Asus is launching its fourth Chromebox this year. The desktop computer with Google’s ChromeOS operating system appears in two versions: one with Celeron and one with Core-i processors. The former is always the dual-core Celeron 5205 U, while the latter is a Core i3 – 10110 U (2 cores, 4 threads) or the four-core Core i5 – 10210 U or Core i7 – 10510 U are available for selection. In addition, the first version is equipped with 4 GB of RAM, which can be upgraded to up to 8 GB. The Core-i models offer 8 GB of RAM ex works, which users can expand to 16 GB.

Asus’ Chromebox 4 also has differences in the connections: The Celeron model has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 type on the back A (5 GBit / s), the Core i variant offers three of these. Instead, the first version has two USB 2.0 ports. In addition, both devices have one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, two HDMI connections and one RJ – 45 for ethernet. On the front of both models there is also USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A along with a 3.5 mm jack socket for audio output and input as well as a micro SD card reader.

eMMC-Flash or SSD In the case of mass storage, the Celeron variant can be equipped with a 32 to 64 GByte eMMC module equip, alternatively both systems have an M.2 SSD with 64 or 256 GByte capacity to choose from. In addition, the Chromebox 4 already has a WLAN module for the Wi-Fi 6 network (802. 11 ax) and integrated with Bluetooth 5.0. A VESA adapter is also included in the package. However, this does not apply to the keyboard and mouse adapted to Chrome OS, users have to purchase them separately.

Like all Chrome devices, the software comes from Google. At the start, the Chromebox 4 appears exclusively in North America, but Asus then also offered its predecessor in Germany. The prices depend on the equipment, the cheapest variant costs 289 US dollars. Although end users can also purchase the systems, the manufacturer advertises them primarily for the educational sector and companies. Schools in particular represent a growing market for Google’s Chromebooks, 2020 sales increased significantly.

(fo)