The first Chromeboxes were released in 2012 as an alternative to Google’s portable Chromebook line. Samsung was the first manufacturer to release a system under this branding, but Asus would be quick to follow with a pair of computers that launched in the spring of 2014.
Asus’ latest Chromebox offering is being labelled as the CN62, and offers several enticing improvements over its predecessors. While the system maintains the same form factor and physical size, the upgraded processor is one of many tangible enhancements that look poised to make the device a compelling rig for anyone on a budget.
Intel HD 5500 graphics, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage make for a system that’s more than capable of handling the basic tasks expected of this sort of computer. Meanwhile, four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, and support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi should ensure that connectivity is taken care of.
While these specs are certainly a step up from previous models, it’s interesting to see that Asus has opted for a Broadwell processor rather than a Skylake chip, as noted by Liliputing. However, this is likely to be one of the compromises the company had to make to reach the desired price point for the system.
The Asus Chromebox CN62 is set to retail for just $199, and at that price it’s something of an alluring prospect. It may not be a high-end gaming PC, but the system offers a great deal of functionality for that relatively modest sum, and it’s likely to carve out its own niche among consumers as a result.
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