Google and Asus Team Up with Chromebit; Turns Any Monitor Into a Computer for $85

[dgstorm]

As long as your monitor or TV has an HDMI input, the new Chromebit from Google and Asus will let you convert it into a fully functioning "Chrome-based" computer. It's not quite ready for retail, but it is coming soon. When it does land, it will come to Amazon, Fry’s and Newegg in the US. It will also become available in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK.

The Chromebit will only cost $85 USD and here are its full specs:

• Rockchip RK3288-C with Mali T764 graphics
• 16GB of storage and 2GB of RAM
• Dual-band 2×2 WiFi AC
• HDMI-out, 1x USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
• 123 x 31 x 17mm
• 75g
• Chrome OS

The little conversion dongle does require a power outlet and will not power through USB, so there is one caveat. Despite that, this could be a handy little device for the right user(s). It comes in a variety of colors (including what you see in the image above as well as black). It will even let you watch various TV shows from Google Play, Netflix or Hulu, just like any other Chrome OS device.

We will keep an eye out and let you folks know when it becomes available.

 

[Vepaot]

I guess that's something for people that aren't very tech literate, but I'll stick to my Raspberry Pi.

 

[RyanPm40]

Or, if you have a chromecast, just cast your computer's screen..

 

[Jeffrey]

Or, if you have a chromecast, just cast your computer's screen..

I think the purpose is to create a Chromebook experience on a standard [non smart] TV.
I do feel it is overpriced and should retail for $39 to $49.

 

[CJM]

Add in the fact you'll need a wireless keyboard and mouse too. If you don't have one already it's gonna be more than $85.

Tapped from a Nexus 6

 

[IIGood]

Or, if you have a chromecast, just cast your computer's screen..

Eh, kind of. It's been my experience that there is some serious lag between the laptop screen and what shows on the Chromecast.

 

[ayersaft]