Hardware

Lenovo Chromebox 10H3 Eases Desktop Management in Classroom

The Chrome OS, combined with a small footprint, makes this ThinkCentre a worthwhile (and secure) option for K–12.

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John Breeden II is an award-winning reviewer and public speaker with 20 years of experience covering technology.

Educational environments can be challenging places to install and maintain computers, though they have become essential components in the modern classroom. Lenovo’s ThinkCentre Chromebox 10H3 is tailor-made for the job.

This desktop PC is fast enough to run most applications, and its Chrome operating system keeps programs up to date automatically — plus, the IT team can lock it down so that users won’t be able to (accidentally or purposefully) install malicious or unauthorized software.

A speedy 2-gigahertz Intel Celeron processor runs the tiny 2-pound unit. Given that the OS barely taxes the processor, there’s plenty of power to drive the online tools, which will likely see the most use.

The 10H3 makes quick work of Google Docs, so it’s an ideal collaboration platform when several students need to work together on the same documents or lessons.

Multiple browser windows also don’t tax the device by much. Even with 15 windows open during testing, the power drain was never more than 25 percent. I also tested the unit using Office Online and Gmail, and both worked flawlessly.

Intense Graphics

During testing, I tried to throw it a curve by streaming high-definition video, but its Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, combined with 4 gigabytes of SDRAM, managed just fine with the integrated Intel HD graphics. The wireless 802.11ac interface delivered similar streaming results.

The unit is surprisingly flexible, providing four USB 3.0 ports for peripherals, double what users typically find with most Chromebooks. With one port likely taken up by the included keyboard, that leaves three free for integration into almost any classroom setup. One USB port remains always powered, which enables charging for other devices.

At less than $300, the price is good for a Chrome-based unit with a 2GHz processor. Although there’s no monitor, the 10H3 comes with both a DisplayPort and an HDMI port, so it can connect to just about any modern display.

Computers in the classroom need to provide educational benefits to students while also being hassle free. The 10H3 fits that role nicely, requiring little management or real estate. It can even be hidden from sight, if needed, keeping the focus on learning and teaching, not on the technology.

Specifications

DIMENSIONS: 7.2x1.4x7 inches

WEIGHT: 2 pounds

PROCESSOR: 2GHz Intel Celeron i3-5005U

MEMORY: 4GB DDR3L SDRAM

HARD DRIVE: 16GB solid-state drive

CONNECTIVITY: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0

PORTS: 4 USB 3.0, headphone jack, HDMI out, DisplayPort

ThinkCentre Chromebox Can Ease School Security Burden

With auto-update and ability to manage devices centrally via the network, there’s less chance for a security breach.

One of the biggest problems with computers in educational environments is that the users tend to be transient and may lack adequate training. Plus, devices are typically assigned on a temporary basis, and sometimes users share devices throughout the day.

Either through ignorance or carelessness, many systems in educational environments end up hit with viruses and malware, and they might be loaded with unwanted programs, games and social media apps not intended as educational tools.

The inherent security and centrally managed safety features of Lenovo ThinkCentre Chromebox 10H3 therefore make a good choice for a school environment. Plus, the Chrome operating system updates itself in the background without any user intervention. Should a new security patch be needed, the Chromebox will apply it; the most up-to-date software and patches are always running.

A systems administrator can configure the ThinkCentre Chromebox with authorized programs upon installation, then add new programs later as needed via the network. Students are never able to download or run any stand-alone apps, so there is little risk of unauthorized or malicious programs popping up on the network. The IT team can provide students with everything they need for a lecture or class without actually giving them the level of access that would come with a full PC.

Port Control and More

One of the best features of the ThinkCentre Chromebox is its four USB 3.0 ports. But once authorized peripherals are attached, educational institutions may want to prevent anything else from connecting. The Chromebox administrator interface means that the IT team can easily disable unused USB ports, eliminating another path for unauthorized access.

Of course, as with most modern systems, the Trusted Platform Module chip can be used to encrypt data and key information such as passwords and digital certificates.

In fact, one of the biggest security concerns with the Chromebox might not be software-related, but outright theft of the tiny 2-pound unit. There are two ways to combat this. First, the Chromebox comes with a variety of mounting options, so it can be set up inside an enclosure or out of the way under a desk or inside a cabinet. It also has a Kensington lock slot so that the IT team can mount the unit in the open but still lock it down against theft.