Lenovo has launched a tiny computer called the Chromebox Micro, which is about the size of a cell phone. Weighing just one pound, it doesn’t have its own screen but uses HDMI output to connect to a display. Although designed for kiosks, digital signs, and store displays, it can also function as a mini-PC and work with any HDMI display, making it versatile.
The Chromebox Micro is dust-proof and fanless, providing a compact and affordable option. It has 8GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, running on an Intel Celeron N4500 CPU. Surprisingly, given its size, it includes several ports, such as two USB-C ports, an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, two full-sized USB ports, and a headphone jack. For easy mounting, the device has screw holes.
Designed to be remotely controlled, the Chromebox Micro supports the ChromeOS Kiosk and Digital Signage Upgrade, allowing the management of multiple units simultaneously. It can power two 4K displays independently, and there are plans for 15.6-inch and 21.5-inch displays with a built-in cavity to hold the Micro.
While the Chromebit from Asus, released in 2015, is technically smaller, the Chromebox Micro offers more functionality. Expected to be available in the first quarter of the next year, it comes with a price tag of $219. Initially targeted at businesses, there may be a chance for average consumers to purchase one, offering an interesting option for those in need of a compact and versatile computing solution.
