This is my first exposure to a Chrome Box. I'm impressed. It was easy to setup. It functioned out of the box and since I
already had a google account, things progressed nicely. I was able to access the Internet with no problem
via the WIFI. Basically without an
Internet connection the unit is pretty much useless. I opened up Picasa files, document files and
played music from YouTube. Both the
flash memory card and the USB flash drive were recognized and accessible. It
walked me through setting up Google cloud printing and I was able to print to
my local printer. You are advised that
you can not hook up a printer directly to the unit. Overall I found the box quite functional and
would find it a very useful auxiliary computer.
The lack of any cables but a power cable was annoying. I just went over the description again to see
if it mentioned that you will need cables, keyboard and monitor. It seems self evident that a mouse and
keyboard will be needed but I wonder how many other people have extra HDMI
cables lying around unused. The unit
also has a display port which if you have been living under a rock like I have
been, you may want to find out exactly what that is and how it might be worth
using. Good article on it here.
So my only beef was the lack of any included cables. Considering the minimal cost of an HDMI
cable, including one would be a good
feature. I did not find any support for
a Slingbox in the Chrome Store.
Slingbox does not address a Chrome computer either. Chrome computers do not appear to work with Slingbox. According to Sling, Chromestore should have Slingplayer as a download plugin. Chromestore does not have that plugin. With that exception so far I am quite impressed with the Chrome OS. Google did not turn up a reference either
except for one optimistic post in March 2014 that said that Sling was considering
adding Chrome machines to their mix. I'm
sure if they do it will be another $14.99 fee for the ap as Sling charges for
both the tablet and the phone software. That
is another review and it's own annoying limitations.
Specifications
Operating system
Chrome OS
Processor
Intel Celeron 2955U
Memory
2GB PC3-12800 DDR3L SDRAM 1X2GB
(expandable to 4GB)
Storage
16GB solid-state drive
Available finishes
Snow White, Smoke Silver, Ocean Turquoise
Video graphics
Intel HD Graphics
I/O
2 USB 3.0
(front), 2 USB 3.0 (back), SD Card reader, 1 HDMI, 1 Display port (full size),
Combo Mic/Headphone Jack, 1 RJ-45
Network interface
Ethernet (10/100/1000 Base-T)
Connectivity
Wireless
LAN 802.11a/b/g/n featuring Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) 2x2 MIMO technology and
integrated Bluetooth® 4.0
Weight
1.39 lb.
Dimensions (L x W x H)
4.88"L x 4.96"W x 1.53"H
If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.
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