CTL ChromeBox CBX1 Review: Good architectural surface for chrome at a great price

Two months ago, we reviewed Acer ChromeBox Cxi3. Although CXI3 is a great desktop for Chrome OS, it is somewhat expensive – the model we reviewed with the Core i5 processor and a random access memory of 8 GB of $ 519.99. The Core I3 version is worth $ 469.99 and Cereon at $ 289.99, but this is also somewhat expensive due to the devices inside. If you are looking for the basic OS Chrome desktop, there is another option – CTL ChromeBox CBX1. CTL is primarily manufacturing computers for educational and government sectors, and the company was comprehensive on Chromebooks for years. ChromeBox CBX1 is the first OS Chrome OS desktop in CTL, and starts at a low price of $ 219.

Specifications

Goodness

Not very good

Design, accessories and packages

ChromeBox CBX1 is a plastic box without angles, almost the size and shape of the Mac Mini. The design is purely utilitarian, with a bright black plastic that covers the entire unit. Certainly it does not look nice like Acer ChromeBox, but it is not ugly in any way. On the positive side, CBX1 is compatible with Vesa, so that you can install it behind most of the screens.

In the foreground of the USB 2.0 Type-A, Combo/microphone socket, microSD card, and power button. On the back, you get three USB 3.0 Type-A, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI connector, and USB 3.0 Type-C port. In addition to data connection, the Type-C port can be used as a screen output, which allows you to double support.

Unlike Acer ChromeBox, CTL does not include a keyboard and mouse in the box. I don’t think this is a big problem due to the low price point, but if you do not already have a backup keyboard and mouse dumped, they will have to have an additional cost factor.

If you are on the market to prepare a full desktop, CTL sells two packages. First, there is a 9.99 package with chromeBox box, the IPS 1080 pixel screen size, a keyboard, and a mouse. There is also a 9.99 package that includes the Logitech MK120/Mouse Keys, a 22 -inch touch screen, and a chrome box installed on the back of the screen.

programming

As I mentioned in other reviews, I definitely enjoy using OS Chrome. For people who are ok with a browser only and a Play store, it is a very capable operating system that lacks most problems that continue to stab windows and MacOS. It is easy to prepare, and you will never notice system updates, viruses/harmful programs that are not present, and they are incredibly fast on low devices (which benefit ChromeBox CBX1 significantly).

ChromeBox CBX1 matches each other OS Chrome. You can get a Chrome desktop and Play Store to install Android applications, and that’s all. For me, most of my work is made through web applications, with Android applications in some of the vulnerabilities in functions (such as Lightroom for Editing Photo).

There are a few simple inconveniences with OS Chrome running on a desktop computer. It is a bit difficult on the application staircase with a mouse only, given the lack of a pass bar – you must click the small page buttons or use the mouse wheel. Some Android applications also do not work well without a touch screen, especially games. This will not be a problem if I bought a touch screen from CTL, but I think most people use chrome boxes with their current accessories.

Linux applications

ChromeBox CBX1 is one of the few OS Chrome devices that support Linux applications now. At the time of writing this report, this requires a shift to the Chrome OS Dev channel and enable Linux support in the settings. Next, you have been given a station that you can use to install applications from the DEBIAN package (Linux contains contains on DEBIAN LINUX 9 ‘Stretch’).

Libreoffice and GIMP are working on Chrome OS 69

This is still an experimental feature, not everything that works yet. I managed to install applications such as Libreoffice and GIMP without problems, and even Steam worked (I had to download the .DB file from the download page and the use of DPKG for installation).

Currently, there are no acceleration of graphics in the Linux container, so the games that work are incomplete. Mouse lock does not work, so the archers of the first person and similar types of games are not contained.

Even at this early stage, basic productivity applications work somewhat well on ChromeBox CBX1. Just do not expect Android Studio to work well – or at all.

performance

My main interest in this review was the performance. The age of the Intel Celeron 3865u processor is more than a year at this stage, and he has only a nucleus without excess. For my amazement, ChromeBox CBX1 can handle the usual workflow from ~ 15 chrome tab and a few Android applications.

The device is significantly slower than ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 or Samsung Chromebook Pro, but the performance is still completely acceptable. ChromeBox started to suffer only when it opened more than 20 tabs with multiple videos. 4 GB RAM was not a specific factor, but I think the 8GB RAM option will be a little good performance (as Chrome OS will not have to use a slower swap memory with the same level).

If you care about the standards, the ChromeBox CBX1 has 47.2 in the 2.0 speed meter test. For comparison, ASUS Chromebook Flip C302 gets 65.51. On Geekbench 4, CBX1 2224 record mono -core performance and 2180 on multi -core (full results).

conclusion

ChromeBox CBX1 is a very good computer. It’s fast, the program experience is great, and there are a lot of contact options. This is a great desktop for anyone who needs a key computer, or someone who buys a computer for a friend/near. Does the grandmother continue to obtain viruses on the old computer? Replace it with ChromeBox and you will never get another technical support call.

The most persuaded aspect of CBX1, in my opinion, is the price. At a price of $ 219.99, it’s much cheaper than the Ceeron ChromeBox CXI3 variable, which is $ 289.99. Both producers have identical specifications and devices – the only difference is design.

In general, it ended with CTL ChromeBox CBX1 to the best than I expected. Despite the low -energy CPU, it can handle most of the workflow tasks well. You will not find a Windows computer anywhere near this well for $ 220, unless you are ready to buy renewable or used devices.

Purchase it if …

You want a basic desktop for light productivity, or your friend/relative needs a new email and Facebook.

Do not buy it if …

Performance is a top priority, or you must completely use Windows/Mac.

He buys: Amazon, CTL, NextwareHouse, Newegg