When you consider ChromeOS, there is a good probability that the very first thing to come back to thoughts are the very best Chromebooks. There’s a reasonably apparent purpose for that, as Chromebooks are merely extra widespread, whereas a desktop ChromeOS gadget does not fairly fill the void in the identical method. That being mentioned, Chromeboxes have been round for years, and Acer determined to introduce an upgraded mannequin.Acer Chromebox CXI5: Price and availability(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)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. At the highest 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 via totally different retailers, however solely the i3-1215U and Celeron 7305 fashions are at the moment in inventory.Acer Chromebox CXI5: Design and ports(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)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. But that does not imply that I simply tossed the CXI5 in a field, as there are a few methods 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 simply 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 possibility.But the enjoyable does not cease there, as you may additionally discover an Ethernet jack, twin USB-A ports, and even a USB-C port on the again. Moving 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.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Aside from that, the opposite compelling purpose to think about the CXI5 is the truth that Acer features a VESA mount adapter within the field. This enables you to connect it proper to the again of a few of the finest screens 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.While the included VESA mount is a pleasant contact, there’s really one other included possibility that you’ve. In the field, you may additionally discover a vertical stand that attaches to the “bottom” of the Chromebox CXI5. So all-in-all, you even have three totally different orientations to select from in the case of discovering the proper spot in your desk.Acer Chromebox CXI5: Power and efficiency(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The Chromebox CXI5 featured on this evaluate is powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U chip with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage. This is not essentially the most highly effective Chromebox CXI5 configuration out there, but it surely’s additionally not the entry-level mannequin.Rather unsurprisingly, the CXI5 has managed to maintain up with most of the work that I’ve been doing on it. There have been a couple of occasions the place it might stutter, particularly if I ended up down a rabbit gap with a bunch of tabs open throughout a number of home windows. It’s a nasty behavior that may even carry my PC or MacBook Pro 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 might benefit from the full model of my favourite writing app, Obsidian. Obviously, this may not matter to some, and relying on what mannequin you get, you may must pay nearer consideration to how a lot storage is left. But that is actually the case with a whole lot of totally different ChromeOS units, except for one thing just like the Framework Laptop Chromebook.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)I used to be additionally reasonably 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 technique to get the total 5120 x 1440 decision is to make use of a DisplayPort cable. But even with utilizing a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, the CXI5 seems to be 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, looking the online, or enjoying a couple of video games. Even nonetheless, until you get the Core i5 or Core i7 fashions, you will not have the ability to play Steam video games natively, however you continue to have the Play Store or cloud gaming companies to depend on.Acer Chromebox CXI5: We want wider availability(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)On one hand, the marketplace for the very 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 13th Gen chips are in varied Chromebooks and different computing units.But the larger drawback, no less than from my standpoint, is the restricted availability throughout all the Chromebox CXI5 lineup. While three out of the 5 variations will be picked up from Newegg, you will not discover the extra “enticing” fashions anyplace. That means if you would 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’m undecided if the CXI5 will present up at Amazon or Best Buy anytime quickly.Acer Chromebox CXI5: The competitors(Image credit score: Jerry Hildenbrand)Acer wasn’t the one firm to launch a brand new Chromebox in 2023, as ASUS did the identical with its Chromebox 5. It’s additionally powered by Intel’s 12th Gen collection of processors and even features a VESA mount. But the Chromebox 5 has the additional advantage of that includes a built-in wi-fi charger on the highest, together with a devoted Thunderbolt 4 port. On prime of that, you may really choose one in all these up from Amazon and luxuriate in Prime’s 2-day delivery.If you need to keep on with a ChromeOS gadget, then you definately’ll in all probability need to try probably the greatest Chromebooks. Acer’s personal Chromebook Spin 714 (2023) retails for $699 however is powered by Intel’s 13th 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 would 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 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: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)You can purchase this if…You’re wanting 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 loads to love in regards to the Acer Chromebox CXI5, particularly if you would like a desktop laptop powered by ChromeOS. I’m nonetheless holding out hope that we see the CXI5 change into extra available, as not everybody is aware of (or desires) to move to Newegg for his or her purchases.Even with many Chromebooks arguably providing higher worth than Chromeboxes, there’s nonetheless a spot out there for these. If you are simply on the lookout for a mini-PC powered by ChromeOS, then the Chromebox CXI5 ought to undoubtedly be in your radar.
Unless you will get your arms on one of many higher-end fashions, the Acer Chromebox CXI5 goes to be barely restricted as your main desktop laptop. But for those who’re solely utilizing it for lighter duties, then it will be a high-quality addition to your house.