ViewSonic is probably best known for its displays and projectors. But the company’s latest device is a full-fledged computer (if you consider devices that run Chrome OS to be full-fledged computers).
The ViewSonic NMP660 Chromebox is a small box that measures 6″ x 5.8″ x1.7″ and which weighs about 1.4 pounds. It features an Intel Celeron 3865U Kaby lake dual-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage. And the computer is expected to cost about $349 when it goes on sale in April.
Like CTL’s new Chromebox, the new model from ViewSonic is aimed at the education market. But despite the similar specs and design, CTL plans to sell its CBx1 Chromebox for $199, which certainly makes it look like a better deal for now.
Anyway, I suppose it’s always nice to have more options in the Chrome OS desktop space.
The ViewSonic NMP660 supports 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth, and a bunch of ports, including:
- 3 USB 2.0
- 2 USB 3.0
- 1 USB 3.1 Type-C
- 3.5mm audio
- RJ45 Ethernet
- HDMI
- Micro SD card reader
The system will support the Google Play Store and Android apps out of the box.
Stay away unless there’s a cheap and inexpensive way to swap out the SSD when it goes bad.
Celeron 3865U supports 4K 60Hz on DP but not HDMI. Both this and the CTL box have HDMI and USB-C. I wonder if the USB-C port supports DP alt-mode for 4K 60Hz.
CTL explicitly states that the USB-C port is intended to support a second display. Given that the OS and processor are the same it is hard to imagine how the Viewsonic version would not as well.
Brad, I received an email notification for Caitlin’s response (good), but it was addressed “Hi Caitlin Bestler,” (whoops)
It’s all automated by WordPress. Not really sure how to fix that, but if you have any ideas let me know. 🙂
I agree with the other comments. $350 seems overpriced. But maybe the pricetag includes licensing to use 32gb of storage instead of 16gb? I don’t see any other reason why ChromeOS devices are limited to only 16gb of storage. It might cost what $25 to increase the flash memory by another 16gb? Licensing may also be the reason why flash memory is soldered to the motherboard, making it impossible for end users to upgrade.
nice to see a new chromebox but thats way overpriced. at that price it should be shoved up ordeiths but
The Viewsonic Chromeox adds two things when compared to the CTL chromebox: a TPM module and $150.
I’m not even sure what you would use a TPM module for within the context of a ChromeOS eco-system that already authenticates the boot image, but I imagine there are enterprise customers that are *required* get systems with TPMs, and it would cost the company over $150 to get an exemption approved.