I migrated from Mac to Chromebook 2 years ago, after 30+ years of Mac, and I'm done with Mac. Most people can do everything they want on a Chromebook , but they are locked into an old idea of computing, with an expensive computer and apps. Yes, some people doing high processing work, needs a PC or Mac. But most who are just doing stuff online, really don't; they're just locked into thinking that Apple and PC makers want. My next buy will be a Chromebox and I have all the peripherals. Thanks for this review. Wondering if this is much better than the previous model, 3.
True Unless you are gamer, developer, or graphics guy, you will almost never use windows, mac, or linux. I just bought a windows pc with a chromebook and I find myself using my chromebook more often for regular everyday online. I just feel like windows is so slow and clunky compared to chrome os.
Your product reviews are superior to any others. The pace of your presentations are easy to follow, the audio quality is great & the concise details all connect to make decision making simple for buyers. Thank you I appreciate your work.
I’ve had several Acer and Asus Chromeboxs. Currently using a Asus Chromebox 3 attached to a 26” TV as my desktop. I rarely use it since an iPad Pro gets 98% of my computer use. I don’t have to clutter up my desk and ez to use on the TV especially since we have Google TV App now I can watch movies vs plug in my Chromecast device. Chromebox gets an A+ for my use.
Having the Linux shell is fun. I installed the KDE app store and most of what I tried works like on native Linux. I have 3 browsers! Chrome, Firefox, and MS Edge for Linux Beta. Chrome OS is getting more mature.
@@diezgp Hi, out of the box you just get ChromeOS. In the settings menu you can turn on Linux. It runs in it's own container. The only app you get is a terminal. You install Linux apps via the terminal and they show up in the Chrome OS app drawer. They work like any other app on the device. Just click on it. It's a little slow because the Linux virtual machine has to boot up if it's not already running. You can install a KDE desktop, search "KDE on Chromebook". I just installed the KDE Software Center so I can install Linux apps graphically instead of using the Terminal.
Thanks for mentioning the Linux capabilities. So many people ignore that and it is a huge reason to use Chrome OS. It can be nice having the streamlined OS that can launch VScode to do development in a real IDE.
Thing is though, you can exactly do the same on Windows using virtualization software. If you really wanna go further, you can even install Linux itself as the main primary OS.
Quck note on running multiple monitors...you can actually run 3 on a Chromebook very easily. Just...get a USB-C hub. Or two. Or three. Or whatever configuration gets you the outputs you want. The limitation is ports on the device, and hubs fix that. I'm running 3 monitors off my Samsung Chromebook using 2 hubs and it's flawless.
That's a nice Chromebox. I had one quite a while ago, a Celeron with 4gb as I recall. I gave it to a friend a few years ago. The model you showed here would be my likely configuration. Having Linux too would round this out for me. Thanks for the review, Lon.
How many 7-year-old Windows machines that are running a version of Windows are still getting updates? For that matter, when has any Windows machine had security comparable to a supported Chromebook or ChromeBox? I would, however, like to see an official, standard, easy way to convert an old Chrome OS device into a Linux device. Even though nobody is guaranteeing that when the time comes, there will be a version of Linux that runs well on the device. Just like when you install one of the Ubuntu Linux versions onto a Windows PC, probably it will run great, but if it breaks, you get to keep both pieces.
can you use 3200mhz ram in it? Your video shows working with 3200mhz sodimm but the spec for the chromebox says 2666mhz? I want to upgrade the ram so can I use 3200mhz?
I think chrome boxes and chrome books are really cool. I have huge reservations about Google as it relates to privacy and that keeps me on the sidelines with that company.
It is cool if you are a heavy Linux user that wants some Android app support. I said some because not all Android apps can be used in Chrome OS despite having Play Store support. But other than that, I can't recommend it to most people.
Haven't done it yet, still developing, but I love how it should be able to run the Linux version of my language, pnf. I want to practice developing with it when I get a chance. Also can run testout for my school, except the right click, on the os.
Nice review. I have this Chromebox and really like it except my DisplayPort monitor will not sleep using the USB C port. It was fine on the previous Chromebox. Strange!
I was looking for that particular model and saw that video, thanks for doing this. I have a question about that model regarding video. Asus says it supports 3 monitors, 2 x HDMI and 1 x Display Port, that is exactly what I need, but I want to make sure it can handle those 3 monitors at 60Hz. I have 2 x 34 inch Ultra Wide running 3440 x 1440 and one 32 inch 4k 3840 x 2160, can I get 60 Hz with all monitors with those resolution on an i3 Asus Chromebox 4 ? Thanks a lot!
What is the purpose of a chrome box? All Chromebook has HDMI output and USB. The only purpose I can see having a chromebox is if it had windows as well.
Thanks for this review, very useful to me but I have a question : if I hook this unit to a Touchscreen monitor will it allow me to play all the Google Play Android games using the touchscreen as only input ?
For this kind of PC, even the latest gen Pentium Gold CPU is more than good enough for me. After all, Chrome OS is not my primary desktop OS and I only use it because of Play Store support.
Kids who grew up with Windows hate it too. Having to develop software in school on a buggy PC with Visual Basic 6 from 20+ years ago will do that to you 🤣
@Tano Yes might be right. I got 3 of these Device HP chromebox g1. They are cheap got an i7 processor and you can upgrade ram WiFi and ssd. For me the perfect fit. Also the Acer c720 Chromebook is good with Linux. Got a SSD in it an more ram. Use it for easy networking Analyse and Admin Stuff.
@Tano This product is for people for whom the ability to run Chrome OS instead of being forced to deal with Windows or Mac downsides is a plus. Just because you are not that person does not mean that no one is.
@Tano - From my experience you can do pretty much do anything on any OS that you want done. You just have to be open to doing it differently. This "Chromebox" Lon reviewed is more of a response to the "Mac Mini" than it is to any Windows machine. Considering this unit, and a similarly specked Mac, Linux or Windows desktop are not game PC's then you can take that out of the equation. At this point you are looking at some basic to mid range productivity, which this unit would hold up to doing extremely well, without the same Windows malware threats nor the cost of a Mac Mini. Given the specs and performance the price on this unit is fair for right now (in six months it will be worth less). At this point the debate becomes much more about a preferred operating system than it does about hardware and cost.
So your saying, "At that price might as well get a Windows" with all its Viruses and its other flaws.... Instead of an OS that can run Chrome OS and most Android and Linux apps with far fewer headaches.... smh....
It's not like Chromebook is any better value either. Very few Chromebook use Intel Core chipsets. The rest still relies on Intel Celeron CPU and has a lowly RAM and/or internal storage, which is completely hopeless when you want to use both Chrome OS and Linux at the same time.
Thanks for the review, this is definitely aimed at people that have very little understanding of computers and operating systems. It’s a good for people that have little kids that need a basic computer to play with. Otherwise it’s not a good deal.
ChromeOS is the best choice for security and reliability. System files are read-only meaning it's impervious to viruses and aside from minor glitches, Chromebooks always boot and work which is why they're popular with schools. The current epidemic of ransomware and other hacks would be over if businesses switched.
I migrated from Mac to Chromebook 2 years ago, after 30+ years of Mac, and I'm done with Mac. Most people can do everything they want on a Chromebook , but they are locked into an old idea of computing, with an expensive computer and apps. Yes, some people doing high processing work, needs a PC or Mac. But most who are just doing stuff online, really don't; they're just locked into thinking that Apple and PC makers want. My next buy will be a Chromebox and I have all the peripherals. Thanks for this review. Wondering if this is much better than the previous model, 3.
they purchase Mac not because of what it can/can't do but rather image. I'd say it applies to many.
Glad you finally got rid of the mac and no longer are an Isheep.
True Unless you are gamer, developer, or graphics guy, you will almost never use windows, mac, or linux. I just bought a windows pc with a chromebook and I find myself using my chromebook more often for regular everyday online. I just feel like windows is so slow and clunky compared to chrome os.
The way I think of it: If I'm going to buy a computer that will drop support in
Your product reviews are superior to any others. The pace of your presentations are easy to follow, the audio quality is great & the concise details all connect to make decision making simple for buyers. Thank you I appreciate your work.
Late to the party but agreed 💯
Congrats to Lon for making it into the MJR lineup and hitting 300K subs.
Yes, that was indeed awesome!
485$ is too expensive imo.
Price is insane, I got my previous-gen Asus Chromebox i3-4015u used for $180, 8GB ram, includes mouse, probably benchmarks similarly.
I’ve had several Acer and Asus Chromeboxs. Currently using a Asus Chromebox 3 attached to a 26” TV as my desktop. I rarely use it since an iPad Pro gets 98% of my computer use. I don’t have to clutter up my desk and ez to use on the TV especially since we have Google TV App now I can watch movies vs plug in my Chromecast device. Chromebox gets an A+ for my use.
Thanks for doing this...I've been using Crossover to run Windows 10 on chromebooks/boxes for years. Works great.
Best review on a chromebox by far
Having the Linux shell is fun. I installed the KDE app store and most of what I tried works like on native Linux. I have 3 browsers! Chrome, Firefox, and MS Edge for Linux Beta. Chrome OS is getting more mature.
Hello! KDE is a desktop environment. How does it work on Chrome OS? You tap the KDE icon and a new desktop appears or what?
@@diezgp Hi, out of the box you just get ChromeOS. In the settings menu you can turn on Linux. It runs in it's own container. The only app you get is a terminal. You install Linux apps via the terminal and they show up in the Chrome OS app drawer. They work like any other app on the device. Just click on it. It's a little slow because the Linux virtual machine has to boot up if it's not already running. You can install a KDE desktop, search "KDE on Chromebook". I just installed the KDE Software Center so I can install Linux apps graphically instead of using the Terminal.
@@ccroy2001 Thanks 😊
It'll still drop support in
Thanks for mentioning the Linux capabilities. So many people ignore that and it is a huge reason to use Chrome OS. It can be nice having the streamlined OS that can launch VScode to do development in a real IDE.
Thing is though, you can exactly do the same on Windows using virtualization software. If you really wanna go further, you can even install Linux itself as the main primary OS.
Quck note on running multiple monitors...you can actually run 3 on a Chromebook very easily. Just...get a USB-C hub. Or two. Or three. Or whatever configuration gets you the outputs you want. The limitation is ports on the device, and hubs fix that. I'm running 3 monitors off my Samsung Chromebook using 2 hubs and it's flawless.
Congratulations on your subs! Hp has a new 21.5 all-in-one Chromebase. Could you do a review on it?
Working on getting one in!
@@LonSeidman Awesome, looking forward to seeing it!
I'm happy with my Commodore 64!
Lon - Do you think this would be powerful enough to handle a 1440p monitor with a work flow of 20 Chrome tabs and google meets open?
That's a nice Chromebox. I had one quite a while ago, a Celeron with 4gb as I recall. I gave it to a friend a few years ago. The model you showed here would be my likely configuration. Having Linux too would round this out for me. Thanks for the review, Lon.
Interesting device I always wondered about chromeboxes
Why have such a nice chrome device when google arbitrarily turns off updates to older chipsets unlike windows or linux?
How many 7-year-old Windows machines that are running a version of Windows are still getting updates? For that matter, when has any Windows machine had security comparable to a supported Chromebook or ChromeBox? I would, however, like to see an official, standard, easy way to convert an old Chrome OS device into a Linux device. Even though nobody is guaranteeing that when the time comes, there will be a version of Linux that runs well on the device. Just like when you install one of the Ubuntu Linux versions onto a Windows PC, probably it will run great, but if it breaks, you get to keep both pieces.
@@paulperkins1615 There is, built into Chrome.
Is one far better off with a windows 11 mini pc? Even if the goal is cloud gaming
I think so - you’ll have more flexibility
Keep up the great work
How do you put WIN11PRO on a chromebox 4 ?
As you mentioned using a laptop and connecting it to a monitor, basically using it as a desktop will keeping it plugged in mess up the battery?
Generally no but wouldn’t hurt to unplug it every once and awhile to cycle the battery.
$500! You can get an even more powerful Raspberry Pi for under $100.
That's the problem with Chrome OS devices. They always cost too much for their specs.
How do you remove the rubber feet?
can you use 3200mhz ram in it? Your video shows working with 3200mhz sodimm but the spec for the chromebox says 2666mhz? I want to upgrade the ram so can I use 3200mhz?
where is write protect screw located in chromebox 4?
Can I install Kodi or LibreElec 20 on this over CromeOS?
7 years until planned obsolescence. At least Google is up front about it...
I hope it gets hacked to run proper Linux on it by then. If not then a refurb will always be the safest option.
Could you tell me if an ASUS Chromebox CN62 i7 can run windows 11?
I think chrome boxes and chrome books are really cool. I have huge reservations about Google as it relates to privacy and that keeps me on the sidelines with that company.
It is cool if you are a heavy Linux user that wants some Android app support. I said some because not all Android apps can be used in Chrome OS despite having Play Store support. But other than that, I can't recommend it to most people.
My question is: buying a Chromebook to use it 90% of the time plugged in ... can it ruin the battery? In this case, better a Chromebox?
Haven't done it yet, still developing, but I love how it should be able to run the Linux version of my language, pnf. I want to practice developing with it when I get a chance. Also can run testout for my school, except the right click, on the os.
I'm talking about a good chromebook, but it applies to this too.
Nice review. I have this Chromebox and really like it except my DisplayPort monitor will not sleep using the USB C port. It was fine on the previous Chromebox. Strange!
Holy iO that’s more ports than most laptops! I think I should try this one as a decent Shadow pc client machine 🤔
Can the Ram be upgraded from 4 GB to 8GB?
I was looking for that particular model and saw that video, thanks for doing this.
I have a question about that model regarding video. Asus says it supports 3 monitors, 2 x HDMI and 1 x Display Port, that is exactly what I need, but I want to make sure it can handle those 3 monitors at 60Hz. I have 2 x 34 inch Ultra Wide running 3440 x 1440 and one 32 inch 4k 3840 x 2160, can I get 60 Hz with all monitors with those resolution on an i3 Asus Chromebox 4 ?
Thanks a lot!
It should work with all three- I think the max is 4k 60hz on all three simultaneously so you should be in good shape.
I'm going to hold onto my ASUS Chromebox 3 until it's end of support, but by then there might be a 5th gen.
What is the purpose of a chrome box? All Chromebook has HDMI output and USB. The only purpose I can see having a chromebox is if it had windows as well.
Thanks for this review, very useful to me but I have a question : if I hook this unit to a Touchscreen monitor will it allow me to play all the Google Play Android games using the touchscreen as only input ?
It'll depend on whether or not the touch screen is compatible with ChromeOS. If so then yes definitely.
@@LonSeidman Thanks for fast response . Any Touchscreen Monitor you would propose ?
For this kind of PC, even the latest gen Pentium Gold CPU is more than good enough for me. After all, Chrome OS is not my primary desktop OS and I only use it because of Play Store support.
How hard is it to mount NAS drives on Chrome-OS? Smooth or buggy?
Never done it myself, but in the file manager, ive seen that you can add network-drives.
Do Chromebox have Bluetooth
Decent hardware. Too bad Google is evil. Speaking of which, Lon, do you upload to any other platforms?
Yes I upload to Floatplane and Amazon.
@@LonSeidman could you start uploading to Odysee? That is a platform that is gaining a lot of traction as of late.
Get a used Lenovo TinyPC.
Just get any refurb mini PC in general.
$500 for a chromebox ? I thought chrome books/box were bought out to be very cost effective not competing with mid-range win10 laptops !
Some of us have been looking for Chrome OS Devices with more ooph. Mostly because of the Linux support.
I'm guessing the shortages are making the price so high.
Edit:
Wait, all Chrome OS hardware has what is effectively a timebomb? That's awful....
@Tano Which will lead to vulnerable devices that are glorified web browsers.
Windows is having its lunch eaten by devices like this. Kids growing up on Chrome OS are going to want to use it for work.
Kids who grew up with Windows hate it too. Having to develop software in school on a buggy PC with Visual Basic 6 from 20+ years ago will do that to you 🤣
Ridiculous price $$$ for a 10th gen i3.
Okay let´s Install Seabios and then we can have Linux.
@Tano Easy, you can also buy the older Acer chrome box and convert it.
So nothing is wasted. And a Mini PC Cost more.
@Tano Yes might be right.
I got 3 of these Device HP chromebox g1. They are cheap got an i7 processor and you can upgrade ram WiFi and ssd.
For me the perfect fit.
Also the Acer c720 Chromebook is good with Linux. Got a SSD in it an more ram. Use it for easy networking Analyse and Admin Stuff.
@Tano This product is for people for whom the ability to run Chrome OS instead of being forced to deal with Windows or Mac downsides is a plus. Just because you are not that person does not mean that no one is.
뒤에 보이는 80년대 모니터 인상적입니다
At that price might as well get a Windows PC. This is overpriced for what it is.
So your comment implies that you believe Windows OS is better than Chrome OS. Not everybody agrees with that.
@Tano - From my experience you can do pretty much do anything on any OS that you want done. You just have to be open to doing it differently. This "Chromebox" Lon reviewed is more of a response to the "Mac Mini" than it is to any Windows machine. Considering this unit, and a similarly specked Mac, Linux or Windows desktop are not game PC's then you can take that out of the equation. At this point you are looking at some basic to mid range productivity, which this unit would hold up to doing extremely well, without the same Windows malware threats nor the cost of a Mac Mini. Given the specs and performance the price on this unit is fair for right now (in six months it will be worth less). At this point the debate becomes much more about a preferred operating system than it does about hardware and cost.
So your saying, "At that price might as well get a Windows" with all its Viruses and its other flaws....
Instead of an OS that can run Chrome OS and most Android and Linux apps with far fewer headaches.... smh....
@@nc3826 I think that is what NIKKG said. And I think Tano agrees with him.
TF: Sorry to confuse you....
Will this run Plex?
Thanks
Terrible value for money. Get a Chromebook or normal mini PC
It's not like Chromebook is any better value either. Very few Chromebook use Intel Core chipsets. The rest still relies on Intel Celeron CPU and has a lowly RAM and/or internal storage, which is completely hopeless when you want to use both Chrome OS and Linux at the same time.
I used for google play Gordon scanner radio 📻 audio rx cool tech.
I truly like your reviews but I'd love to see changes in your studio background. You need an much needed overhaul.
Looks man he's making hella views so I think he's fine for now
Still an i3 :P
No joy trying to install a VPN.
Junk
Thanks for the review, this is definitely aimed at people that have very little understanding of computers and operating systems. It’s a good for people that have little kids that need a basic computer to play with. Otherwise it’s not a good deal.
What are you talking about? Plenty of power users and IT pros, including myself, use Chrome OS devices.
ChromeOS is the best choice for security and reliability. System files are read-only meaning it's impervious to viruses and aside from minor glitches, Chromebooks always boot and work which is why they're popular with schools. The current epidemic of ransomware and other hacks would be over if businesses switched.
Totally useless $500 box. A $50 Raspberry Pi 4 or other SBC running Linux will do so much more, for so much less money.
Totally different audience, so not comparable
A poorly described presentation! What on earth are you talking about? What does it do?