ASUS and Google launch $85 Chromebit that turns any monitor into a computer
It was way back in March that Google and ASUS revealed a couple of interesting ChromeOS products. There was an interesting yoga-like Chromebook that could flip and fold into a tablet, and also a small little dongle called the Chromebit which turned any HDMI monitor or TV into a computer.
That dongle is nearly ready to be sold. Google and ASUS have revealed that the device will cost $85 when it launches. We don’t know when exactly that launch will happen, but we do know where you’ll be able to get it. Folks in the Us can get it from Amazon, Fry’s and Newegg. It’ll also be available in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK.
The Chromebit won’t be able to rival the big boys in terms of performance, of course, but it has enough under the hood to deliver a competent Chrome OS experience, which favors lightweight web apps that don’t need a ton of horsepower. Here’s what’s going on inside:
- Rockchip RK3288-C with Mali T764 graphics
- 16GB of storage and 2GB of RAM
- Dual-band 2×2 WiFi AC
- HDMI-out, 1x USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
- 123 x 31 x 17mm
- 75g
Also note that the Chromebit needs an external power source, and ASUS opted to use a proprietary wall outlet connection so you won’t be able to power it using your display’s USB ports. It’s a petite little thing that could be the perfect entry-level device for those who don’t already have a more capable PC, and at $85 it could make the perfect gift for the upcoming holiday season. Would you grab one if the need for an affordable PC arose?
[via TechCrunch]