Acer launches Intel i3-powered Chromebox with serious specs

If it was a car, the top would fold down

ACER HAS ANNOUNCED details of a new addition to its Chromebox CXI range, powered by a 4th-generation Intel Core i3 processor.

The Chromebox CXI-i34GKM features an Intel Core i34030U dual-core processor which, combined with the light footprint of Chrome OS, makes for a very powerful machine.

It runs at 1.9GHz with a 3MB Intel Smart Cache, which is fast enough for pretty much anything you can throw at it.

The i346KM is designed for education and small-to-medium business environments, along with consumers who want Chrome OS without the mobile element.

As with all Chrome OS devices, the key is minimal but fast storage, in this case a 16GB solid state drive, and the power of the cloud for further capacity. As a result, boot-up time is just eight seconds, with near-instant resume from sleep.

The casing is a six-litre plastic housing (6.51x5.12x1.3in) and is VESA mountable so it can hide away behind a monitor or television.

"We've extended our Chromebox CXI line with a new model featuring enhanced processing power and memory for users with more demanding computing requirements,” said Kamesh Kumar, Acer America business manager.

"A win/win for users and IT staff, the Chromebox CXI series is easy to use and deploy, highly secure and saves significant desk space.

"Featuring multiple accounts and Google Drive access, it’s ideal for any environment where multiple users will be sharing one device, such as in classrooms, libraries, call centres, kiosks, retail stores and reception areas.”

Intel integrated HD graphics augment a 4GB DDR3 memory running at 1600MHz. Communication comes via 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) and Gigabyte Ethernet.

There are also four USB 3.0 ports, two of which can act as chargers even when the machine is powered down. An SD slot supports up to 32GB cards, and output can be made by Displayport or HDMI.

The bundle includes a keyboard and mouse, as well as the VESA mounting kit, so if you have a display you're ready.

The device is shipping at the end of this month in the Americas. UK availability and pricing is to be confirmed, but you're looking at $399 in the US.

The range starts at £100, and this is the new king of the castle, so we're expecting it to clock in at around the £200-£250 mark.