The Asus CN60 Chromebox is good for doing stuff on the web since it uses Chrome OS but due to its low hardware capabilities as well as Chrome OS' shackled ecosystem, buying this doesn't make sense. So we’d rather wait for a generation or two for the device to mature and start offering better returns for money.
The Chrome Web Store has a plethora of apps that you can use to extend the features of the Chromebox but obviously not to the extent that would be possible on a work-station so don’t get your hopes up.
Since it runs ChromeOS, the Chromebox boots up quite fast, often in less than 10 seconds. Since the environment is restricted to just a browser there isn’t anything that we can benchmark outside the said environment. Which is why all we did were run browser based benchmarks to judge the performance of the device. Needless to say it is really good at browsing but the underlying hardware has a lot more potential which is not being used.
Would a normal consumer go and buy a Chromebox? We don’t think so since it wouldn’t make economic sense. So we’d rather wait for a generation or two for the device to mature and start offering better returns for your money.
Specifications
CPU: Intel Celeron 2955U
IGP: Intel HD Graphics
Memory: 2 GB (Upgradable to 4 GB)
Storage: 16 GB M.2
Wi-Fi: 802.11n
Bluetooth: 4.0
Ethernet: Gigabit
Video Out: HDMI, DP
USB 3.0 ports: 4
Weight – 0.6 kg
Dimensions (LxHxD): 124mm x 124mm x 42mm
Warranty: NA