ASUS Chromebox Desktop

Product Description

Easy out-of-the-box setup, integrated virus and malware protection and feature-enhancing updates, ASUS Chromebox starts up in seconds to get you to your favorite websites and apps instantly. It houses a processor powerful enough for ultrafast multitasking performance and the connectivity options to choose your own screen size, connecting to multiple displays at once and even attach to any VESA-mountable monitor or HD TV. ASUS Chromebox is the always-new computer that just makes sense. ASUS Chromebox can act as a data center for your desktop, phone or tablet meaning you always have access to the files you need including your favorite Google services. With 100GB of free Google Drive space, you're always connected to your data in the cloud simply by logging into your Gmail account anytime, anywhere.

Features

• ASUS Chromebox is the world’s smallest Chrome device, measuring just 4.9" L x 4.9"W x 1.65"H.
• 1.4 GHz Intel Celeron 2955U Processor
• 2GB DDR3 RAM, 16 GB SSD HDD
• Intel HD graphics
• Google Chrome OS
• Max Memory: 4 GB
• 1.4 GHz Intel Celeron 2955U Processor
• 2GB DDR3 RAM, 16 GB SSD HDD
• Intel HD graphics
• Google Chrome OS

Top Reviews

Just what we needed
by Blaine A. Edwards (5 out of 5 stars)
June 12, 2014

Our desktop died a few months ago and we were looking for a replacement. Because my wife and I both have tablets and a laptop, we have found that we have not used the desktop as much. As a result, we were wondering whether we should even get a replacement. We decided it would be nice to have but we didn't want to spend $500+ on a new computer. I had heard of the Chromebox previously but didn't pay too much attention to it. I decided it would be worth looking into and after seeing all the good comments, I felt it was worth taking a chance on getting one.

Is it anything spectacular? Yes! Does it do anything more than Chrome on Windows? No. But here is why (when your desktop finally dies/or you are just sick of how slow it is) you should buy a Chromebox:
1) Fast enough to do everything you want to on the internet. If you are like most people, you will realize that 90+% of the time you are on a computer, you are using a web browser. Everything else on your computer therefore is added weight to slow down your internet experience. This may include Virus/Malware Scanning Software, Viruses and Malware, other background processes, etc. ChromeOS takes all this out and gives you the the web browser and a great way of connecting to it. Will it handle the latest high intensity graphics game around? No, it won't come close but if you are looking for something to do that, you probably aren't even looking at Chromeboxes and therefore are not even reading this post.
2) Still can do Microsoft Office Online. This was actually a surprise to me but it actually works fairly well. For those of you who are not familiar with Office Online, it is a web version of Office that doesn't have all the bells and whistles of regular office. If you are like most people, you really don't use the bells and whistles. I do quite a bit of work in Office with my employment (law) and find that everything that I need can be done on Office Online. If you really don't need a lot of features, check of Google Docs, it rocks as well.
3) 100GB of online storage. From your new Chromebox (or Chromebook) go to drive.google.com/redeem and type in some information an viola, 100GB of online storage.
4) It is simple to use. There is no learning curve with the Chromebox. It is the Chrome web browser and if you have used any browser in the last 5 years, you will be up to speed. There are a few features that you don't get on regular Chrome like Bluetooth and WIFI but even make that easy to operate.
5) It uses Google Print. So this could be a frustration for a lot of people. The Chromebox, even though it has USB ports, does not allow you to connect printers because it doesn't install drivers. So what can you do? First, get a printer that is Google Print capable. Okay, I am with you, I really don't need another printer laying around my house. Second, try the xPrint Server from Lantronix. Granted it is a little expensive (~$150.00) which makes one wonder why not just buy a new printer. Third, use an old computer that runs Chrome as a gateway. While not a great choice, it is better than some of the first options. Fourth, get geeky with a Raspberry Pi. For those that are not aware of what a Raspberry Pi is, it is a $35 computer capable of running Linux. Needless to say, Chrome can run on Linux and it can also install printer drivers. Here is a tutorial on turning a Raspberry Pi into your Google Cloud Print servant.
[...]

Again, this is a hurdle for a lot of people but I will say, after you get Google Cloud Print working, it is awesome. No more worrying about what computer your document is on and what computer is connected to which printer. It is simply, clicking this printer and this document.
6) It can be customized. If you find out that Chrome OS is not your thing that is okay. There are plenty of tutorials on how to install Ubuntu on the Chromebox either as a dual-boot or replacement. If you are interested in this, I would recommend getting an extra 2GB stick of ram (Laptop DDR3). It may also be smart to upgrade the size of the SSD as well. If that looks greek to you, then just stick with Chrome OS.

Hopefully you have found my review helpful of the Chromebox. Just to recap, this is a great desktop replacement if all you need is something to surf the internet with and do homework. You will be pleasantly surprised at how fast it loads up and how easy it is to use.
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Fantastic
by Salty (5 out of 5 stars)
November 8, 2015

For this price it is awesome.

This chromebox is fast starting up and everything else it does.
I am using the gigabyte broadband Ethernet connection.

I got it hooked up to a HP 27inch IPS display.

I keep it on 24 hours a day and only turn off the monitor at night. When it's on I use the "keep awake" Chrome extension

So the box won't go into sleep mode .

I stream YouTube videos at 1080p no problem , No lag.

And also my Amazon movies and my Google movies in fullscreen

And Amazon Prime music.

Using amplified speaker system with subwoofer

Hooked up to a MXL AC404 USB Conference Microphone.

Also a wireless Logitech keyboard and mouse.

Using Aquamail For all my email accounts.

Using Chrome extensions , Keep Awake, Magic Actions for YouTube, and Readability.

I bought this mainly for summer time use so i don't have to fire up my big Desktop rigs .
Because this box doesn't put out Any heat or use a lot of electricity.

But, I like it so much that I'm using it everyday is my go-to machine. Worth every penny .
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it is just fine. If you do anything
by Gregory Andersen (5 out of 5 stars)
January 20, 2016

Don't worry about the performance or lack of storage on this Chromebox, it is just fine. If you do anything, upgrade the RAM to 4 GB or preferably 8 GB and this will fly. So for about $200 you get a little internet device that will blow away most PCs you've ever used. Besides gaming and use of specific applications, you probably spend 80% of your time on the Internet. I have forced myself to use Chrome OS because Google Apps was adopted at my work, and everyday I find myself using Windows or having to remote desktop into another machine less and less.

These work great for you kids, people who only use Internet and email, and others who are willing to try a browser-only experience. Best part is the chances of catching malware is much less, updates are automatic, and wiping the OS (powerwash) is ridiculously fast... and since your settings are saved in the cloud, you will be back in no time.
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Excellent for what it is.
by a-a-ron (5 out of 5 stars)
April 7, 2014

First off, don't buy this expecting it to replace a Windows or Mac desktop. Do some research on what Chrome OS can and cannot do. This won't be a review of ChromeOS, but the device itself.

About the device:

It's pretty dang small. Probably about the size of an Intel NUC. The form factor is what drove me to purchase this device, as I was looking for something small to use for basic web browsing, Netflix, and occasional light office work (using Office 365 - OneDrive). The device does not feel cheap at all; I was surprised at the overall build quality for something under $200.

What's Included:

Inside the box is the usually quick start guide, user manual, and warranty info. The chromebox uses the same AC adapter that Asus's laptops use (I think). There is also a nifty VESA mount that you can mount the device to, and then attach it to the back of a monitor. I have not had a chance to try this out yet.

Connectivity/Ports: I like the fact that all of the available USB ports (4 total) are 3.0. I currently only have a Logitech MK320 mouse/keyboard combo connect to one, which works perfectly. I like that an ethernet port was also included, as well as built in wifi. For video, I'm currently using the HDMI port, but the device also has a full-size displayport as well. Among the ports already listed, there is also an SD-card reader, similar to what you can find on laptops.

Loudness: I wanted to point this out, as this thing is VERY quiet. In face my monitor is louder than the chromebox! I haven't really pushed it to it's full potential yet, so I cannot comment on how loud the fan can get. I have not noticed any issues with heat yet.

I feel like that is all I can speak about the device for now, and will update this review should anything change.

This chromebox is perfect for someone looking to have a small, energy-efficient computing experience.
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GREAT THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES!!!
by MAN-TRA (4 out of 5 stars)
February 2, 2015

This ASUS CHROMEBOX-M004U was a replacement for an old DELL tower. It took me nearly TWO WEEKS TO PULL THE TRIGGER on this, due to two factors: 1) There are about a dozen variations to this product; IE, Asus Chromebox M020U, M075U, M115U,M107U, M106U, etc, etc. you can start to confuse/second guess yourself when you're like me, and not exactly a tech-guru with only a basic understanding of what your looking for. "I want it to be fast, I wanna be able to do lot's of stuff on it at once, OH OH OH and I want it to be simple cause I don't know how to upgrade RAM or really what that even does or means..." . 2) The reviews are hit and miss on ALL of the variations, but specific to THIS model the ASUS CHROMEBOX-M004U had the most 5 STAR REVIEWS against the least 1 STAR REVIEWS. After much pinning this thing arrives at my front door, in simple non-descriptive packaging, until you open the outer shipping box. I forgot how stylish ASUS as a product in general really is, not to mention the fact how EASY/USER FRIENDLY it is. I had this Chromebox out of the box, up and running in less than ten minutes. Any potential customers of this product please be aware of the fact the Chromebox DOES NOT have VGA, or VDI connections on the unit itself, ONLY HAS HDMI and USB inputs. Simply put, if your hooking this thing up to a regular computer monitor you may need to get yourself an adapter to do so. OTHERWISE you can simply run an HDMI cord to any standard TV and your done. Again, for the money this thing is SIMPLE, COST EFFECTIVE, and FAST, do yourself a favor and don't wait the two weeks OVER-COMPARING this to all the other models trying to find the best one for you like I did. Save yourself the brain damage and just pull the trigger on this ASUS CHROMEBOX-M004U, it's a ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL kinda deal and you won't be disappointed. As far as other reviews citing problems with restarting/shutting down/powering up/back on/etc I HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED ONE SINGLE GLITCH with this thing.
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Buy at your own risk. You have been warned!
by Jay (1 out of 5 stars)
November 9, 2017

I am a huge fan of devices running the Chrome OS. This thing started freezing and crashing by the second week that I purchased it. I already have two Chromebooks which have saved me since missing the return window and am stuck with this thing. I saw the other reviews and ignored them because of my past history with these devices. I figured they didn't know what they were doing or just ordered from a bad batch. Don't end up with something that freezes for 3 or 4 minutes and then works for 10 before crashing and then freezing once it is up and running. The number of tabs doesn't really matter as mine does this regardless.
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Stop reading all these reviews and just buy the !@#$* thing!
by Scotty (5 out of 5 stars)
January 25, 2017

Thought I'd use it awhile before posting a review. I bought this, and a memory upgrade. I didn't even want to try it without the extra memory. This was used to replace a full-size PC that was used as my media streaming device. I have it set up with a wired internet and a USB wireless mouse (not bluetooth). I haven't tested any other configuration although I tried a bluetooth mini-keyboard but didn't like that it took too long to recognize each time - I just use the on-screen keyboard. Ain't but a thing. I also have the bluetooth set up so that it recognizes my Android phone when it is in the vicinity so that I don't have to log on to Chrome each time. The HDMI out is connected to my Denon S920W receiver for sound, then pass-through HDMI out from the Denon to the ARC HDMI input of my old Westinghouse 43" LCD TV for video. Initially I had it connected to an HDMI input to the TV, but decided to upgrade the sound system.

Streaming online content is very nice, just like if you were using a PC. The only limitation is your internet speed and the quality of the video on-line. I have 50mbps FTTH. The Chrome extensions are all there that I use such as 3 or 4 pop-up blockers, and all my bookmarks are all there as you would expect when you are signed on to your Google account.

It does go to sleep after a bit, but never while it is being used. I just use it and forget it. If I want to wake it, I just move the mouse and it wakes up. It is ready to go before my TV is powered up. I have had ZERO problems with this. It doesn't know how small it is and performs very well. I haven't played games on it since it was intended to be strictly a streaming device, and does that job very well.

The age old saying "My only regret is I wish I had done it sooner" is true here also. Was thinking about 4 stars due to the bluetooth keyboard issue, but too minor of an item for the deduction.
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Will need replacement parts. Just buy one with a better processor.
by GCAT01 (1 out of 5 stars)
June 24, 2018

This computer is severely under-powered for even standard internet use. My TV is a dumb TV meaning it has no Wifi or built in apps. I wanted this little guy so I could watch Netlfix/YouTube on my TV as well as access digital media on an external hard drive I have. The first thing I noticed was that this box STRUGGLED with HD video. Running a video in 1080p caused the video to lag behind audio or just stop playing all together. 720p still has freezing issues. I have to watch YouTube in 480 to get videos to play reliably. As Netflix doesn't have definable quality settings per video, it was pretty much unusable. I cracked open my box and installed 8GB RAM (this Crucial 8GB Kit (4GBx2) DDR3/DDR3L 1600 MT/S (PC3-12800) Unbuffered SODIMM 204-Pin Memory - CT2KIT51264BF160B
) but it didn't help much.

About 8 months after purchase, the hard drive just up and died. I turned the box on and the BIOS was asking me to point it to the boot media. I booted to Linux via a live flash drive and Linux couldn't see any media storage other than the flash drive it was running off. I therefore bought a new hard drive (this MyDigitalSSD 128GB Super Boot 2 (SB2) 42mm M.2 2242 NGFF SATA III (6G) SSD Solid State Drive (128GB 2242)
) and thought maybe the original hard drive was bad and this would fix the problem. Nope.

The problem still persists. I can have only 1-2 tabs open in Chrome before the box starts chugging and playing HD video is out of the question. I wish I would have saved twice as much and bought something with at least an i3 or i5 in it. It's a nice little box, but it's bogged down by an under-powered processor. Do yourself a favor and pay for a better CPU.
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Simplicity and efficiency is beautiful.
by bloop (5 out of 5 stars)
October 3, 2015

I bought this Chromebox as a gift for my parents. They already used the chrome browser for 99% of what they did on the computer, so it seemed like a no-brainer.

Hardware:

The box feels solid enough, with an SD card slot, HDMI and USB ports, built in bluetooth and wifi, and an ethernet port. Basically, it has everything necessary for modern connectivity. As an added bonus, it can be mounted behind a monitor.

Setup:

I made sure to back up my parents' stuff to my hard drives as well as their Google accounts, and was still a bit worried about moving everything over to the new PC. Fortunately, the process could not have been simpler. On the chromebox, I signed in with their Google accounts and...that's it. Their bookmarks, documents, map data, and music was all still there, happily living in the Google cloud. No need for my backups!

Chrome OS:

My parents had been using an old Windows 7 desktop, which was becoming hopelessly outdated and slow. The new chromebox, at a tenth of the size, destroyed it. This increased performance isn't only attributable to the (admittedly good) hardware, but to the OS itself.

Chrome OS is very minimal and built for speed. It is a no nonsense approach to computing, with no frills and little maintenance required. I don't have to troubleshoot anymore! When I visit my parents, I can actually sit down to a working computer and do productive things. That right there is enough for the 5 star rating.

Conclusion:

For me and my parents, this box is awesome. It's been nearly a year with no issues. I would call it a miracle, but I think the credit goes to Google. As a final word, I'd like to say that I don't consider Chrome OS to be some kind of "idiot's OS" or something useful only for tech illiterate people. I find it a joy to use and will most likely get a Chromebook for my next PC. Simplicity and efficiency is beautiful.
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Great Value
by Michael Wayne (5 out of 5 stars)
July 17, 2017

This thing is a great value for anyone looking for an inexpensive, small PC. I bought one two years ago, then a second one a year ago. One is in my living room at home, the other in an office at work. I use both regularly and have never had any problems. This thing does the things it's built to do and does them well. Just be sure to do your research beforehand to make sure you aren't expecting it to do things it wasn't built to do. You're not going to be loading programs onto it like a Windows or Apple PC. It works through the chrome browser and chrome extensions and is somewhat limited relative to a full-on PC. The only limitation that I've encountered that was an unexpected problem was that it wouldn't connect to my printer. Unless this has been updated, you can only print via cloud print to a printer enabled to do so.

I wish they would release a new version that can connect to printers and maybe use Android apps. I would buy that.

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