Intel NUC vs Google Chromebox vs Mac mini comparison
Google launched its own operating system a couple of years back with the introduction of affordable Chromebooks. ChromeOS is a web based operating system which does everything in a web browser and users can make use of Chrome Apps for productivity. The OS has its limitations since it cannot perform advance tasks and it is not compatible with Windows or Mac based software. Chromebooks were designed to be affordable and within the budget of lower to middle class users.
Google also launched Chromebox, which is a compact system with ChromeOS. Chromebox is a complete system for under $200 featuring Intel Celeron processors to perform low CPU intensive tasks. The company partnered with ASUS, Dell, HP and Acer to manufacturer Chromebox in different configurations. It is a pretty neat gadget which can easily be connected to any display and make use of ChromeOS to browse the web or make spreadsheets and documents using Google apps. Below are the specifications of Chromebox with upgrade options from different manufacturers:
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|
ASUS Chromebox |
Dell Chromebox |
HP Chromebox |
Acer Chromebox |
|
Operating System |
Chrome OS |
Chrome OS |
Chrome OS |
Chrome OS |
|
CPU |
1.4 GHz Intel Celeron 2955U |
1.4 GHz Intel Celeron 2957U |
1.4 GHz Intel Celeron 2955U |
1.4 GHz Intel Celeron 2957U |
|
Graphics |
Intel HD Graphics |
Intel HD Graphics |
Intel HD Graphics |
Intel HD Graphics |
|
Memory |
2 GB DDR3 |
2 GB DDR3 |
2 GB DDR3 |
2 GB DDR3 |
|
Storage |
16 GB SSD |
16 GB SSD |
16 GB SSD |
16 GB SSD |
|
Connectivity |
802.11 Wireless N Bluetooth 4.0 Ethernet |
Intel 7260AC WiFi Bluetooth 4.0 Ethernet |
802.11 Wireless N Bluetooth 4.0 Ethernet |
802.11 Wireless N Bluetooth 4.0 Ethernet |
|
I/O |
4 x USB 3.0 ports HDMI port DisplayPort Ethernet Power In SD Card slot Headphone/Mic |
4 x USB 3.0 ports HDMI port DisplayPort Ethernet Power In SD Card slot Headphone/Mic |
4 x USB 3.0 ports HDMI port DisplayPort Ethernet Power In SD Card slot Headphone/Mic |
4 x USB 3.0 ports HDMI port DisplayPort Ethernet Power In SD Card slot Headphone/Mic |
|
Power Supply |
65 W Adapter |
65 W Adapter |
65 W Adapter |
65 W Adapter |
|
Dimensions |
124 x 124 x 42 mm |
125 x 125 x 43 mm |
126 x 124 x 40 mm |
140 x 58 x 173 mm |
|
Accessories |
-Chrome Wireless Keyboard and Mouse (with selected models) -AC Adaptor -VESA Mount Kit |
-VESA Mount Kit -AC Adapter -Dell Wireless Keyboard Combo (Purchase Separately) |
-VESA Mount Kit -AC Adapter -HP Wireless Keyboard Combo (Purchase Separately) |
-VESA Mount Kit -AC Adapter -Acer Wireless Keyboard Combo (Purchase Separately) |
|
Price |
$159.99 |
$179.99 |
$179.99 |
$179.99 |
|
Upgrade Options |
Intel Core i7-4600U Intel Core i3-4010U 4 GB Memory |
4 GB Memory |
4 GB Memory |
Intel Core i3-4030U 8 GB Memory |
Chromebox for Meetings
Google has noticed an increasing trend for video conferencing and since Google Hangouts is widely used by professionals to conduct meetings, the company has launched specific Chromebox for meetings with the help of ASUS and Dell. Unlike the standard model, Chromebox for meeting comes with 4th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 4 GB memory, HD Camera, Microphone & speaker and a remote control. It comes as a complete package, ready to use for video conferencing. Google also includes a $250 Chromebox for Meetings license software with the package.
Chromebox for meetings is available for $999 which is quite cheap compared to other meeting room systems which start at a minimum of $6000. Low price does indicate that the camera included in the package is a HD webcam not a professional broadcasting camera but it can perform the job for small rooms.
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|
ASUS Chromebox for Meetings |
Dell Chromebox for Meetings |
|
Operating System |
Chrome OS |
Chrome OS |
|
CPU |
Intel Core i7-4600U (2.1 GHz Turbo up to 3.3 GHz) |
Intel Core i7-4600U (2.1 GHz Turbo up to 3.3 GHz) |
|
Graphics |
Intel HD 4400 |
Intel HD 4400 |
|
Memory |
4 GB DDR3 |
4 GB DDR3 |
|
Storage |
16 GB SSD |
16 GB SSD |
|
Connectivity |
802.11 Wireless N Bluetooth 4.0 Ethernet |
Intel 7260AC WiFi Bluetooth 4.0 Ethernet |
|
I/O |
4 x USB 3.0 ports HDMI port DisplayPort Ethernet Power In SD Card slot Headphone/Mic |
4 x USB 3.0 ports HDMI port DisplayPort Ethernet Power In SD Card slot Headphone/Mic |
|
Power Supply |
65 W Adapter |
65 W Adapter |
|
Dimensions |
124 x 124 x 42 mm |
125 x 125 x 43 mm |
|
Package Includes |
· ASUS Chromebox for meetings · HD Camera · Microphone/Speaker · AC Adapter · RF Remote with Full QWERTY keyboard |
· Dell Chromebox for meetings · HD Camera · VESA 100 mm kit · Power Cable · 15′ Ethernet Cable · Jabra Microphone and Speaker · Phillips Remote Control · 6′ HDMI to HDMI Cable · AC Adapter |
|
Additional Features |
Chromebox for meetings License
|
Chromebox for meetings License
|
|
Price |
$999 |
$999 |
Intel NUC & Apple Mac mini comparison with Google Chromebox
Google Chromebox faces tough competition from Intel NUC and Apple Mac mini systems because not only they have better specifications but also come with Windows and Mac OS X, which support Skype for Meetings. Having complete operating systems is an added feature because it allows the user to perform other everyday tasks as well. Windows and Mac OS X also support third party meeting providers. Skype for Business is the most widely used video conferencing application and offers much more than ChromeOS (Hangouts).
Intel NUC as a complete system will cost around $800 while Mac mini with the same configuration will cost $1199 but both of them do not include a camera, remote, microphone and speaker so adding the costs of all these necessary things, the cost can go all the way up to $1200 for Intel NUC and $1500 for Mac mini. In this scenario, Google Chromebox for Meetings is a feasible option but if you want to use the system for other tasks then it is better to spend $200 extra and buy Intel NUC with accessories.
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|
Intel NUC Core i7 |
Apple Mac mini Core i7 |
|
Processor |
5th Gen Intel Core i7-5557U |
4th Gen Core i7-4578U |
|
Memory |
Dual-channel DDR3L SODIMM, up to 16 GB |
8 GB 1600 MHZ LPDDR3 |
|
Graphics |
Intel Iris Pro HD 6100 mini HDMI 1.4a mini DisplayPort |
Intel Iris HD 5100 Mini DisplayPort HDMI Port |
|
Audio |
7.1 surround sound Headphone/mic jack |
Audio in port Headphone port |
|
Peripheral Connectivity |
4 x USB 3.0 ports 2 x USB 2.0 ports via internal Consumer Infrared sensor |
2 x Thunderbolt ports 4 x USB 3.0 ports SDXC card slot IR Receiver |
|
Storage |
M.2 slot for SSDS SATA 2.5-inch drive |
256 GB PCIe SSD |
|
Networking |
Intel Gigabit Ethernet Intel Wireless AC 7265 Bluetooth 4.0 |
802.11 ac WiFi Bluetooth 4.0 Ethernet |
|
Enclosure |
Aluminum and Plastic Silver with black top 115 x 111 x 48.7 mm |
Aluminum Case 196 x 196 x 36 mm |
|
Power Adapter |
19v, 65 Watt AC adapter |
N/A |
|
Included in the box |
Intel NUC Kit VESA mount bracket AC power adapter Integration guide Processor Badge |
Mac mini Power Cord |
|
Price |
$486 |
$1199 |
|
Complete System With 256 GB SSD, Windows 8.1 & 8 GB RAM |
$800 |
|
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*Note: Intel NUC kit does not include RAM, Storage and OS. |
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It comes down to user preference but we prefer Intel NUC over Chromebox because of the operating system. Chrome OS has a long way to go before it can become a standard OS but for now it is a good option for Chromebooks and standard Chromebox.
