For just over $180 or £145, you can get your hands on a rebadged Asus Chromebox 3 - the cheapest PC that runs on Chrome OS - from Chinese retailer Aliexpress.
Sold under the Gemnes brand name, the device runs on the Intel Celeron 3865U with 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, a GbE LAN connection, six USB ports (including a Type-C one) and a card reader.
The intuitiveness of Chrome OS and the ubiquity of Google’s Android platform make this one a no-brainer if your business is already immersed in the ecosystem - especially if you use Google G Suite.
Some might say a Chromebook is a more sensible option, but this Chromebox has superior connectivity options and a VESA mount.
Unfortunately, Aliexpress does not ship this product to Australia, so Australian customers may have to use a specialist parcel forwarding service if they want to take advantage of the deal.
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New updates to the Chrome OS are downloaded and installed automatically, so you’re always running the most recent update. It’s also extremely secure thanks to Google’s malware protection.
If this product comes from mainland China, it will take at least a month to reach either the US or the UK (and potentially more). You may be levied a tax either directly or through the courier.
Have you managed to get hold of a cheaper product with equivalent specifications, in stock and brand new? Let us know and we'll tip our hat to you.
Note, Chrome OS devices usually have a shorter shelf life than their Windows counterparts. The CN65, for example, has an auto update expiration date of June 2025, which doesn't apply to Windows 10 computers.
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