Acer’s New Tiny PCs Run ChromeOS

There are two kinds of people when it comes to tiny PCs—those looking for the absolute best hardware, or something that just gets the job done. If you’re in the latter camp, a lot of people tend to go for Chromebooks on the laptop side, and these Chromeboxes are perfect for doing the same thing on the tiny PC side.

Acer has just announced the Acer Chromebox CXI6 and the ultra-compact Chromebox Mini CXM2. The former is powered by up to an Intel Core 7 150U processor, so it’s decently powerful—the only reason I’m not pitching it as a “powerful” tier tiny PC is because it runs ChromeOS. It has a decently extensive array of connectivity options, designed to support complex multi-display setups. The device includes five USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, and dual HDMI ports. This combination allows the Chromebox CXI6 to drive up to four independent monitors simultaneously, which is actually a neat advantage for productivity-focused commercial and educational settings. For networking, it is equipped with both Wi-Fi 6E and a 2.5G LAN port, so you can have a fast and stable internet connection for demanding online tasks and apps.

If you don’t mind a tiny spec drop in exchange for something even smaller, the Chromebox Mini CXM2 is for you. This model features an ultra-compact, fanless design, allowing it to operate silently while occupying minimal desk space. It is also equipped with an Intel Core 3 N350 processor—not the best in terms of absolute raw power, but it delivers solid performance for everyday multitasking and general use, especially considering it’s powered by ChromeOS. Despite its small size, the Chromebox Mini CXM2 doesn’t skimp on connectivity, featuring five USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, and dual HDMI ports.

Both the Chromebox CXI6 and the Chromebox Mini CXM2 feature an optional VESA mounting kit that allows the units to be attached to the back of a monitor, creating an all-in-one-style setup that saves even more space. For security, both models can be anchored using a Kensington lock.

Acer also unveiled the Chromebook Plus Spin 514, its first portable device powered by the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra processor. This new chipset includes an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that provides 50 TOPS of AI processing power, and it also has up to 17 hours of battery life. It supports a USI 2.0 stylus for note-taking and creative work and is built to MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability standards.

The Acer Chromebox CXI6 will be available starting at $520, while the Chromebox Mini CXM2 starts at a lower $320. They are pretty far off—one’s coming out in December, and the other by the beginning of next year. Nonetheless, keep an eye out at Acer’s website to know more.

Source: Acer