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All-in-one PCs are hot again as HP sticks Chrome on a display that swivels
The company thinks it fits the bill as a new age 'family computer'
In addition to a new Chrome OS convertible tablet and a plug-and-play monitor, HP is getting freaky by announcing an all-in-one Chrome machine with a rotatable display. The company is hoping to redefine how a family computer serves its users by fueling good performance for basic tasks with a more tactile experience.
Chrome OS hardware is getting weird — and that's just the way we like it
If you don't like the hardware you have, just find a new angle to look at it
Variety's the spice of life (with Old Bay in a close second) but when it comes to Chrome OS devices, how many options do you really have? You've got your pick of laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1s galore — and that's fine for using Chrome when you're on the move, but what about a home office solution that's a little more stationary? Chromeboxes are up to the task, but it's been a while since we looked at an all-in-one Chrome desktop: the fabled Chromebase. Not only does it now sound like we're about to get a new Chromebase in the near future, but one with a few unique tricks.
There are plenty of Chromebooks, and a few Chrome OS desktop boxes, but there is a major lack of all-in-one options. If you wanted something akin to an iMac running Chrome OS, your only real choice was to find a 2016 Acer Chromebase. Acer announced two new all-in-one Chrome OS desktops today, both designed for use in schools and businesses.First is the Acer Chromebase 2412 (pictured above), which will have an unspecified "8th Gen Intel Core Processor," up to 8GB of DDR4 memory, and up to 128GB of internal storage. The built-in screen is a 24-inch IPS 1920x1080 panel with an anti-glare coating. The whole unit is VESA-compatible, so you can use a different mount if you want.Acer also revealed the 'Chromebase for Meetings 24V2,' and as the name implies, it's intended to be a video conferencing tool first and foremost. A 5MP wide-angle webcam and dual microphones are built-in. Other specifications include an Intel Core i7-8550 processor, 4GB of DDR4 RAM, and 32GB of storage. I'm not sure why a dedicated video conferencing PC needs a Core i7 processor, especially one that runs Chrome OS — an operating system that is relatively light on CPU power.Both desktops have plenty of connectivity options, including USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.1 Type-A, HDMI, an SD card slot, and RJ45 Ethernet. They also have the Play Store, so you can install just about any Android app. Exact information about pricing and availability hasn't been revealed yet.