Samsung's Series 3 Chromebox has a low price tag and brings much-needed horsepower to Google's Chrome OS vision. Here's a look at the compact desktop machine.
Stephen Shankland
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
The Series 3 Chromebox is about 7.5 inches square as viewed from the top. At $329, it's cheaper than the Chromebook laptops that were the first to bring Google's Chrome OS to the market starting in 2011.
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Samsung Series 3 Chromebox
Samsung's Series 3 Chromebox has a headset-microphone jack in the front, but no built-in microphone.
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Samsung Series 3 Chromebox ports
The back of the Chromebox has four USB ports, two DisplayPort ports, a DVI video port, and a Kensington lock.
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Samsung Series 3 Chromebox's Chrome branding
The Chromebox is an artfully crafted sealed box that sports Google's Chrome logo.
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Bluetooth-capable Samsung Series 3 Chromebox
The Chromebox's Bluetooth wireless communications link means wireless keyboards and mice can be used.
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Samsung Chromebox resembles Apple Mac Mini
Samsung's Series 3 Chromebox is reminiscent of Apple's Mac Mini.
