There’s a new type of Chromebox in town with the Chromebox Micro with a form factor very similar to the MeLE Quieter4C we’ve just covered, but running Chrome OS instead and designed to be mounted to the back of a display.
The Lenovo Chromebox Micro is the first device of this type that I’ve seen. The fanless mini PC is based on an Intel Celeron N4500 dual-core processor with 8GB RAM and 32GB eMMC flash and mostly targets digital signage and interactive retail kiosks.
Lenovo Chromebox Micro:
- SoC – Intel Celeron N4500 dual-core processor @ 1.1GHz / 2.8GHz (Burst frequency) with Intel UHD graphics; 6W TDP
- System Memory – 8GB
- Storage – 32 GB eMMC flash
- Video Output – 1x HDMI port
- Audio – 1x audio jack, digital audio via HDMI
- Networking – Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
- USB – 2x USB Type-C ports, 2x USB Type-A ports
- Misc – Power button and LED , Kensington lock
- Power Supply – 19V/65W via DC jack
- Dimensions – 163x79x19.7mm
- Weight – 450 grams
I had forgotten that ChromeOS has also made its way into the enterprise market with Google offering a ChromeOS Kiosk and Digital Signage solution used in the Lenovo Chromebox Mini that lets customers set up and manage a fleet of kiosk devices and enables the deployment of pre-provisioned devices for lower maintenance costs. ChromeOS for digital signage is not exactly a new thing, as we covered the AOPEN Chromebox Mini for Digital Signage and Kiosks back in 2019 with a larger design as the code for the device was merged into mainline Linux.
The Lenovo Chromebox Micro will be available in Q4 2024 starting at $219 and offered together with Instorescreen inFLEX smart displays both provided by Lenovo OEM solutions. More details may be found in the press release.
Thanks to TLS for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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it will be interesting when it will turn up on ebay for 100$ to hack pure linux on it
I doubt dual-core Jasper Lake is competitive at $100, especially not 2+ years from now. Though at the very least it has 8 GB RAM, which all ChromeOS users should be aiming for at this point. This is a cute solution for enterprise customers who will probably buy the display it fits into.
If you could get the display and the Chromebox for $100, now you’re talking. I would hang the 15.6″ up in a kitchen.
I hope my theory about an Alder Lake-N refresh with a 6-core N205 becomes reality.
$219?
Not at half the price for me.