When you concentrate on ChromeOS, there is a good probability that the very first thing to return to thoughts are the best Chromebooks. There is a fairly apparent purpose for that, as Chromebooks are merely extra well-liked, whereas a desktop ChromeOS system would not fairly fill the void in the identical means. That being mentioned, Chromeboxes have been round for years, and Acer determined to introduce an upgraded mannequin.
Acer Chromebox CXI5: Value and availability
Acer introduced the Chromebox CXI5 again at CES 2023, alongside the Add-In-One and different ChromeOS units. There are a complete of 5 totally different configurations for the Chromebox CXI5, beginning with the Intel Celeron 7305 mannequin paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of flash storage priced at $329. On the high finish of the vary, you may discover an Intel Core i7-1270P SoC together with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $899.
All 5 fashions of the Chromebox CXI5 have been launched by way of totally different retailers, however solely the i3-1215U and Celeron 7305 fashions are presently in inventory.
Acer Chromebox CXI5: Design and ports
There are a whole lot of questions on whether or not a Chromebox is definitely worth the buy, contemplating you could get just about the identical expertise with a Chromebook. However that does not imply that I simply tossed the CXI5 in a field, as there are a few tips up this Chromebox’s sleeve which have earned it a spot on my desk.
For one, the CXI5 consists of so many alternative ports that there is a fairly good probability that you just will not have to fret about getting a USB hub or pairing it with a docking station. Acer packed a complete of three show inputs, together with twin HDMI 2.1 ports and one conventional DisplayPort choice.
However the enjoyable would not cease there, as you may additionally discover an Ethernet jack, twin USB-A ports, and even a USB-C port on the again. Transferring to the entrance, you are greeted with a 3.5mm audio combo jack, twin USB-A ports, a single USB-C port, and a microSD card slot.
Except for that, the opposite compelling purpose to contemplate the CXI5 is the truth that Acer features a VESA mount adapter within the field. This allows you to connect it proper to the again of a few of the best monitors for Chromebooks. If this sounds a bit acquainted, that is as a result of we have seen different Chromebox fashions provide the identical performance, such because the ASUS Chromebox 4.
Whereas the included VESA mount is a pleasant contact, there’s truly one other included choice that you’ve. Within the field, you may additionally discover a vertical stand that attaches to the “backside” of the Chromebox CXI5. So all-in-all, you even have three totally different orientations to select from relating to discovering the correct spot in your desk.
Acer Chromebox CXI5: Energy and efficiency
The Chromebox CXI5 featured on this evaluation is powered by the twelfth Gen Intel Core i3-1215U chip with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage. This is not probably the most highly effective Chromebox CXI5 configuration obtainable, however it’s additionally not the entry-level mannequin.
Reasonably unsurprisingly, the CXI5 has managed to maintain up with most of the work that I have been doing on it. There have been a couple of instances the place it could stutter, particularly if I ended up down a rabbit gap with a bunch of tabs open throughout a number of home windows. It is a unhealthy behavior that may even carry my PC or MacBook Professional to its knees, so I do not actually fault the CXI5 right here.
The CXI5 was even in a position to deal with me putting in Linux so I may benefit from the full model of my favourite writing app, Obsidian. Clearly, this would possibly not matter to some, and relying on what mannequin you get, you may must pay nearer consideration to how a lot storage is left. However that is actually the case with a whole lot of totally different ChromeOS units, except one thing just like the Framework Laptop Chromebook.
I used to be additionally moderately impressed by the truth that the CXI5 manages to deal with my 49-inch OLED monitor with ease. This hasn’t been with out some frustrations, as evidently even with HDMI 2.1, the one approach to get the complete 5120 x 1440 decision is to make use of a DisplayPort cable. However even with utilizing a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, the CXI5 seems fairly good with its 3840 x 1080 decision at 120Hz.
This model of the CXI5 particularly excels for individuals who simply need a desktop laptop for checking emails, shopping the online, or enjoying a couple of video games. Even nonetheless, until you get the Core i5 or Core i7 fashions, you will not be capable to play Steam video games natively, however you continue to have the Play Retailer or cloud gaming providers to depend on.
Acer Chromebox CXI5: We’d like wider availability
On one hand, the marketplace for the best Chromebox is not very saturated, with solely Acer and ASUS providing up to date fashions. And even then, the CXI5 can technically be thought-about outdated now that Intel’s thirteenth Gen chips are in varied Chromebooks and different computing units.
However the greater downside, no less than from my perspective, is the restricted availability throughout the complete Chromebox CXI5 lineup. Whereas three out of the 5 variations might be picked up from Newegg, you will not discover the extra “engaging” fashions wherever. Meaning if you’d like both the Core i5 or Core i7 variations, you are going to be out of luck.
This is not something out of the norm, which is a part of the issue, as an organization will announce units with loads of choices, however not all fashions can be found. There’s additionally an argument to be made about these coming to extra retailers, however I am undecided if the CXI5 will present up at Amazon or Finest Purchase anytime quickly.
Acer Chromebox CXI5: The competitors
Acer wasn’t the one firm to launch a brand new Chromebox in 2023, as ASUS did the identical with its Chromebox 5. It is also powered by Intel’s twelfth Gen sequence of processors and even features a VESA mount. However the Chromebox 5 has the additional benefit of that includes a built-in wi-fi charger on the highest, together with a devoted Thunderbolt 4 port. On high of that, you may truly choose one in every of these up from Amazon and luxuriate in Prime’s 2-day transport.
If you wish to keep on with a ChromeOS system, you then’ll in all probability need to take a look at probably the greatest Chromebooks. Acer’s personal Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) retails for $699 however is powered by Intel’s thirteenth Gen Core i5-1335U. You will not want to fret about discovering a show, keyboard, and mouse, however you may plug it right into a docking station and use it as a “desktop” if you’d like.
For these wanting a desktop laptop with a small profile, there was an inflow of mini PCs just like the Xulu XR1 Max. This makes use of Home windows 11, has loads of totally different ports, and you’ll even improve the RAM to 64GB and storage as much as 2TB.
Acer Chromebox CXI5: Do you have to purchase it?
You can purchase this if…
- You are trying to make use of a Chromebox as a desktop laptop.
- You do not need to simply use a Chromebook paired with a docking station.
You should not purchase this if…
- You want a pc that wants extra graphical energy.
- You want extra RAM and storage.
There’s actually quite a bit to love in regards to the Acer Chromebox CXI5, particularly if you’d like a desktop laptop powered by ChromeOS. I am nonetheless holding out hope that we see the CXI5 turn into extra available, as not everybody is aware of (or desires) to go to Newegg for his or her purchases.
Even with many Chromebooks arguably offering better value than Chromeboxes, there’s nonetheless a spot out there for these. In case you’re simply on the lookout for a mini-PC powered by ChromeOS, then the Chromebox CXI5 ought to undoubtedly be in your radar.
Until you may get your palms on one of many higher-end fashions, the Acer Chromebox CXI5 goes to be barely restricted as your main desktop laptop. However if you happen to’re solely utilizing it for lighter duties, then it’s going to be a advantageous addition to your house.