When we think of computers with Chrome OS as the operating system, it is normal to do it in configurations with just the right performance to offer a good user experience in undemanding situations such as consulting the web, an office application and little else. But this little Chromebox breaks the mold .
A Chromebox with almost PC Gamer specifications
Computers with Chrome OS , Google’s operating system for computers that you can even install on a Raspberry Pi, have not normally stood out for their technical specification sheet and the reason was that they had been originally thought to be inexpensive enough devices as to be attractive to the education sector. A field where Google, Apple and Microsoft constantly fight to adopt their services and, if they have them, devices designed for students of different ages.
What was interesting a priori, because it allowed to win users who would use the company’s services such as Gmail, Google Docs, etc. on a daily basis, turned in part against it because the low performance made Chrome OS seem a less interesting operating system than it really is. Although we cannot ignore that it is still very particular as it is practically designed to be used at all times with an internet connection.
Well, in recent years we have seen that the specifications of some models of Chromebooks (laptops with Chrome OS) already began to offer a much more serious, more high-end hardware. And that also carried over to desktops. Here’s how we got to this Chromebox CBx2-7.
This small desktop computer with the appearance of an Apple TV or set top box with Android TV includes inside a configuration that would put a large number of PCs on the market to shame and even those who are gamings if it were not, in some things, because of the graphics cards that can mount these. And if you don’t believe it, watch out.
The Chromebox CBx2-7 is a device that offers the following configuration:
- 10th generation Intel core i7-10610U processor
- Intel UHD Graphics
- 64 GB RAM
- 2 TB SSD storage
- Five USB connectors, two HDMI ports and SD card reader
That is, if it weren’t for the graphic needs of some games and how necessary it is to have a dedicated GPU, the truth is that by size it would be an ideal equipment to have in the living room. Something that you can still do, because although it is true that it uses Chrome OS, you could also install other operating systems such as Linux if you want to enjoy Steam or Windows if you prefer all the options available in video game themes for PC.
However, as an option for more demanding issues related to productivity, remote work with mainly online tools, etc., it is a great option and its price is not expensive at all compared to others. In addition, it could be an ideal complement for the living room TV, to enhance the Smart TV part if its system is somewhat outdated or lacks resources.
Chromebox CBx2-7 price and availability
The highest configuration of this Chromebox, the one with 64 GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage costs $ 1,419 , while the most basic with 8GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD stays at 729 euros.
Logically, here it is you who should assess, especially now that there is also the Mac mini with M1 and if you are a fan of macOS, you are still more interested in the Apple team. But at least keep that in mind or take a look at how these proposals have evolved that for a time were driven by options like Intel‘s NUCs. Which have also known how to evolve very well even for the gaming field.