Skip to main content

Acer’s Chromebox CXI is a tiny desktop running Google’s Chrome OS

acer reveals chromebox cxi desktop pc specs price release
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Google’s Chrome OS-based laptops continue to nibble away at the computing pie that Microsoft and Apple have baked — and now Chrome OS is starting to appear in more and more desktop systems as well.

The latest of these is Acer’s new Chromebox CXI, a tiny rig that’s geared towards businesses, education, and the average consumers as well.

Recommended Videos

The Chromebox CXI is a no-frills box covered in a matte black finish. A lowercase Acer logo sits on the middle of the left panel when the system is upright, with a Chrome logo and insignia hanging out directly northwest of it.

Related: Why 2014 will be a big year for Chrome OS

Measuring 6.51 × 5.12 × 1.3 inches, the Acer Chromebox CXI is stuffed with very modest specs, as is usually the case with computers running Chrome OS. It runs on an Intel 2957U processor, a 16GB SSD, and either 2GB or 4GB of RAM. Conveniently, the CXI is VESA mountable, so you can attach it to the back of VESA-capable monitors, which lets you significantly open up the space on or around your desk.

The CXI includes a healthy dose of ports, despite its small size; you’ll find four USB 3.0, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, and an SD card reader. The reader can support cards of up to 32GB in size. If you prefer to connect to the Internet wirelessly, you can do so via 802.11 b/g/n. Bluetooth 4.0 is also offered.

Acer claims that IT departments will love the CXI’s ability to be reset to its factory state easily with Powerwash, a feature that wipes locally stored data but keeps anything associated with user accounts intact. Also, Acer says that the Web-based Google Console Management system makes it simple for IT teams to install an app on thousands of Chromeboxes with the single click of a button.

Related: Google works to make Chrome OS better offline, aims to scoop up Win XP refugees

The Acer Chromebox CXI defends itself from malware and viruses by checking the “validity and integrity” of system files. If it detects any changes that were unauthorized, it will restore itself from a previous backup. This is made possible because user files and system files are stored on separate partitions, simplifying the restoration process.

The 2GB version of the Acer Chromebox CXI will cost $179.99, while the 4GB model will run you $219.99. Though an exact release date has not been revealed for the Acer Chromebox CXI, it will be available sometime in late September.

Konrad Krawczyk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Konrad covers desktops, laptops, tablets, sports tech and subjects in between for Digital Trends. Prior to joining DT, he…
How to update Chromebooks and Chrome OS
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 4 11.6, Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD, Chrome OS, Platinum Titan.

If you have one of the best Chromebooks and it works properly, chances are it is properly updated. Why? When Chromebooks get internet access they update automatically on a regular basis. However, if you're facing common Chromebook problems, you'll know that making a manual check to get your Chromebook updated is useful. Also, just because technology says it will do something, it doesn't always mean it will. Here's how to update your Chromebook in case it doesn't do so automatically.

Read more
Google may build Gemini AI directly into Chrome
The Google Gemini AI logo.

Google is now fleshing out its newly unified Gemini AI system in its browser with its first attempt at implementing Chat with Gemini into the Chrome Omnibox.

This latest effort will update Google Chrome with a Chat with Gemini shortcut in the Chrome Omnibox, allowing users to access the AI chatbot feature without having to go to the Gemini website, according to WindowsReport. The Omnibox serves as an address bar and search bar, and it adds multiple other tasks to a browser. Now with a simple @ prompt, you can also access Google's AI chatbot to answer questions, create images, and generate summaries, among other tasks.

Read more
How to change your language in Google Chrome on desktop
Chrome OS

Google Chrome supports a wide range of languages. While it'll default to English in most cases, there's nothing stopping you from changing its settings and displaying pages in Spanish, French, or dozens of other languages.

Changing your default language in Chrome takes only a few seconds, and the technique used is the same across Windows and Mac. Aside from changing your language, note that Chrome now gives you the option to automatically translate pages written in another language – making it easy to read content from around the globe.

Read more