One box to rule them all

Chromeboxes hardly ever seize the eye that different Chrome OS-based gadgets advantage. These compact computer systems are most frequently pushed out of sight, tucked underneath or behind shows. That doesn’t make them any much less highly effective or succesful than their cellular cohorts. In reality, a Chromebox could also be the very best guess for a household needing a versatile computing platform everybody can use that may stay safe and updated over time. The Asus Chromebox 4 is one such gadget. Discover out if it’s the answer for you within the Android Authority Asus Chromebox 4 overview.

About this Asus Chromebox 4 overview: I used the Core i5 Asus Chromebox 4 for seven days working Chrome OS model 89 and 90. The Asus Chromebox 4 overview unit was offered to Android Authority by Asus.

What it’s essential know concerning the Asus Chromebox 4

• Asus Chromebox 4 (Intel Celeron 5205U): $389
• Asus Chromebox 4 (Intel Core i3): $485
• Asus Chromebox 4 (Intel Core i5): $649
• Asus Chromebox 4 (Intel Core i7): $889

The Asus Chromebox 4, first launched in November 2020 and launched on the market in March 2021, is available in 4 primary configurations. Every is powered by a special processor and there are a number of completely different RAM/storage mixtures that accompany the processor variants.

Beginning on the low finish, you’ve acquired the Celeron mannequin with 4GB RAM and 32GB of storage. Then there’s the Core i3 mannequin with 4GB of RAM and 128GB storage, the Core i5 mannequin with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and eventually the Core i7 mannequin with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. With worth factors that vary from $389 to $889, the Asus Chromebox 4 covers the gamut by way of affordability and energy.

Associated: The very best Chromebooks to get

All variants of the Chromebox embrace a VESA mount, which lets you connect it to the again of a show, in addition to the wanted energy cable. There’s no inner speaker, nonetheless, neither is there a keyboard or mouse included within the setup. You’ll have to offer your individual sound and I/O gear. It is available in Gunmetal Grey solely.

How is the {hardware}?

Chromeboxes aren’t recognized for setting the world of design on fireplace. They’re typically utilitarian chunks of plastic that fairly actually take the form of a small field. Within the case of the Asus Chromebox 4, meaning a 149 x 149 x 41mm (5.85 x 5.85 x 1.58-inch) sq. with one rounded-off nook. A big energy button takes up a lot of the rounded nook with some ports on the entrance and extra on the again. At 1kg (2.2lbs), it feels fairly heavy. Granted, this isn’t one thing you’ll be carrying round. It’s both going to sit down in your desk or dangle from the again of your monitor.

Talking of which, a VESA mount is included within the field. The VESA mount attaches to the again of the monitor (through screws) and you’ll then slide the Asus Chromebox 4 into the mount for neat, out-of-the-way storage of the {hardware}. Fortunately, the ability button is simple to find so it’s not a ache to succeed in excessive of your monitor to show the Chromebox on.

The grey coloring is uninspired, nevertheless it helps the gadget mix into the background of your desktop litter or vanish in opposition to the rear of your monitor.

Some will certainly be peeved that there’s no mouse or keyboard included with this Chromebox. Many competing gadgets embrace low-cost choices to assist customers get began. In response to Asus’ web site, there’s an optionally available bundle that features the equipment, however I couldn’t discover the bundle on the market wherever.

Extra studying: The very best keyboards: Discover the proper keyboard for you

How are the ports?

Asus was beneficiant with the Chromebox 4’s ports. You’ve acquired a combo mic/headphone audio jack on the entrance together with two USB-A ports and a microSD card reader. USB 3.2 Gen1 means speedy efficiency from the ports on the entrance. The cardboard reader is useful for enhancing storage or syncing recordsdata.

The rear panel is even busier. First, there are three USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports. The Celeron and Core i3 fashions have one USB 3.2 port and two USB 2.0 ports. All variants embrace a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Kind-C (Energy Supply/DisplayPort 1.4) for charging telephones or sending alerts to a monitor. There are two HDMI 2.0 ports, every supporting a 4K monitor, in addition to an RJ45 LAN port and Kensington lock. If you happen to don’t have ethernet useful, the Chromebox 4 helps Wi-Fi 6. The allotment of enter/output is very versatile and means that you can join as much as three displays in addition to 5 peripherals. If you happen to don’t need to waste your ports on a mouse or keyboard, Bluetooth 5 is on board for wi-fi connections.

If I had been to complain about something, it might be that the USB ports on the again are a bit tight. Extra room between them could be useful.

See additionally: Listed here are the very best HDMI switches you should purchase

What about efficiency?

The Asus Chromebox 4’s Core i5 processor contained in the unit we examined delivered all of the efficiency you would want from a Chrome OS machine. Paired with 8GB of DDR4 2666MHz RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, I discovered the Chromebox 4 to be among the many swiftest Chrome OS gadgets I’ve used. The RAM was sufficient to permit me to maintain dozens of tabs open without delay with out slowing down or in any other case impacting efficiency. I used to be in a position to take a look at the gadget with a single Full HD monitor, however Asus says it may well deal with as much as three 4K displays.

Additionally learn: The very best Chromebook equipment you should purchase

Asus’ machine did properly when it got here to duties similar to enhancing pictures in Lightroom and Google Images, in addition to taking part in less complicated Android-based video games. Talking of Android, the gadget has full entry to the Play Retailer and runs Android apps simply and easily. The fan got here on occasionally, and solely actually whirred up after I was enhancing pictures. It wasn’t overly loud.

The 8 GB of RAM was sufficient to permit me to maintain dozens of tabs open without delay with out slowing down or in any other case impacting efficiency.

We didn’t get to check the alternate configurations of this machine. I’d shrink back from the Celeron model except you’re searching for probably the most primary machine for mild shopping solely. It would prevent some money, however the 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage would negatively impression efficiency. Alternatively, our expertise with different Core i3 Chrome OS merchandise means that the Core i3 mannequin would probably be ok for most individuals. The Core i3 mannequin is a number of hundred {dollars} cheaper than the Core i5 mannequin we examined and has the identical RAM and storage. Final, we can’t actually advocate anybody spend practically $900 on the Core i7 Chromebox 4. At 16GB of reminiscence and 256GB of storage, nonetheless, it does have double that of the Core i5 variant. At greatest, these would help you run extra tabs and probably get higher efficiency for video games. For the reason that microSD slot helps playing cards as much as 1TB, we’re undecided the additional storage is price it. Extra to the purpose, $900 buys you a stable Home windows or macOS gadget.

In sum, the Chromebox 4 is a powerhouse of a Chrome OS pc.

How’s Chrome OS?

Chrome OS is Google’s platform for laptops, convertibles, tablets, and desktops. It’s primarily based on the Chrome browser and most apps are literally simply superior browser home windows.

What are you able to do with a browser? Lots. Apps in Chrome OS are strong and quite a few, although not so plentiful as apps for Home windows or Mac. Core choices similar to Gmail, Google Docs, and YouTube are there, and those who aren’t can be found through Android and the Google Play Retailer, which is supported by this machine.

Associated: 15 greatest Chromebook video games from Google Play

Chrome OS is among the many most secure and safe platforms on the market. I’ve by no means skilled a kernel panic or BSOD whereas utilizing Chrome OS. Google updates Chrome OS always and provides new options occasionally. Nearly all of Chrome OS gadgets replace to the most recent patch mechanically.

Talking of updates — and that is essential — Asus will assist the Chromebox 4 with Chrome OS updates by means of 2028. That’s a stable dedication.

Asus Chromebox 4 specs

Worth and competitors

Because of the a number of configurations out there, the Asus Chromebox 4 gives simply the correct mix of worth and energy. You’ll be able to decide from 4 completely different processors and dial within the efficiency and worth level you want. With costs starting from slightly below $400 to just about $900, you may spend as little or as a lot as you want. The $649 Core i5 model we examined is a performant beast that’s a lot sufficient pc for anybody. It’s a great configuration to start out with, however you may shave the worth right down to $485 should you go together with the Core i3 mannequin, which has the identical 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. If you happen to’re a gamer, maybe take a look at the Core i7 mannequin, although it’ll price you.

Because of the a number of configurations out there, the Asus Chromebox 4 gives simply the correct mix of worth for the efficiency.

What concerning the competitors? Machine makers don’t supply as many Chromeboxes as they do Chromebooks. There are nonetheless just a few good choices on the market. Chief amongst them is the HP Chromebox G3 which has comparable specs to the Asus Chromebox 4, however sells for much less at $590. If you’d like a show, keyboard, and mouse, the Asus Chromebox 3 bundle will prevent some money. It’s a 2018 mannequin, however continues to be aware about safety updates and the $475 worth level doesn’t damage one bit.

See additionally: The very best Chromebooks for college students

Loads of full Home windows containers play on this worth vary. You may think about the Dell Precision 3240 Compact, which runs $840 and features a keyboard and mouse. There’s additionally the Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny, which runs $649. Home windows 10 provides you entry to much more apps and, after all, the whole Home windows ecosystem.

Final, Apple has an providing for lower than $700 as properly. The Apple Mac Mini is a compact field that begins at $699. It doesn’t have as many ports or assist as many displays, nevertheless it runs full macOS.

Asus Chromebox 4 overview: The decision

Asus fielded a fighter within the Chromebox 4. It’s a major and stable replace to the outgoing Chromebox 3, although it’s not with out a few shortcomings.

Maybe probably the most commendable side of the gadget is its giant variety of configurations. With 4 processors to select from, you’ve acquired the chance to pick out the proper mannequin in your price range. Even the most affordable possibility comes with a lot to love, together with ports-a-plenty, a useful design, and a VESA mount within the field. Disgrace there’s no mouse and keyboard.

The Asus Chromebox 4 is an ideal household machine because of its giant variety of configurations and ports, in addition to multi-user assist.

Efficiency is kind of good for a machine at this worth. The Asus Chromebox 4 overview unit we examined mastered a number of tabs, tackled tons of apps, and powered by means of every thing with ease. Chrome OS is a stable, secure platform that’s safe and straightforward for the entire household to make use of. With assist for a number of customers, the Chromebox 4 is an ideal household machine.

If you happen to’re searching for a Chromebox, the Asus Chromebox 4 needs to be on the high of your shortlist.