Acer Chromebase

Released in mid-2015, the Acer Chromebase was the first all-in-one Chrome OS device to hit the market. The Chromebase is aimed at people who would enjoy an iMac but don’t have the budget to buy Apple hardware. It also makes a good choice for computing in places with little space for lots of computer equipment, such as kitchens and nooks.

Acer chose the NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor for the Chromebase, which is a pretty powerful quad-core processor running at 2.1 Ghz. The screen is 21.5” but the active matrix TFT display doesn’t quite cut it in a market full of ISP displays (an issue they’ve resolved with the newer Acer Chromebase 24). One model also features a touchscreen and still keeps the price low at around $400.

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Acer Chromebase Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebase	Acer Chromebase	Acer Chromebase
Price	List Price: $349.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $429.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $329.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	DC221HQ cwmircz / UM.WD1AA.C01	DC221HQ wmicz / UM.WD1AA.002	DC221HQ BWMICZ / UM.WD1AA.B02
Perfomance Rating	2.5	2.5	2.5
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No
Processor	Quad-core 2.10 Ghz NVIDIA Tegra K1 CD570M-A1	Quad-core 2.10 Ghz NVIDIA Tegra K1 CD570M-A1	Quad-core 2.10 Ghz NVIDIA Tegra K1 CD570M-A1
RAM	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB
Internal Storage	16 GB SSD	16 GB SSD	16 GB SSD
Screen Size	21.5"	21.5"	21.5"
Screen Resolution	1920x1080	1920x1080	1920x1080
Screen Type	LED Backlit Active Matrix TFT	LED Backlit Active Matrix TFT	LED Backlit Active Matrix TFT
Touch Screen	No	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	20.9 x 14.1 x 1.8 inches (530.86 x 358.14 x 45.72 mm)	20.9 x 14.1 x 1.8 inches (530.86 x 358.14 x 45.72 mm)	20.9 x 14.1 x 1.8 inches (530.86 x 358.14 x 45.72 mm)
Weight	7.46 lbs (3.39 kg)	7.46 lbs (3.39 kg)	7.46 lbs (3.39 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No	No
Webcam	HD	HD	HD
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0	Bluetooth 4.0
Ethernet	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cellular Modem	No	No	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3	2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3	2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	No Battery	No Battery	No Battery
Battery Life	0.0 hours	0.0 hours	0.0 hours
Fanless	No	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	August, 2020	August, 2020	August, 2020

Detailed Insights

The Acer Chromebase represents a significant milestone as Chrome OS’s first venture into the all-in-one desktop market. The design follows a familiar formula that will be recognizable to anyone who has used an iMac, with the monitor and computer components integrated into a single unit that sits on an adjustable stand. The stand offers an impressive 15 to 75-degree tilt range, allowing users to position the display for optimal viewing whether sitting or standing. Build quality reflects the budget-conscious price point with extensive use of plastic throughout, though the construction feels solid enough for a stationary desktop machine that won’t be subjected to the rigors of portable use.

Performance from the NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor proves adequate for the web-centric tasks that Chrome OS handles best. The quad-core ARM-based chip runs at 2.1GHz and provides smooth operation for browsing, email, document editing, and media playback. Users will notice occasional sluggishness when opening numerous tabs or running multiple Android applications simultaneously, but for typical productivity workflows the Chromebase keeps pace without frustrating delays. The 4GB of RAM pairs reasonably well with the processor, though the 16GB of internal storage emerges as the most significant limitation for users who want to keep local files or install a substantial library of Android apps.

Connectivity options cover the essentials without going overboard. The single USB 3.0 port handles high-speed peripherals while two USB 2.0 ports accommodate keyboards, mice, or additional devices. An HDMI input allows the Chromebase to function as an external monitor when needed, which adds versatility that many all-in-ones lack. Ethernet provides reliable wired networking for stable connections, complemented by dual-band 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless peripherals. A microSD card slot offers some relief for the storage constraints, enabling users to expand available space for photos, documents, or offline media. The 21.5-inch 1080p display delivers acceptable image quality for the price tier, though color accuracy and contrast fall short of more expensive IPS panels, particularly at wider viewing angles.

The integrated audio system consists of two 3-watt stereo speakers positioned along the bottom edge of the unit. Sound quality proves adequate for video calls and casual media consumption, though audiophiles will want external speakers for music listening. The built-in HD webcam handles video conferencing duties competently, with sufficient resolution for Google Meet or Zoom calls in typical lighting conditions. The touchscreen variant adds another dimension of interaction, responding accurately to taps and gestures while supporting pinch-to-zoom navigation through Chrome browser content. Touch input introduces a slight interference pattern visible on white backgrounds due to the sensor layer, but this proves unobtrusive during normal use and most users adapt quickly. The overall package targets users who prioritize simplicity and space efficiency over raw computing power, serving as an ideal companion for shared family spaces or compact home office setups.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebase

Kyle Funk’s Perspective (TechAeris)

Kyle Funk at TechAeris gave the Acer Chromebase a score of 8.2 out of 10, calling it excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers. His review highlighted the responsive touchscreen functionality on the touch-enabled model, noting that “switching between opened applications is quick and easy” during his testing. Funk praised the display quality as “pretty good for only being 1080p” while acknowledging that viewing angles could diminish color accuracy. The adjustable stand earned particular appreciation for its flexibility and solid construction.

The TechAeris review emphasized that the Chromebase performs well for typical Chrome OS workflows including web browsing, productivity applications, and media consumption. Funk concluded that “for the price of $429.99, you cannot go wrong with this AIO desktop” for users who understand Chrome OS’s strengths and limitations. His primary criticism centered on the meager 16GB storage, suggesting that Acer should have included at least 32GB to provide adequate breathing room for local files and Android applications.

Cam Bunton’s Perspective (9to5Google)

Cam Bunton at 9to5Google reviewed the touchscreen model and found it to be a solid budget option despite some notable compromises. His assessment characterized the build as “what you’d expect from a 21.5-inch desktop that costs well under $500 - meaning there’s a lot of plastic.” The review noted that while the plastic construction kept costs down, it also resulted in accessories that felt cheap, particularly the included keyboard with its “spongey” key feel and the mouse with an unresponsive scroll wheel.

Bunton praised the Chromebase’s value proposition while being candid about performance limitations. He observed occasional sluggishness when multiple tabs were open but concluded that “for its price point though, it’s definitely fast enough” for Chrome OS’s intended use cases. The versatile kickstand with integrated cable management earned positive marks, as did the touchscreen’s responsiveness for navigation and pinch-to-zoom gestures. His final verdict characterized it as “a great all-round package especially when considering the initial outlay,” recommending it for users who prioritize affordability over premium build quality.

Long-Term User Perspective (Chrome Unboxed Interview)

A unique testimonial-style interview conducted by Robby Payne from Chrome Unboxed showcased the Chromebase’s remarkable longevity through the experience of Genie, an 85-year-old user who relied on the device as her primary computer for over six years. Her daily usage included banking, managing investments through personal spreadsheets, writing letters in Google Docs, and video calling family members across the country. Despite the device’s age, Genie reported consistently fast performance with no noticeable delays or sluggishness.

The interview highlighted several qualities that made Chrome OS particularly suitable for senior users. Genie emphasized the complete absence of virus or malware concerns throughout her years of ownership, a stark contrast to her previous experiences with Windows computers. The integrated password management through Google Account proved invaluable for someone who described herself as “the world’s worst at passwords.” Perhaps most importantly, the Chrome Remote Desktop feature allowed family members to provide technical assistance from many miles away, enabling remote troubleshooting and support that gave both Genie and her family peace of mind. The large 21.5-inch display also proved essential for her limited eyesight, demonstrating how the Chromebase’s form factor served accessibility needs that portable devices could not easily match.

Edgar Cervantes’s Perspective (Android Authority)

Edgar Cervantes at Android Authority offered a pragmatic assessment of the Chromebase at its retail launch, acknowledging the hardware quality while questioning broader market appeal. He characterized it as “one hell of a Chrome OS computer” with solid specifications including the Tegra K1 quad-core processor with Kepler graphics, 4GB of RAM, and the option between touch and non-touch configurations at $429.99 and $329.99 respectively.

However, Cervantes raised important questions about Chrome OS’s viability in the desktop market. His analysis questioned whether users might simply prefer docking a Chromebook to an external monitor rather than committing to a stationary all-in-one device. He identified the most likely buyers as educational institutions, libraries, and casual users who needed a simple, low-maintenance computing solution. While remaining noncommittal about whether the Chromebase would achieve widespread adoption, he acknowledged the touchscreen capability could prove transformative for certain use cases and praised the competitive pricing that undercut traditional Windows all-in-one alternatives by a significant margin.

The consensus among reviewers pointed to the Acer Chromebase as a pioneering product that successfully demonstrated Chrome OS’s potential beyond laptops. While the limited storage capacity and budget-oriented build quality remained consistent criticism points, the value proposition and reliable performance earned praise across multiple publications.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebase

Amazon customers who purchased the Acer Chromebase gave it an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars across 120 reviews, reflecting a product that satisfied most buyers while leaving some wanting more. The positive reviews frequently mentioned the value proposition, with customers appreciating the all-in-one form factor that saved desk space and eliminated cable clutter. Many described it as perfect for basic computing tasks like web browsing, email, and video streaming, particularly for use in kitchens, guest rooms, or as a secondary family computer.

Common complaints centered on the limited storage capacity and the quality of included peripherals. Several reviewers recommended immediately replacing the bundled keyboard and mouse with higher-quality alternatives. Some users expressed frustration with Chrome OS’s limitations compared to traditional Windows or macOS systems, though these complaints often reflected unrealistic expectations rather than actual product defects. Long-term owners reported reliable performance with minimal issues, suggesting the Chromebase delivered good durability despite its budget-oriented construction.

Educational and institutional purchasers contributed particularly favorable reviews, praising the simplified management capabilities that Chrome OS provided for multi-user environments. Libraries and schools appreciated the lack of virus concerns and the straightforward Google Workspace integration that allowed students and patrons to access their files from any device. Several reviewers noted successful deployments in public-facing kiosk applications, where the touchscreen model proved intuitive for visitors who needed quick access to information or self-service tasks. The consistent boot speed and automatic updates eliminated the maintenance headaches that often plagued Windows-based public terminals.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebase made history as Chrome OS’s first all-in-one desktop and delivered a compelling package for its era. While no longer receiving software updates since August 2020, this pioneering device demonstrated that Chrome OS could succeed beyond laptops. Those seeking a similar experience with current software support should consider the Acer Chromebase 24, which offers improved display technology and modern specifications. For anyone who still owns and uses an original Chromebase, it served as an excellent introduction to Chrome OS desktop computing that helped establish the category we enjoy today.

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