Acer Chromebase 24

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3.5

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The Acer Chromebase 24 was announced in January 2016 at CES and started shipping in the summer of 2016. It builds on the features of the original 21” Acer Chromebase with a bigger screen and overall better appearance. The Chromebase 24 features a range of Intel processors instead of the NVIDIA Tegra K1 found in earlier models.

The Acer Chromebase is designed for people who are looking for an all-in-one desktop similar to the Apple iMac, but at a much more reasonable price. The Chromebase has a list price starting at $429.99 compared to over $1000 for a bottom of the line iMac. While the Acer Chromebase isn’t the high-end machine you’d expect from Apple, it is more than enough machine for those who simply want an extra machine for surfing the Internet and doing basic tasks.

The 24” IPS display in the Chromebase has received good reviews online, with the only complaint being a relatively large amount of glare. There are built in speakers along the front edge which provide decent sound. The back and side of the Chromebase feature an HDMI out, Ethernet, headphone jack, SD card slot, and plenty of USB ports. Overall speed is decent even with the lower end Celeron processors.

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Acer Chromebase 24 Comparison Chart

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Acer Chromebase 24

Price

List Price: $429.99

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List Price: $499.99

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Model numberCA24I-CN / DQ.Z0EAA.001CA24I-CT / DQ.Z0DAA.001
Performance Rating2.32.3
Chromebook PlusNoNo
ProcessorDual-core 1.70 Ghz Intel Celeron 3215UDual-core 1.70 Ghz Intel Celeron 3215U
RAM4 GB4 GB
Internal Storage16 GB16 GB
Screen Size23.8"23.8"
Screen Resolution1920x10801920x1080
Screen TypeIPSIPS
Touch ScreenNoYes
Stylus / PenNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
22.9 x 15.8 x 1.4 inches
(581.66 x 401.32 x 35.56 mm)
22.9 x 15.8 x 1.4 inches
(581.66 x 401.32 x 35.56 mm)
Weightunknownunknown
Backlit KeyboardNoNo
WebcamHDHD
WiFi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0Bluetooth 4.0
EthernetYesYes
Cellular ModemNoNo
HDMIFull-Size HDMIFull-Size HDMI
USB Ports1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 31 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3
Thunderbolt PortsNoNo
Card ReaderSDSD
BatteryNo BatteryNo Battery
Battery Life0.0 hours0.0 hours
FanlessNoNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2021June, 2021

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Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebase 24

The Acer Chromebase 24 represented a significant step forward for Chrome OS all-in-one desktops when it launched in 2016. Built around a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS panel, the device offered solid color reproduction and 178-degree viewing angles, making it suitable for both individual use and small group settings. The display brightness tops out at 250 nits, which reviewers found adequate for indoor environments, though the glossy panel is prone to reflections and glare. The 1080p resolution, while standard for the time, drew some criticism from users accustomed to higher pixel densities on smaller screens.

From a performance standpoint, the Intel Celeron 3215U processor delivered surprisingly capable results for everyday Chrome OS tasks. Chrome Unboxed’s review noted consistent Octane benchmark scores just over 16,000, allowing the device to handle multiple tabs, Google Docs collaboration, and HD video streaming without noticeable slowdowns. Boot times were impressively quick at under six seconds, and Chrome OS’s efficient RAM management meant the 4GB of memory rarely became a bottleneck during typical usage scenarios.

The build quality impressed reviewers with its solid aluminum stand construction that provided stability without wobbling during use. The stand offers adjustable tilt ranging from 5 to 30 degrees, allowing users to find a comfortable viewing angle. One unique feature is the independently adjustable webcam, which can be positioned separately from the screen tilt angle. However, the included keyboard and mouse received criticism for their cheap, plasticky feel compared to the premium build of the main unit. Connectivity options are generous, including three USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, full-size SD card reader, HDMI output for external displays, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

The device found particular success in educational environments due to its impressive audio capabilities. EdTech Magazine’s review highlighted the four-microphone array, which could clearly capture questions from 45 feet away, making it excellent for video conferencing and distance learning applications. The VESA mount compatibility allowed for flexible installation options in classrooms and libraries, while the simple Chrome OS interface reduced IT support requirements compared to traditional Windows-based systems.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebase 24

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed, the leading Chrome OS review channel, provided comprehensive coverage of the Acer Chromebase 24 through both video and written reviews. Robby Payne characterized the device as “an exercise in safety” noting that while it doesn’t take risks or offer groundbreaking innovation, it also has very few misses. After using the Chromebase exclusively for a week, he found it “really good” at the $429 price point, praising its consistent performance and solid construction. He concluded his review with a straightforward recommendation: “I highly recommend it. It’s been very good and I’ve enjoyed having it here in the office.” The review highlighted the device’s ability to drive external QHD monitors through the HDMI output, adding flexibility for users who need more screen real estate.

EdTech Magazine’s Perspective

John Breeden II at EdTech Magazine approached the Chromebase from a higher education standpoint and came away impressed. He emphasized the device’s dual utility as both an individual workstation and telelearning equipment, noting that Acer specifically “optimized it for video, making this a high-performing, inexpensive video conferencing tool.” The four-microphone array received particular praise for its exceptional audio capture capability. Breeden concluded that the Chromebase “would be a good choice for almost any institute of higher learning” given its affordable pricing and comprehensive features for educational settings.

SlashGear’s Perspective

Chris Burns at SlashGear provided early hands-on impressions from CES 2016. He noted that the Acer Chromebase 24 was “one of the biggest Chrome devices we’ve yet come across” and positioned it as the first Chromebase with an Intel Core processor. Burns appreciated the device’s simplicity, observing that “the beauty in this device is in its simplicity. If you don’t need to do anything offline, this base is a fine place to do it.” This perspective highlights both the appeal and limitations of the Chromebase for users fully invested in cloud-based workflows.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebase 24 earned its place as a reliable all-in-one Chrome OS solution during its production run from 2016 to 2021. While it never claimed to be a revolutionary device, it delivered exactly what most users needed: consistent performance, solid build quality, and an attractive price point starting at $429. The device excelled in educational and small business environments where its video conferencing capabilities, simple Chrome OS interface, and automatic security updates proved valuable. For home users seeking a straightforward desktop for web browsing, email, and document editing, the Chromebase offered a compelling alternative to traditional Windows PCs with their associated complexity and maintenance requirements. Though now past its end-of-life date and no longer receiving updates, the Acer Chromebase 24 remains a noteworthy example of what Chrome OS all-in-one devices could achieve at an accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the RAM or storage be upgraded on the Acer Chromebase 24?

No, the Acer Chromebase 24 does not support user-upgradeable RAM or storage. The 4GB RAM and 16GB internal storage are soldered to the motherboard. However, you can expand storage using external USB drives or SD cards, and Chrome OS is designed to rely primarily on cloud storage through Google Drive.

Is the Acer Chromebase 24 still receiving Chrome OS updates?

No, the Acer Chromebase 24 reached its end-of-life in June 2021 and no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. The device will continue to function, but it is not recommended for users who require ongoing security updates or new Chrome OS features.

Can the Acer Chromebase 24 be wall-mounted?

Yes, the Acer Chromebase 24 features a detachable stand and is VESA mount compatible with a 100x100mm pattern. This makes it suitable for wall mounting in classrooms, offices, libraries, or home entertainment setups where desk space is limited.

Does the Acer Chromebase 24 have a touchscreen?

The base model (CA24I-CN) does not include a touchscreen. However, Acer offered a touchscreen variant (CA24I-CT) at a higher price point of $499.99 for users who wanted touch input capabilities. The touchscreen variant shares all other specifications with the standard model.

What external displays can the Acer Chromebase 24 support?

The Acer Chromebase 24 includes an HDMI output port that can drive external displays. Chrome Unboxed’s review confirmed it can successfully power QHD (2560x1440) external monitors, allowing users to extend their workspace beyond the built-in 24-inch display when needed for productivity tasks.

How does the Acer Chromebase 24 compare to the original 21-inch Chromebase?

The Chromebase 24 was a significant upgrade over the original 21-inch Acer Chromebase. It features a larger 23.8-inch display with better IPS panel quality, upgraded from NVIDIA Tegra K1 to Intel processors for improved x86 compatibility and performance, enhanced connectivity options including more USB 3.0 ports, and a more premium build quality with an aluminum stand.