Asus Chromebox Review, Specs: Mini Box-Like Chrome OS Machine Deemed A Worthy Alternative To Windows Desktop

Asus Chromebox review, specs: Through time, more and more gadgets are replacing the bulky Windows desktop in the market. There is the laptop, tablet, and set-top boxes. Now, the Asus Chromebox is ready to challenge what the desktop can offer, with a different set of specs and features, and an incredibly low price tag under $180.

Its Chrome OS offers you quick access to the internet, plus Web apps from Google. With a dimension of 4.88 x 4.88 x 1.65 inches, the Chromebox is similar to the Apple TV or Roku 3 in terms of form or shape, but a bit heftier because of its plethora of I/O ports on its sides. There are four USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI port, DisplayPort, and an Ethernet port. It also has the near size to the Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) Kit D54250WYK.

Under the hood, it is powered by a Intel Pentium processor with integrated Intel graphics, 2GB of system memory, and a 16GB solid-state drive (SSD). Although 16 GB is quite small for a desktop alternative, there is a 100 GB of Google’s Google Drive cloud storage for two years. You can also connect a USB 3.0 drive or insert an SD card into the built-in reader for additional storage.

The Asus device allows you to create and edit documents through Google Docs and watch movies or TV shows through video streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. However, the deal breaker for loyal Windows desktop users is that it doesn’t have any Microsoft offices or Adobe applications available. This means that you have to use different alternative apps for your needs. Its overall performance is snappy and responsive enough for web browsing and gaming.

In PC Mag’s test: “In our tests, using the Chromebox M400U was as easy as it was to use a Chromebook: The system boots up and wakes up in seconds, you can easily get to your home pages with your Google account (once you've logged in the first time), and all your work in Chrome auto-saves to the cloud.”

Meanwhile, PC World says: “From a productivity standpoint, we're inclined to recommend a Chromebook like the $279Toshiba CB35-A3120 for people who have their hearts set on Chrome OS hardware.”

Probably the biggest con of the Asus Chromebox is that you need to buy your own set of screen, keyboard, and mouse to go with it. However, compared to desktops or laptops, this is far cheaper. If Windows or Mac programs are essential, then this device is an absolute no. Still, it is a deal worth looking into.