The HP Chromebox desktop PC has gone on sale in the US with a starting price of $179.
HP’s official online store is accepting orders for three different variants of the mini form factor PC. All are presently only offered in the ‘twinkle black’ colour scheme.
The two entry models feature an Intel Celeron Haswell chip, integrated graphics, and a 16GB SSD. The main difference between them is the amount of RAM included.
- Intel Celeron 2955U @ 1.4GHz with 2GB RAM — $179
- Intel Celeron 2955U @ 1.4GHz with 4GB RAM — $199
The third model is pricier and more performant, utilising an Intel Core i7, 4GB RAM and powerful Intel HD Graphics 4400. It keeps the same 16GB SSD as its cheaper siblings but offers two SO-DIMM slots for expanding the memory to a maximum of 8GB.
- Intel Core i7 4600U @ 2.1GHz with 4GB RAM — $629
All models, regardless of processor or price, feature the same ports and come with built in Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- HDMI and DisplayPort out
- 4 x USB 3.0 (2 front, 2 rear)
- Microphone/headphone combo jack
- 3-in-1 card reader
- Ethernet
Buy the HP Chromebox
At just $179 the entry-level HP Chromebox is pretty much hard to distinguish from the similarly spec’d ASUS Chromebox.
Buyers having to pick between the pair will likely base their decision on which design suits their tastes more. The rounded corners and pastel colour options (missing though they are from this initial launch) does offer a softer, more ‘consumer’ orientated look than the robust, almost utilitarian design used by the ASUS PC.
For more details. Specification sheets and purchase information on the HP Chromebox jump on over the HP website via the link below.
For those who’d rather buy from a more familiar online merchant Amazon.com is also stocking a selection of models.
- Source: HP, via Sam Beach