Asustek releases the new Chromebox 4 with the 10th generation Intel processor

In appearance, Chromebox 4 is very similar to its predecessor (Chromebox 3). Both are black, with Asustek's logo in the middle and Chrome's logo in the upper left corner. It's the same size-5.85 x 5.85 x 1.58 inches-but Asustek has made a big change under the hood. On Chromebox 3, which uses the eighth generation of Intel processors, Chromebox 4 offers the tenth generation of Intel processors. Asustek said these would provide "faster, smoother and more energy-efficient performance".

The new Chromebox can contain the Intel Cy 5205U or one of the following three Intel Core processors: i3-10110U, i5-10210U or i7-10510U. These are all 15wtdps.

For other specifications, you can configure 4GB or 8GB memory (DDR4-SO-DIMM) and maximum 256GB storage space (via M.2 SATA SSD) for Chromebox 4. There are a large number of ports-including HDMI 2.0, USB-C 3.2 generation 1 (which supports power transmission and display ports), and USB 3.2 generation 2 Type-A--, which can support up to three 4K displays at a time. The system supports dual-band 802.11ax wireless network 6 and includes a fan.

Like other Chrome OS devices, Chromebox 4 supports Google Play. This means that you will be able to use Android applications locally on your device. Whether you really want to do this depends on your workflow-some Android apps work well on Chrome OS devices, while others are error-prone and useless. When it comes to Chrome OS, you'll also get automated software and security updates so you don't have to take the time to download and restart like a Windows or Mac computer.

Chromebox 4 will go on sale in North America in December, starting at $289.