In the field of gadgets and gizmos Samsung has introduced a low-price desktop computer called Samsung chrome-box with few enhancements runs by Google’s chrome OS. Overall it’s just a box which has no mouse, no keyboard, no display but embedded with desktop power for a budget price with a moderate package.
Design
Its not that much compact with a thickness of 193x193x33mm weighing 1.11kg, and gives a little image like the Mac mini though vary in color as that of Mac mini. The chrome-box has six USB ports with two ports on the front and four on the back. All USB ports are 2.0.
For your display there is a DVI, in order to have a wired connection to the web gigabit Ethernet is provided. It also has built-in Wi-fi (802.11a, b, g and n) plus Bluetooth 3.0. The HDMI ports that can be used via an adapter, and other display output ports along with a headphone/mic jack is also provided. There are no built-in memory card readers but can be connected through USB adapter.
Chrome Operating System
The chrome OS varies in a way that it is an almost partially a web-dependent operating system. For this to get efficiently working you should have a reliable web connection. It was introduced last year but with not that much positive response because of complaints about the need for a continuous web-connection and relatively high price. This might be a problem, for users that have laptops that are always on, but those who expects always-on access for their desktops than they should check this out.
The chrome operating system is an augmented version of Chrome browser by Google. But do provided with standard windows-style desktop and once the user starts engaging with it he feels like himself working through the browser.
Users are able to work and store their files online and offline as they like to do. Google Docs is used for instance if you want to upload files that you want to work with which is a bit jabber. It supports files including Microsoft office suite as well as image types including GIF, JPEG, PDF along with different types of video and audio formats.
Another little thing that is not that much in favor of a user the availability of little storage in the chrome-box. There is 16GB solid state drive is provided which is not more than one can get on his Smartphone. But one good thing is the quicker booting from the hard disk so that you are ready to work in just seconds.
Performance
In comparing to other latest gadgets reviews the chrome box is equipped with dual-core 1.9GHz Intel Celeron processor and is not ideal for hardcore gamers as it is at the low end of Intel’s chips. It’s backed with 4GB ram and able to play 1080 HD video playback without stammering. The overall web browsing experience is pretty smooth if not that much quick. You can open multiple tabs along with other applications at once.
Two displays can be handled by the machine at once.
i) Mirroring only
ii) However spanning is promised in the later upgrades of operating systems.
The product is open about the fact of compatibility of USB devices is not mentioned. So printers, microphones and other devices are not guaranteed to work as with that of Microsoft OS, so users should check compatibility of particular devices before buying them.
So overall in the race of latest gadgets 2012 it is a nice gadget with pretty nice design and attractive specifications. Though there are some holes left with making the technology more reliable and efficient but could be improved in later versions.
Source:wired.co.uk
