HP's $179 Chromebox is now shipping, pricier models also available

By Andrew Martonik
published

Following an announcement back in February, HP's Chromebox desktop is now available for order from its online store for just $179. Falling in line with the same price and specs as its cousin the ASUS Chromebox, the HP Chromebox offers an Intel Celeron (2955U 1.4 GHz) processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, Wifi 802.11n, 10/100 ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0 and a solid assortment of ports including HDMI and USB 3.0.

The HP Chromebook is being targeted at enterprise buyers, offering customization through its site with rack mounts and other accessories that may suit you in a business. If you need more power out of the little box, HP is also offering a model with the same specs but 4GB of RAM for $199 (opens in new tab), or a completely overhauled model with an Intel Haswell (4600U) Core i7 processor and 4GB or 8GB of RAM starting at $629 (opens in new tab).

Source: HP (opens in new tab); Via: Liliputing

Andrew Martonik
Andrew Martonik

Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.

42 Comments
  • HP is determined to release a constant stream of uninspired, late to the game, generic devices. It's like Samsung, if Samsung released every device 2 years later than scheduled.
  • That might be the best looking desktop you can buy right now. That's absolutely great looking. And I thought the Intel NUC was classy.
  • I been waiting for these to go on sale to compliment my hp 14. They are much better looking than the Asus. From my Note 2 to you
  • Too weak for a Plex server or no?
  • Server or client? I'm looking at it to pull music and movies off of my server.
  • What are these good for--anything more than surfing the web and light computing? Posted via Android Central App
  • That's pretty much all they're good for, but that's all a lot of people need. Libraries, Computer labs, Kiosks, machines for Parents/Grandparents that basically only use their computer to surf the web and read email... there are lots of use-cases. And as more and more services move to web interfaces instead of client installs (office and adobe are two notable examples.), those use-cases are growing.
  • Office and Adobe don't need client installs any more? Hmmm... Posted via Android Central App
  • Hook it up to your home entertainment system. That's what I intend to do Nexus 4 - CM10.1.3
  • Bingo unless you already have a chromecast I like it because I can travel with it Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 or iPhone 5
  • Chromecast & wifi with allcast or avia and you are set for using any TV as a tablet
  • I got the Asus for my wife and she has been very happy with it. Only complaint is inability to hook up a regular printer Posted via Android Central App on my VZW Note 3
  • Yeah, need a cloud printer or a regular printer hooked up to computer that's on 24/7 (Google cloud print) Nexus 4 - CM10.1.3
  • What's a cloud printer? Posted via Android Central App using an LG G2.
  • Like a regular printer, only it prints out cumulus clouds. Jk it's a network printer. Posted from my Motorola Moto G
  • A networked printer should work for you. Posted via Android Central App using an LG G2.
  • Bought the ASUS version with the i3 and 4 GB RAM. Attached it to the back of my monitor, so looks weren't that important to me. I'm using it as a primary home computer. It can handle most everything I need it to (web, email, office productivity, pictures). When needed, I use Chrome Remote Desktop to remote into a Windows machine. I can even VPN into my office from there (Chrome doesnt have the right protocol). It works flawlessly. The Chromebox is much more powerful and less laggy than the Samsung Chromebook I also have. There's a lot of hate for these machines but it does everything I need it to, so no complaints from me.
  • I have the ASUS Chromebox also, and I love it. It came in handy when I needed to upgrade my regular desktop's motherboard. I use it when I don't feel like waiting all day for my desktop to boot up. It works like a charm. I switch the HDMI cable, and my keyboard/mouse adapter when I want to use my regular desktop PC.
  • You need a new machine.. My Lenovo S11 boots up from off in 15 seconds. Nearly as fast as my Samsung Chromebook Nexus 4 - CM10.1.3
  • Can I easily install full-Linux on the entry-level Chromebox?
  • Look up a tutorial or somethin Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 or iPhone 5
  • Look up a tutorial or something Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 or iPhone 5
  • No - it's actually pretty painful.
  • 1. A freaking Intel Celeron? REALLY???
    2. $179? Um...how about no.
    3. HP - I still remember how you killed WebOS and lied to everyone. So...NO.
  • Its chrome OS its doesn't need an i7 Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 or iPhone 5
  • A celeron is absolutely more than enough for basic computing tasks today. Try a blind test running a browser with a celeron and an i7 with the same SSD and RAM and you won't be able to tell the difference. This isn't 10 years ago. Posted via Android Central App
  • A Haswell Celeron is more than enough to run Chrome OS.
  • Exactly what I'm saying heck I bet a Pentium II could run this OS fine lol Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 or iPhone 5
  • Asus's website says their i3 is capable of 4k playback which is good in the long run i guess. But what would be HP's reason to go for an i7?
  • I don't know really I think maybe that's future proofing for new features in chrome OS Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 or Samsung galaxy S5
  • It's truly a shame the fate that came to WebOS because of HP.. The was the OS of the future. Nexus 4 - CM10.1.3
  • Chromebox for $179 or Chromebook for $199!? For another $20 you get a screen, keyboard, battery, TouchPad. I'd rather spend the extra $20 and get an all in one solution! The specs are the same.
  • Except if you don't want/need it attached to a screen. Different strokes for different folks. Posted via Android Central App
  • This is exactly the first thing I thought but then I figured out that I could just put the Chromebox in a mount behind my TV and leave it there for the rest of its life.
  • Perfect! You can get that and someone else can get this! Win win! Nexus 4 - CM10.1.3
  • +1000000 Posted from my Motorola Moto G
  • YES!
  • This could actually make a decent set top box. Load up a Plex client, use the new Play Movies & TV app, Play Music, some local storage. Plus you get a full web experience and a browser with flash for all of that content still kicking around. Posted via Android Central App
  • That's what I was thinking too.
  • It's the new PornStation! Posted via Android Central App
  • Anything HP is a waste of money. Sent From My Nexus 7
  • whats the interface? its ChromeOS exactly like chromebooks?