Question 1

can I use my existing USB keyboard and mouse with this?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use them although if there is some non-standard functions those might not work.  E.g.: some Logitech mice have programmable buttons, that would be a functionality that you will not be able to use.

Question 2

My main concern is word processing.  If I want to update my resume (Microsoft Word) or write letters, will this work?  Also, will it open Adobe files? and saved in Adobe format?

And one more thing, can I hook up my printer and do scan and save?

Thank you.

Accepted Answer

Yea it will work but youll have to use google docs which is native to the Chrome OS so once you open the word file you then have to save it in google docs format to edit it. Yes it will open adobe pdf files, you can install third party pdf readers if you aren't satisfied with adobe reader.  Okay so this is the one part of the chromebox that isnt so great. The printer integration is bad, so the only way you can connect the chromebox to your printer, is if your printer supports wireless printing once you have that you should have all printing and scanning capablities. However if you have an existing printer that doesn't have this wireless feature then you have two options, you either have to share the printer to an existing windows computer and then through your google account add the print via the shared windows computer. The other option is to purchase a print server. This device in my opinion is best used for web browsing and operating from web based services such as email, terminal clienting, remoting into a virtual machine. Its a internet based that serves to be more of a terminal, much like a Point of Sale machine in a Retail store. I hope this review answers your questions.

Question 3

Does this run off WiFi or does it have to be a direct connect to my modem/router??

Accepted Answer

I have used the Chromebox extensively with both solely wifi and solely via network cable.  As is always the case with every computer, there is a slight performance advantage withthe  wired network

Question 4

How does this access the Internet w/out a service provider? Is it stand alone? My Mother lives in an assisted living Apt. They had me phone Comcast for Internet service. Just want to communicate w/her she can't hear so the phone is out.

Accepted Answer

The Chromebox has a built-in wireless connection. If she does not get her own Internet Service provider, she would have to connect to free public wifi (wireless access).  If the assisted living apt. does not have a public wifi then she would have to be in close proximity to other sources such as coffee shops, library, hotel, restaurants that provide free wifi.  This may or may not be an option as usually need to be close to the source and if the apt. has brick walls that might be difficult to find a strong signal.  Unfortunately, your only choice may be to find a service provider and I would recommend getting the most basic affordable package they have.

Question 5

Can you use programs like word and excel?

Accepted Answer

Not unless you erase the Chrome operating system on the device and install a version of Microsoft Windows and Office.

However, you do not need to do this to open and work with Microsoft Office documents. An alternative is to use Google Documents through the Chrome web browser. Just Google "Google Documents."

Question 6

does a chromebox work with netgear routers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the ASUS Chromebox has an Gigabit Ethernet port on the back that can be linked to any standard network router using an Ethernet cable. You can also connect to any 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless router. I don't believe Chrome OS is setup to handle enterprise networking standards such as BGP, RIP, STP, VRRP, OSPF, or PoE (Power over Ethernet) connections, but if you are implementing these types of networks you are probably not in the market for a consumer microcomputer such as the ASUS Chromebox.

Question 7

We are looking to replace an old xp box. In looking into ubuntu as an alternative to win7/8 we found Netflix is not compatible with Linux. Can users confirm that netflix will work on the ASUS chromebox?

Ted

Accepted Answer

Actually, if you use chrome on ubuntu, Netflix should work just fine. At least, it did for me about 4 years ago... Also, Netflix works great on Chrome OS.

Question 8

Can you put a hard drive inside?

Accepted Answer

i did up grade the ram to 4 gig by adding a single 2 gig of ddr3 because Asus only install 1 2gig stick from factory and the board has 2 memory slots  still have the default 16 gig sata solid state drive in mine but i also have a usb 3.0 1tb external connected using only usb power with allot of movies mp3's and also any thing i download is downloaded to the 1tb drive like MP3 from youtube using vidtomp3 site and the 16g that has the main google os on it dose not need to be touched and it works flawless

Question 9

Does Chrome OS handle microsoft xp computer programs?

Accepted Answer

I have not tried that, but I doubt it.  The OS looks something like Android, but there are not as many apps available for it yet.  For someone who only needs to get on the internet, manage email, etc., this is a very fast box.  There is a VMware View client available, but I have not tested it yet.  So, it might make an inexpensive thin client.

Question 10

I want asus wireless keyboard and asus wireless mouse when I buy chromebox. Available from Newwegg?

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure if an Asus wireless keyboard and mouse is available on Newegg. I use a Logitech K400r wireless touch keyboard with my Asus Chromebox and it works great (just had to get used to a smaller keyboard).

So i would think most Logitech wireless keyboards/mouses would be a great option to go with your Chromebox.

Questions & Answers