Don't buy a Chromebox in 2023 — buy a Chromebook instead

[AC News]

Chromeboxes are great easy-to-use desktops. A Chromebook can be too, and it's a better choice right now.

Don't buy a Chromebox in 2023 — buy a Chromebook instead : Read more

 

[mammlouk]

I get where you are coming from. There are a couple of glaring issues with your recommendation of a cheap USB hub.
1. No Power Button

Having used a similar setup with my kids for awhile now, the lack of a power on button in a USB hub vs a real dock has a negative impact.​

2. No Ethernet

Maybe people don't care about this anymore with his fast Wi-Fi has become, but as someone who works with many large digital assets, I still prefer to have Ethernet for anything sitting on a desk.​

3. Desk Space

Unless you don't intend to use a monitor, have extra desk space, or intend to buy a monitor stand that you can fit the Chromebook and the USB hub underneath, then a Chromebox or alternative mini PC (nuc, Mac mini, Asus, beelink) gives you way more bang for the square inches.​

 

[Xader]

The other route you can take is what I ended up doing.

Buy a used micro pc for $100 with specs comparable to a good Chromebox (the one I got has a 3.4GHz Core i7, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD) , and install Chrome OS Flex on it.

Worked like a charm, and my kids are having no issues using it for schoolwork.