Asus launches Chromebox in India, a mini-desktop PC that runs Chrome OS

Updated on 07-Aug-2014
HIGHLIGHTS

The small form-factor mini-pc will feature Intel Haswell CPUs and can support 4K UHD resolution video playback

In a bid to attract consumers who are looking for space-saving desktop solutions, ASUS today launched its own iteration of the Google Chromebox – a compact home or office computer that runs on Chrome OS. On the hardware front ASUS has gone with Intel’s Haswell processors on all three variants, starting from the Celeron 2955U SKU priced at Rs. 21,000 right upto the Core i7-4600U priced at an eyebrow-raising Rs. 58,000. Of the three SKUs the base model does not support 4K but the other two do.

To get an idea of how small the device is consider its dimensions – 12 cm x 12 cm. This makes it small enough to be tucked away effortlessly behind any VESA-mountable monitor or HDTV.  With an HDMI and DisplayPort thrown in, the ASUS Chromebook allows users to connect to multiple displays at once.

In pictures: ASUS Chromebox

As is the case with most Chromebooks and Chromeboxes, the device doesn't come with a whole lot of on-board storage space – a 16 GB SSD in this case. This however is complemented by 100GB of Google Drive cloud storage for two years which can be accessed by logging into your Google account. It comes with 802.11 b/g/n dual-band wireless connectivity, four USB 3.0 ports and an SD card reader.

The ASUS Chromebox comes with all the features that come courtesy of Chrome OS such as multitasking, quick boot up, virus protection, separate user accounts, access to Chrome apps, and syncing bookmarks/tabs across devices.


Mr. Levis Su – Managing Director, ASUS (India) & Regional Director – South Asia & Middle East, ASUS and Mr. Vinay Shetty – Country Head – Component Business, ASUS (India) pose with the ASUS Chromebox during the launch event

Speaking at the event Mr. Vinay Shetty – Country Head – Component Business, ASUS (India) emphasised the need for ASUS to be recognised as a company that is more than just a motherboard manufacturer. “We’re excited to launch the Chromebox in India. There’s been an increase in demand for small form factor mini PCs / HTPCs and the Chromebox would be a great alternative for such applications,” he said.

ASUS Chromebox: India Pricing, availability, and specifications

SKUs will be available starting today at the 40 or so exclusive ASUS stores across the country. For full specifications and individual pricing please have a look at the table below:

Model Name

CN60 Celeron model

CN60 Core i3 model

CN60 Core i7 model

CPU

Intel® Celeron 2955U

Intel® Core™ i3-4010U

Intel® Core™ i7-4600U

Chipset

Integrated

Integrated

Integrated

RAM

2 Gb

4 Gb

4 Gb

Memory

16GB SSD M.2 (NGFF)

16GB SSD M.2 (NGFF)

16GB SSD M.2 (NGFF)

Graphics

Integrated – Intel HD Graphics

Integrated – Intel HD Graphics

Integrated – Intel HD Graphics

Graphics Output

1 x DisplayPort++; 1 x HDMI

1 x DisplayPort++; 1 x HDMI

1 x DisplayPort++; 1 x HDMI

LAN

10/100/1000Mbps

10/100/1000Mbps

10/100/1000Mbps

Wireless LAN

Dual Band 802.11 b/g/n

Dual Band 802.11 b/g/n

Dual Band 802.11 b/g/n

Bluetooth v4.0

Yes

Yes

Yes

USB 3.0

USB 3.0*4 ports

USB 3.0*4 ports

USB 3.0*4 ports

Audio Jack

Mic-in / Headphone out

Mic-in / Headphone out

Mic-in / Headphone out

Support Ultra HD 4K

N/A

YES

YES

TPM Onboard

YES

YES

YES

SO-DIMM Slot

2*SO-DIMM slots

2*SO-DIMM slots

2*SO-DIMM slots

Color

Midnight Blue

Midnight Blue

Midnight Blue

Accessories

Chrome Keyboard Mouse (USB)

Chrome Keyboard Mouse (USB)

Chrome Keyboard Mouse (USB)

Warranty

3 years

3 years

3 years

End User Price

Rs. 21,000/-

Rs. 36,500/-

Rs. 58,000/-

Siddharth Parwatay

Siddharth a.k.a. staticsid is a bigger geek than he'd like to admit. Sometimes even to himself.

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