Google has just announced Rockchip RK3288 Chromebooks, and also quickly mentioned Chrombit Chrome OS dongle, but with very few details. However, several large US blogs like Engadget and Gizmodo got a sample (mock-up?), and shared more details.
So now we have the technical specifications of the dongle, which unsurprisingly also feature RK3288 processor:
- SoC – Rockchip RK3288-C quad core Cortex A17 processor with ARM Mali-T764 GPU.
- System Memory – 2 GB DDR3L SDRAM
- Storage – 16 GB eMMC Flash Storage
- Video Output – HDMI
- Connectivity – Dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 2×2 (MIMO) a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0
- USB – 1x USB 2.0 host port, 1x micro USB OTG port
- Power – 5V via micro USB port
- Dimensions – N/A
- Weight – N/A
It’s quite likely the Rockchip processor won’t run at full speed, at least not for a long period of time, as it’s likely to overheat in such small form factor, but for most use cases it should not be noticeable. They’ve decided to go with a swivel, which makes it easier to hide behind the TV.
It will cost less than $100, and other PC manufacturers are expected to launch Chromebits too.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Why would anyone buy this, when you can get a stick with the same processor and full Android for less?
Hopefully, after it comes out firmware can be ported why buy this? It’s the flagship of the flagship killer. Allot nicer than these mfq10000 sticks even I enjoyed, I dunno it’s wearing thin, this android TV. Hey look: no free sample! Shucks….