The LG Chromebase looks like a cool device, but will people want to buy it? It lacks portability in exchange for a nicer 21.5-inch 1080p display. It’s the best Chrome OS screen after the Chromebook Pixel’s, but it will need much more to succeed. We were told at CES 2014 the computer would be “priced competitively” (check our hands-on post for all the details).
If the latest reports are correct, I believe the LG Chromebase to be doomed. Industry news source Channel News is reporting that the all-in-one computer will cost $599 (Australian dollars). This amounts to about $540 US dollars, which is far from affordable to us.
Is $599 AU a fair price?
LG Chromebase specs:
- Intel Celeron Processor
- 21.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB SSD 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
We must remember this price may not be similar to the one in the USA. Technology many times costs much more in other markets, but it will not look good for LG if the device comes to the USA with a similar price-point.
In a market where Chromebooks go as low as $200, Chromeboxes are set to cost even less and monitors are very easy to find at reasonable prices, there is simply no room for a device like this at over $500.
No to mention, this is competing against operating systems like Windows, which offers similar set-ups for comparable prices. And that’s a “full operating system”. Don’t get me wrong, in many ways I still prefer Chrome OS over Window. I believe we can all agree that Google’s platform is not for everyone, though.
LG Chromebase release date
I am almost sure the price will be lower in the USA, but we will have to wait for more details to emerge. The same source claims LG is aiming for an April release date, so we should know more by then.
Let’s see what consumers think – how much would you be willing to pay for the LG Chromebase? I would say no more than $400, personally.
