LG Chromebase: Google’s Chrome OS To Launch On All-In-One Desktop

The Chrome OS is making its way onto an all-in-one PC. The simple, Web-based operating system from Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) was designed around the browser of the same name, and it's gained popularity through Chromebooks, a series of mostly low-cost laptops from Samsung, Acer and others.

LG announced on Wednesday that it would introduce the Chromebase, a 21.5-inch full HD (1980 x 1080) all-in-one PC, at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. The Chromebase will feature specifications similar to those found on a Chromebook, including an Intel Celeron CPU featuring Haswell architecture, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of solid-state storage.

The Chromebase will ship with a keyboard, mouse, speakers and a webcam, and it features USB, HDMI and Ethernet inputs. The HDMI input will allow the Chromebase to display content from Blu-ray players and game consoles like the newly released Sony PlayStation 4, and it can function as a monitor for another computer.

LG did not announce a price or release date for the Chromebase, but it said it will release more information about the all-in-one PC in early 2014. LG believes the Chromebase will be popular with consumers, but it will be most appreciated “in schools, hotels, call centers and other business settings,” Hyoung-sei Park, head of the company’s business division, said in a press release.

Chromebase Specifications

- Fourth Generation (Haswell) Intel Celeron Processor

- 21.5-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display

- 2GB of RAM memory

- 16GB integrated SSD (iSSD)

- HDMI-in, USB 2.0 x3, USB 3.0 x1, LAN

- 720p, 1.3-megapixel webcam

Here is the full text of LG’s press release:

LG To Introduce World’s First All-In-One Chromebase At CES 2014

SEOUL, Dec. 18, 2013 — LG Electronics (LG) will unveil the first-ever Chromebase, an all-in-one computer powered by the Google Chrome operating system at next month’s 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The LG Chromebase (Model 22CV241) offers the highly efficient Chrome operating system for a fast, simple, secure and affordable computing experience. Along with the unique OS, a 21.5-inch widescreen Full HD IPS display and a raft of advanced features, this innovative new desktop computer comes packaged in a chic, space-saving design.

Simple and Easy to Use OS

The LG Chromebase all-in-one computer is underpinned by a simple yet powerful architecture and comes with several outstanding Google applications. It also serves as a gateway to tens of thousands of web apps in the Chrome Web Store, many of which work just as well offline as they do online. The LG Chromebase allows users to write emails and documents, read the latest news and ebooks, edit videos and photos and play entertaining games. The streamlined platform makes almost any task effortless and is the perfect device for taking advantage of Google products such as Gmail, Drive, Search, Maps, YouTube, Play or Google+ Hangouts. The LG Chromebase also offers robust built-in security, employing multiple layers of protection to keep users’ information safe. Moreover, with automatic built-in updates, Chrome OS reduces the hassle of manually having to conduct maintenance on the computer.

“Simple to operate for all types of users, the award-winning LG Chromebase computer represents the successful combination of simplicity, power and great design,” said Hyoung-sei Park, head of the IT Business Division at LG Electronics. “LG Chromebase is the wave of the future for desktops, expected to be widely adopted not only at home, but especially in schools, hotels, call centers and other business settings.”

Brilliant Full HD IPS and More

With excellent hardware in a minimalistic package, the LG Chromebase reflects the power and simplicity of the Chrome operating system. Ideal for both personal and business use, the versatile computer features a 21.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display that delivers accurate color reproduction, stunning contrast and an impressive 178-degree viewing angle. The processing power of the fourth-generation Intel^® CPU enables the LG Chromebase to handle web apps, games and graphics with ease. The versatile computer also incorporates a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a microphone for easy video calling. What’s more, this AIO computer delivers clear and powerful sound and music through a pair of built-in 5W speakers.

“LG’s Chromebase is an exciting new form factor that expands the options available to customers who want a fast, simple and secure computing experience for the home, school or office,” said Caesar Sengupta, vice president of product management, Google. “LG Electronics makes great devices that customers love, and we’re glad to welcome them to the Chrome family.”

Visitors to LG’s booth at CES 2014 (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall #8204) will have the opportunity to see this unique product for themselves from Tuesday, January 7 through Friday, January 10.