Chips By Lee Mathews Dec. 18, 2013 9:53 am
There’s finally a choice other than the Samsung Chromebox if you’ve been thinking about picking up a desktop computer that runs Google’s Chrome OS. The new LG Chromebase is a 21.5-inch all-in-one that looks a bit like an iMac, but features the browser-based operating system.
As far as the hardware goes, the Chromebase is fairly low-end — even by Chromebook standards. Like the $199 Acer Chromebook C7, it runs an Intel Celeron processor and comes with 2GB of RAM. That’ll do nicely for most average users, though 4GB of memory would have been better. Those of you who tend to load Chrome with dozens of tabs or use it to run intense web apps know that the extra RAM comes in handy.
LG opted for a 16GB SSD instead of a hard drive, so you can expect quiet operation and zippy start-up times. Sound is pumped through the Chromebase’s 5-watt stereo speakers, and there’s a 1.3 megapixel webcam perched up top so that you can make video calls via Hangouts or have a little iPad-style photobooth fun with the new Chrome OS camera app.
The Chromebase also features a single USB 3.0 and three USB 2.0 ports and an Ethernet port — presumably gigabit, but LG doesn’t get specific. There’s also no mention of Wi-Fi support, but it’s hard to imagine any major OEM building an all-in-one without it.
One other thing LG failed to mention is how much the Chromebase all-in-one will sell for. 21.5 inch monitors with integrated speakers and a USB hub aren’t that expensive. You can pick up a nice one from LG for about $170.
The PC internals shouldn’t add much to the price either, if Acer is shipping them in a complete laptop for $199. If it’s priced around $300, the Chromebase could be an enticing option for cash-strapped schools, libraries, and homes that can use a second or third computer.
If it goes much higher than that, well… at least it has got an HDMI input so you can also hook the Chromebase up to a PS4 or Xbox One for some next-gen gaming.
Now read: Chrome OS was hacked at Pwnium 2013 after all
More...
As far as the hardware goes, the Chromebase is fairly low-end — even by Chromebook standards. Like the $199 Acer Chromebook C7, it runs an Intel Celeron processor and comes with 2GB of RAM. That’ll do nicely for most average users, though 4GB of memory would have been better. Those of you who tend to load Chrome with dozens of tabs or use it to run intense web apps know that the extra RAM comes in handy.
LG opted for a 16GB SSD instead of a hard drive, so you can expect quiet operation and zippy start-up times. Sound is pumped through the Chromebase’s 5-watt stereo speakers, and there’s a 1.3 megapixel webcam perched up top so that you can make video calls via Hangouts or have a little iPad-style photobooth fun with the new Chrome OS camera app.
The Chromebase also features a single USB 3.0 and three USB 2.0 ports and an Ethernet port — presumably gigabit, but LG doesn’t get specific. There’s also no mention of Wi-Fi support, but it’s hard to imagine any major OEM building an all-in-one without it.
One other thing LG failed to mention is how much the Chromebase all-in-one will sell for. 21.5 inch monitors with integrated speakers and a USB hub aren’t that expensive. You can pick up a nice one from LG for about $170.
The PC internals shouldn’t add much to the price either, if Acer is shipping them in a complete laptop for $199. If it’s priced around $300, the Chromebase could be an enticing option for cash-strapped schools, libraries, and homes that can use a second or third computer.
If it goes much higher than that, well… at least it has got an HDMI input so you can also hook the Chromebase up to a PS4 or Xbox One for some next-gen gaming.
Now read: Chrome OS was hacked at Pwnium 2013 after all
More...
