LG’s Chromebase all-in-one computer runs Google’s Chrome operating system and can debut next year.

LG on Wednesday announced the Chromebase, a desktop computer that runs Google’s Chrome operating system. LG hopes the Chromebase will entice those seeking inexpensive, non-portable computers for the house, office, school, and other business settings.

The Chromebase is an all-in-one system that bears an uncanny resemblance to Apple’s iMac line of desktop machines. It includes a 21.5-inch full-HD screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels. LG says the in-plane switching LCD offers viewing angles of 178 degrees. The screen doesn’t support touch input, and users must rely upon tried-and-true input devices to have interaction with the Chromebase. The machine is powered by a fourth-generation Intel Celeron processor with an unknown clock speed.

According to LG, the processor offers good enough horsepower to run the kind of web apps frequent on Chrome computers, in addition to games and media content. The Chromebase has a microphone, 1.3-megapixel camera (with 720p HD video capture) for web chatting, and 5-watt stereo speakers.

Other specs include 2 GB of RAM, and a miserly 16 GB of storage. LG didn’t specify whether the device supports SD cards for expanded storage, nor if Google will offer a certain quantity of Google Drive cloud storage with the pc. It has an HDMI-in port, in addition to three USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, and an Ethernet port. It really is packaged with a keyboard, mouse, and cable organizer.

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LG believes the Chromebase is a superb choice when you need machines for light computing duties, corresponding to web browsing, email, Google Maps, YouTube, Google+ Hangouts, document creation via Google Drive, etc. The professionals and cons of Chrome OS in comparison with Windows or OS X would be argued all day long, but it’s clear the Chromebase seriously isn’t meant to take where of heavy duty work stations. Google and LG were absolute to pitch Chrome’s relatively secure platform and straightforward maintenance. Google delivers Chrome OS updates automatically to maintain machines secure. These are surely welcome features in organizations with limited IT resources, corresponding to schools or hotels.

The Chromebase is an additional animal in comparison to Chromebooks. Microsoft loves to argue that Chromebooks don’t work when offline. The Chromebase is obviously meant to be online consistently, and might be used for productivity and recreation alike. Most major laptop providers, including Acer, Dell, HP, and Samsung, now offer Chromebooks. Google hasn’t said if it has more OEMs lined as much as make desktop Chrome machines, however the chances are high significant.

“LG’s Chromebase is a thrilling new form factor that expands the choices available to customers who desire a fast, simple, and secure computing experience for the house, school or office,” said Caesar Sengupta, VP of product management, Google. “LG Electronics makes great devices that consumers love, and we’re glad to welcome them to the Chrome family.”

LG has left many questions unanswered concerning the Chromebase. As an example, LG didn’t share any information regarding pricing. Will the Chromebase cost $199, $499, or more? With Windows-based desktops priced as little as they’re today, the Chromebase doesn’t have plenty of wiggle room at the price ticket. Will select Chrome Web apps be preinstalled?

LG is predicted to formally debut the Chromebase on the Consumer Electronics Show next month. More details may be available at the moment.

Eric Zeman is a contract writer for InformationWeek focusing on mobile technologies.

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