Chromebooks have been around for a while offering a very affordable option for a Windows PC, with low-priced notebooks running Google’s Chrome OS on a web-based interface that spins around the browser (you guessed it, Chrome). These notebooks have seen a huge growth in sales, topping Windows and Mac notebooks in schools and businesses as well, experiencing a 43% increase year-over-year during the first six months of 2015, mainly thanks to corporate sales (Business to Business, or B2B). Aiming at these growing sales, HP has just unveiled a refreshed lineup of its Chromebook computers.
The standard HP Chromebook 14 has a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels, up to 9 hours of battery life, an Intel Celeron N2840 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. There’s also a Full HD version with the same specs but shorter battery life. There is also a new color option, the Sky Blue, in addition to the usual Turbo Silver. HP also unveiled the Chromebook 14 G4, aimed at the B2B market, offering additional security layers, console-based management, enhanced virtualization and VPN connectivity for workplaces and classrooms. The laptop is verified for Citrix Receiver 1.8 on Chrome, which will allow secure access to apps, remote desktops, and data securely. Additionally, the G4 features up to 32 GB of internal storage. All devices have USB 3.0, HDMI and microSD slot for additional external storage.
If you are unfamiliar with the Chromebook line, it is probably disappointing to have only 16 GB of internal storage. However, these laptops are made to be used with an internet connection with your files stored in the cloud. As such, all Chromebooks come with 2 years of 100 GB Google Drive storage for free. Additionally, HP is offering 12 free Gogo internet passes to be used on airplanes, valid on domestic flights in the US for one year, 3 free movies to be rented on Google Play Movies and 90 days of Google Play Music. The HP Chromebook 14 starts at $249.99 for the regular version. Both Full HD and G4 versions will cost $279. The devices will go on sale on November 8. HP also offers the Chromebook 11 with an 11.6-inch screen starting at $199 and the more powerful and expensive Chromebook 14 Touch with the NVIDIA Tegra processor and 4 GB of RAM.