Google Chrome OS can best be described as a Linux-based operating system designed to work exclusively with web applications and Mountain View’s cloud-based Google Drive.
The operating system was announced on July 7, 2009, with the first Intel-based Chromebooks shipping on June 15, 2011.
Since then, the Chrome concept has only increased in popularity, with Samsung launching a versatile ARM-powered Chromebook which quickly became a best-selling product on Amazon at a $250 price point.
Of course, Samsung also sells a number of other Chrome-based devices, including the Series 5 550 Chromebook (Wi-Fi) and the XE300Mww_A01US Chromebox.
Recently, a redesigned Samsung Chromebox boasting a slick new case with rounded corners tipped up online. The XE300M22-B01US is equipped with the same hardware as its predecessor, including the same audio, video, Ethernet, and USB ports, although the front-facing ports are covered by a plastic door.
Additional specs include a 1.9 GHz Intel Celeron B840 processor, Intel HD graphics, 4GB of RAM, a 16GB SSD (solid state disk), WiFi, a 2W mono speaker, 6 USB 2.0 ports, a DVI port, headset jack and two display ports.
This week, Samsung rolled out a new Chromebox (XE300M22-A01US) powered by an Intel Core i5-2450M processor – a second-generation Intel Core CPU with HD Graphics 3000.
As Liliputing’s Brad Linder notes, while the Core i5-2450M chip may be a generation behind Santa Clara’s current processors, it does offer enough horsepower to handle most basic computing tasks, including HD video playback.
Additional specs? 4GB of RAM, 16GB of storage (SSD), 6 USB 2.0 ports, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, a DisplayPort and DVI jacks.
In terms of pricing, CompSource is currently charging $405 for the new Chromebox, while Amazon is shipping the device for $423.
