Chromebox is just a desktop form factor Chromebook.

I think for the majority of people today, at least at home, just surf the web. Not many applications being installed for average users. Chromebooks are ideal for them. Very low cost, low power consumption, very easy to use and no extra worries about antivirus, updates, getting ripped off by Geek Squad, etc.

Once they add a way to view unread messages that will be close enough for me to use OWA.

@scottalanmiller I got to see the Pixel. I still would prefer the newest HP 14" Chromebook though, speakers sound better than the rest I have seen. Acer's touch capability is nice, but that's not something I need nor want on a laptop right now. That's why I own a tablet.

I think that they remain pretty tough for developers still too. Although a more traditional Linux desktop will be great for that. Mint, OpenSuse or Fedora make awesome development workstations.