device that they can plug into nearly any screen and peripheral setup, with the simplicity of Chrome OS.
from TechRadar: Technology reviews http://ift.tt/1tGx81G
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