ASUS Chromebox – Coming to a Desk Top Near You!

There’s much that can be said for thinking outside the box – especially as it relates to technological innovation. However, as has been proven time and time again, there’s also a lot of merit in “thinking inside the box”. Exhibit A: the new ASUS Chromebox. As its name suggests, it literally comes in the form of a 4.88 x 4.88 x 1.65” box. Yet, it has the potential to connect its users to an ever-expanding universe of resources that definitely can’t be contained by its hexagonal form factor. This highly anticipated device, which is being touted by some as the world’s smallest Chrome computer, is scheduled to make its full U.S. debut in April. Those who want to be among the first to get their hands on it can place their pre-orders through a number of popular online merchants.

 

A Product of the New Age in Desktop Computing

It’s pretty safe to say that the era of big, clunky desktops is behind us. The new age of desktop computing is set to be dominated by compact devices such as the soon to be released ASUS Chromebox, which runs on the Chrome operating system (OS) and takes up only a fraction of the space that a traditional desktop does. However, despite its small size, it comes loaded with a host of powerful features that’ll allow users to efficiently and conveniently pursue both their personal and professional agendas.

 

• A number of configuration options

Prospective purchasers of the ASUS Chromebox will be able to choose between quite a few versions once the device becomes available. The base model of the machine features an entry-level 1.4 GHz Intel Celeron processor. Meanwhile, users who crave a bit more power can step up to a mid-level 1.7 GHz Intel Core i3 processor. There’s also a high-end version of the desktop that comes with a 2.1 GHz Intel Core i7 chip integrated into it.

 

• A wide range of connectivity options

 

The ASUS Chromebox is heavily dependent on Web-based (and other external) resources to function optimally. That’s one of the main reasons why it’s chock-full of varied connectivity options. All models of the device ship with a built-in dual-band wireless adapter, which makes accessing Wi-Fi networks throughout the country a seamless process. The Bluetooth 4.0 compatible Chromebox also features four high-speed USB 3.0 ports. This ensures that any data (or information) stored on the device can be quickly transferred to another storage medium such as a flash drive or external hard drive. The computer’s High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port makes it possible to easily connect the device to a wide range of audio-visual output devices – including compatible computer monitors, televisions, etc.

 

• Advanced malware protection

The average Internet user knows that there are many dangers floating around on the Internet that can quickly compromise the security of their system and the integrity of the data that’s stored on it. The Chromebox counters these possible threats with its own potent dose of malware protection. It features pre-installed anti-malware software that instantly deploys a protective shield around the machine as soon as it boots up. Automatic updates to this software will subsequently be initiated whenever the user connects to the Internet.

 

• Impressive amounts of random access memory (RAM)

We live in an increasingly multi-tasking driven world. With up to 4 GB of built-in RAM, the ASUS Chromebox comes fully equipped to tackle the demands that are likely to be imposed on it by users who’re doing a bunch of things at once. When coupled with one of the more powerful processor options, this type of memory capacity should be sufficient to comfortably handle a number of popular activities – including the downloading of movies and the playing of online games – simultaneously.

 

What’s not so good about the ASUS Chromebox?

There’s obviously much to like about the Chromebox. However, as with any other device, there are also a few things that might cause the average prospective buyer to think a bit harder and longer about whether this machine is the right one for them.

 

• Limited software choices

Relative to PCs and Macs, devices that run versions of the Chrome OS tend to have access to a much more limited pool of compatible software titles. The Chromebox is no different. It comes pre-loaded with a very modest collection of basic productivity (Quickoffice) and social engagement programs. (Of course, many more software options are expected to become available as time goes by.)

 

• Limited built-in storage

The fact that the Chromebox only comes with a 16 GB solid-state drive (SSD) won’t raise too many storage concerns for users who’re comfortable storing their files at remote locations up in the Cloud. However, it might just concern those who aren’t. Primary storage of this size isn’t sufficient to store away a very high volume of data. (Of course, the option of using flash drives and external hard drives is always on the table.)

 

The Countdown to the Chromebox

The ASUS Chromebox is a compact Chrome OS-supported computer that has the potential to do a lot for users. It combines portability and power into a package that won’t force buyers to break the bank.

 

ASUS Chromebox – Coming to a Desk Top Near You!