Google has revealed a new Chrome OS-based device — the Chromebit, a “Chromebook on a stick” device to complement its low-cost Chromebook notebooks. The dongle will be available later this year.
What’s interesting is that the Chromebit has the innards of a standard Chromebook, that means it gets 2GB RAM, a Rockchip 3288 processor and 16GB of storage. That in a form factor no bigger than an iPhone. If you thought “Chromecast,” well yes, there are similarities. It will cost less than USD100 (RM370) and will be on sale in summer.
In terms of expansion, the Chromebit sports one HDMI and one USB port. You can plug the Chromebit to a an external display, as well as attach a keyboard or mouse. It also has Bluetooth so you can connect Bluetooth-capable peripherals.
ASUS was tasked to build the Chromebit and it has achieved quite a marvel. ASUS on its own has its small PC form factors, as well as Chromebooks. A new Chromebook from ASUS is coming later this year — the USD249 (RM921) Chromebook Flip.
The Flip will feature a Yoga-like design that is convertible, capable of flipping its display 360 degrees.
Google has worked with hardware partners like ASUS, Acer, AOPEN, HP, Lenovo, Dell and LG for its low-cost, internet-connected Chrome device portfolio.
What do you think? A computer on a stick for you?
