Interest in Google’s Chrome products continues to surge as Google TV not only wanes, but is seemingly pulling a Houdini. Exciting Chromecast announcements might take center stage, but now full blown Chrome hardware is fighting for the spotlight with the official announcement of the LG Chromebase 22CV241.
The LG Chromebase is the first Chrome OS device of the all-in-one form factor, sporting a beautifully huge display, mounted on a stand, with all of the device’s internals stored in the monitor itself.
Some important LG Chromebase specs:
- Intel Celeron Processor
- 21.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB iSSD Storage
- 1.3 Megapixel 720 HD webcam with microphone
- built-in 5W speakers
- HDMI-in
- Three USB 2.0 ports
- One USB 3.0 port
- LAN port
- Ships with Keyboard, Mouse, and Cable Organizer
UPDATE: We’ve obtained some additional high-res photos!
This is incredibly exciting for Chrome fans and it will definitely be top priority on our list of goodies to check out at CES 2014 (we’ll be there)!
While Chrome browser adoption continues to grow at breakneck speeds, Chromebook and other Chrome hardware is coming along much more slowly, largely due to the perception that it’s limited to only online functionality. LG goes out of their way to explain that the Chromebase can function even when not connected, but this priority should also fall on the shoulders of Google, educating consumers on their product.
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced, but will be incredibly important factors in determining the potential success of the Chromebase. With Microsoft and their hardware partners practically giving away Windows 8 hardware, Google has somewhat of an uphill battle in popularizing Chrome OS, especially considering the general comfort level users have with a traditional “Desktop” experience.
Fortunately, Microsoft seems to be trying their hardest to ruin that advantage with the sloppiness of Windows 8. Further proliferation of mobile devices and connectivity will put Chrome OS in position to skyrocket, just like it’s in-the-browser brother. And the LG Chromebase will likely be the first out of many of its kind.
LG has an interesting take on their Chromebase, explaining that it isn’t just the individual consumer they’re targeting:
“LG Chromebase is the wave of the future for desktops, expected to be widely adopted not only at home, but especially in schools, hotels, call centers and other business settings.”
Consider the situation: a hotel patron, student, or hospital patient can login with Google, have immediate access to all their important information, and easily log out without leaving a trace.
For more, visit the LG Chromebase Forums.
