Acer Launches 4K-Capable, $400 Chromebox

March 6, 2015 by Dave Haynes

gI_65708_Acer Chromebox CXI side logoPC maker Acer just announced a new Chromebox that amps up the horsepower substantially, touting the little box’s ability to play 4K media content.

The tongue-twisting Acer Chromebox CXI-i34GKM (yikes, engineers should not name products) has an Intel Core i3 4030U dual-core processor, 16 GB solid state drive, and boots up in less than 10 seconds. The one with 4 GB RAM costs $350-ish and the 8 GB is $400.

The unit, as with others, would just run apps – including digital signage apps from companies like Rise Vision and Signagelive – downloaded and activated off the Chrome store.

Here’s the release:

This practical series was designed for users in education and small to medium businesses as well as consumers wanting to leverage the ease and security of the Google Chrome ecosystem and don’t require a mobile platform. Powered by an Intel Core i3 4030U processor (3MB Intel® Smart Cache, 1.90GHz), the Chromebox CXI provides enough speed for fueling multiple projects simultaneously and leveraging HD video and applications. This fourth generation processor offers more power, performance and energy efficiency than prior platforms.

Outfitted with a 16GB(1) Solid State Drive, the newest CXI model is fast, booting up in about 8 seconds and resuming nearly instantly from sleep mode. Housed in a compact .6 liter (6.51 x 5.12 x 1.3-inches) chassis and VESA mountable, the Acer Chromebox CXI is ideal for libraries, cube and classroom environments as well as task-based terminals in businesses.

“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 centers, kiosks, retail stores and reception areas.”

The CXI comes outfitted with 4GB of DDR3 1600Mhz memory and Intel® HD graphics. An array of connectivity options include 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and Gigabit Ethernet as well as four USB 3.0 ports including two with power off charging for smartphones and tablets. It supports up to a 32GB SD card(1) for accessing photos from other devices. Via HDMI® and DisplayPort, it also provides video and content to external displays and HDTVs. The system is powered by a 65W AC adapter and bundled with a VESA mount kit and a Google approved USB keyboard and mouse.

The Acer Chromebox CXI series is easy to use. After the user signs into Chrome with a Google account, they’re immediately immersed in the Google ecosystem and signed into Google services. The device comes with pre-installed web apps and over 30,000 additional apps, themes and extensions are available on the Chrome Web Store.

Easy Management, Tight Security, Citrix Certified
Offered via subscription, the web-based Google Management Console enables IT professionals to control a fleet of Chromeboxes. Using this program, they can deploy an app from one to thousands of Chrome-based devices by simply clicking a button. In addition, the OS and all downloaded applications update automatically every six weeks ensuring users the freshest software and security features and saving IT staff valuable time.

The Powerwash option enables IT to quickly reset the Chromebox to its original factory state. This feature deletes all data stored on the Chromebox such as downloaded files, photos, owner permissions, and saved networks. Resetting the device doesn’t affect the user’s accounts themselves, or any data synced to these accounts.

Multiple layers of security encompass data encryption and verified boot to safeguard the CXI against online threats, malware and viruses. User and system files are stored on separate partitions that secure data and simplify restoration from a backup. The Chromebox’s TPM 1.2 chip encrypts and protects individual user’s data by generating and storing secure cryptographic keys. In addition, individual accounts keep data safe when the device is used by multiple users.

Citrix certified, the Chromebox CXI delivers virtualized remote desktops and applications through a single platform and can effectively be a thin client.

 

  1. Thanks for the mention Dave. If anyone wishes to give Signagelive for Chrome a spin, visit https://support.signagelive.com/hc/en-us/sections/200565318-Signagelive-for-Chrome for info and contact sales@signagelive.com for a 30 day trial licence.

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