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Chromebase: LG's all-in-one desktop that runs Chrome OS

The electronics giant announces a full HD 21.5-inch screen desktop computer that easily runs Google products, like Gmail, Drive, Play, and Google+ Hangouts.

Dara Kerr Former senior reporter
Dara Kerr was a senior reporter for CNET covering the on-demand economy and tech culture. She grew up in Colorado, went to school in New York City and can never remember how to pronounce gif.
Dara Kerr
2 min read
LG's upcoming Chromebase will run Chrome OS. LG Electronics

LG Electronics has officially jumped into the Chrome OS market. The electronics giant announced Tuesday that it would be unveiling its all-in-one Chromebase desktop computer during the upcoming 2014 Consumer Electronics Show.

"Simple to operate for all types of users, the award-winning LG Chromebase computer represents the successful combination of simplicity, power and great design," LG's head of IT Business Hyoung-sei Park said in a statement. "LG Chromebase is the wave of the future for desktops, expected to be widely adopted not only at home, but especially in schools, hotels, call centers and other business settings."

The Chromebase will have a full HD IPS display on its 1080p 21.5-inch screen. It will come with 2GB of memory, 16GB of storage, and an Intel Celeron processor. Also included will be a 1.3-megapixel webcam and microphone for video calling, 5-watt speakers, keyboard, and a mouse.

The fact that LG has been working on a device to run Google's Chrome OS isn't that surprising. In January 2012, the company signed a deal with Microsoft allowing it to use operating system patents for devices running Android and Chrome OS. LG has also already teamed up with Google to create the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 smartphones.

"LG's Chromebase is an exciting new form factor that expands the options available to customers who want a fast, simple and secure computing experience for the home, school or office," Google's vice president of product management for Chromebooks Caesar Sengupta said. "LG Electronics makes great devices that customers love, and we're glad to welcome them to the Chrome family."

There were hints in October that LG was planning some sort of Chrome OS device. It had filed for trademarks on three names that contain the word Chrome -- ChromeOne, ChromeDesk, and ChromeStation. The three trademarks were listed in the device class as "Laptop computers; Computers; Convertible computers; Tablet computers."

It's still unclear when Chromebase will hit the consumer market or how much it will cost. Given the lower prices of other desktops and laptops that run Chrome OS, like Chromebooks, chances are the Chromebase won't be over-the-top expensive.