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Lenovo’s $249 Chromebox Micro is a ChromeOS desktop primarily for commercial use, specifically 24/7 operation in digital signage and kiosk applications, though it’s available for individual sale at some retailers. About the size of a large smartphone, this tiny desktop doesn’t have much performance on tap, but it has built-in Wi-Fi and supports dual 4K displays. It can be deployed at scale and bundled with smart displays directly from Lenovo’s OEM branch. The Chromebox Micro’s only real downside is its commercial-first focus on how it’s designed and sold. While you can buy a single unit from certain retailers, the Chromebox Micro is primarily sold in bulk to businesses. And its performance is tailored for that purpose, meaning consumers seeking a miniaturized family-room PC should look elsewhere, starting with basic models like Lenovo’s own IdeaCentre Mini or Asus’ ExpertCenter line. Configuration and Design: Small Enough to Fit in Your PocketThe Chromebox Micro’s sole configuration teams an Intel Celeron N4500 processor with 8GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage, similar hardware to that found in entry-level Chromebooks. This adds up to just enough performance for running the Chrome web browser and signage apps, but don’t look to the Micro for anything more than what an ultra-budget Chromebook can do.
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(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
At 6.42 by 3.1 by 0.8 inches, the Chromebox Micro has almost the same surface area as an iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.3 by 3 by 0.32 inches), so it’s easy to mount almost anywhere. In fact, Lenovo, via its OEM Solutions branch, sells special 15.6- and 21.5-inch smart displays onto which you can mount the Chromebox Micro. Businesses buying many of these devices can manage them through ChromeOS with the Kiosk and Digital Signage upgrade.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The Chromebox Micro doesn’t do much to catch the eye outside of its small size. A Lenovo logo and Chromebox label adorn the top panel. Made of all plastic on the outside, this one-pound desktop feels reasonably sturdy and flex-free.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Ports along the back include two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Type-C port, a 3.5mm universal audio jack, an Ethernet jack, and an HDMI video output. The USB-C port works for video output. Another USB-C port on the right flank completes the list (and accommodates the provided power adapter). The power button is on the right edge.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
As noted, the Chromebox Micro isn’t built for high performance. Its Celeron processor requires little power and allows the system to be fanless and, therefore, silent. It did get warm to the touch during our performance tests, but not to a concerning degree.Testing the Lenovo Chromebox Micro: The Bare NecessitiesPerformance benchmarks don’t get to the point of the Chromebox Micro, but to recap, we’re reviewing the system in its only available configuration, with a dual-core Intel Celeron N4500 processor, Intel integrated graphics, 8GB of memory, and 32GB of eMMC flash storage.
As we haven’t tested any other Chromeboxes recently, we’re pitting the Micro against several budget Chromebooks, including the Acer Chromebook 315 ($439 as tested); two HP laptops, the Chromebook x360 13b ($449 as tested) and the Chromebook x360 14a ($330 as tested); and Lenovo’s own Flex 3 Chromebook ($349 as tested). All use budget Intel chips like the Chromebox Micro’s, save for the HP x360 13b, which has a MediaTek Arm processor.Productivity TestsWe test Chromebooks with three overall performance benchmark suites: One ChromeOS, one Android, and one online. The first, CrXPRT 2 by Principled Technologies, measures how quickly a system performs everyday tasks in six workloads, such as applying photo effects, graphing a stock portfolio, analyzing DNA sequences, and generating 3D shapes using WebGL.Our second test, UL’s PCMark for Android Work 3.0, performs assorted productivity operations in a smartphone-style window. Finally, Basemark Web 3.0 runs in a browser tab to combine low-level JavaScript calculations with CSS and WebGL content. All three yield numeric scores; higher numbers are better.
The Chromebox Micro didn’t have the grandest start, failing to run CrXPRT 2 (the HP x360 14a trailed while the other laptops roughly doubled its score) and finishing last in Basemark Web. Lenovo’s box partially redeemed itself in PCMark for Android, landing in the middle of the pack, though well behind the Lenovo Flex 3 with its newer Intel N100 CPU.Graphics TestsThe Lenovo Micro also balked at our Geekbench CPU measurement, though it did run GFXBench 5.0, which we use to stress the graphics silicon of ChromeOS devices. The test features low-level routines, like texturing, and high-level, game-like image rendering that exercises graphics and compute shaders, reporting results per second (fps).
The Chromebox Micro’s low scores suggest its Intel UHD integrated graphics are barely powerful enough for basic animations and digital signage. The Acer Chromebook fared better and the Lenovo Flex better still, but none of these machines is realistically cut out for anything more than web browsing.Verdict: Built for Commercial SuccessLenovo’s Chromebox Micro has everything it needs to fulfill its primarily commercial mission. This exceptionally compact ChromeOS desktop provides ample connectivity and just enough performance for digital signage and kiosk jobs; Lenovo even pairs it with specialized smart displays through its OEM branch. While everyday consumers can buy the Chromebox Micro through certain retailers, they likely won’t get much use out of it. However, businesses deploying at scale ought to find lots of value at the micro-desktop’s $249 list price.
Pros
Inexpensive
Dual 4K display support
Super compact
Fanless
View
More
The Bottom Line
Lenovo’s Chromebox Micro is an enticing value for commercial digital signage applications, though you can buy one for home use, too.
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