The Whole Setup
If you have a spare monitor lying around, the Acer Chromebox CXI3 is a quick and easy way to get started with a new computer.
Can't Have Too Many Ports
The Chromebox CXI3 has a wealth of ports split across the front and rear faces. On the front, below the power button, are two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a MicroSD card slot, and a 3.5mm jack that serves as a headphone and mic combination.
Rear Ports
On the rear of the machine, you'll find an HDMI output, an Ethernet jack, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a single USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port (this one with support for data delivery, display output, and power delivery), and a Kensington-cable lockdown notch.
Plain Peripherals
The Chromebox CXI3 also comes with a basic laser mouse and a chiclet keyboard. The keyboard mirrors the keyboards on Chromebooks, which have special browser-centric shortcuts in place of the function-key row.The mouse has tiny crevices in its left and right sides for your thumb, ring finger, and pinky finger to grip.
In Good Standing
You can position the Chromebox CXI3 standing on edge, or flat; it comes with a vertical stand that adds a few feathers to its weight.
Standard Design Fare
The block-shaped machine sports a plain black finish with two gray panels surrounding the ports. Dead in the center of the left side is the Acer logo, with the Google Chrome logo in one corner. On the right side is a long series of air vents for letting out heat.