Acer is expanding its Chromebook presence by bringing Google's Chrome OS to desktops with it all-new CXI series.
In its latest effort to boost Chrome's presence in the Windows-dominant market, Acer, the Taiwanese PC maker announced Chromebox CXI, Thursday. The new device by Acer is a desktop machine that will run Google's operating system.
Acer has a wide range of Chromebooks, covering both high-end and low-range price points. With the Chromebox CXI, Acer is aiming at schools and businesses. Powered by an Intel Celeron 2957U dual-core 1.4GHz processor, the first of the Chromebox CXI series promises speed and security. It sports a 16GB SSD and boots up in just 8 seconds. The Chromebox comes with optional 2GB or 4GB RAM. Other features include four USB 3.0 ports, SD card reader, LAN port and a HDMI port. The 2GB model along with a VESA mount kit and a Google approved USB keyboard and mouse costs $179.99 and the 4GB version will sell for $219.99, according to the company's press release.
"The Acer Chromebook CXI is an excellent fit for schools and any other institution or business where conserving costs and space are high priorities," Simon Hwang, president of Acer Stationary Computing and Display Business Group, said in a press release. "Due to the ease of management, the Chromebox can significantly reduce technical support and consequently lower the total cost of ownership."
Acer also highlighted some of the key features of the Chromebox that include Powerwash to easily clear local user data such as downloaded files, photos, owner permissions, and saved networks. For businesses, administrators can take advantage of the Google Management Console to control other Chromeboxes in a network.
Acer did not confirm the availability of its new series outside North America but will start selling locally later next month. According to PC World, Asus has also announced its Chromebox, which retails for $179 and other vendors like LG and HP have also launched new devices. The popularity of these new machines will clearly drive other PC makers such as Dell and Lenovo to follow suit.
