Earlier this month a report emerged to suggest that Hewlett-Packard is working on a new Chromebook. However, unlike the company’s previous offerings from the Chromebook lineup, the new model was reported to feature higher-end specifications and an Intel Core M CPU, as opposed to an Intel Pentium processor. Sure enough, the Chromebook in question is real, it’s official, and it definitely represents a larger departure from HP’s previous Chromebooks.
Labeled as the HP Chromebook 13, the new device has been designed in collaboration with Google, and this is definitely shown by the exterior. The notebook is wrapped in an anodized aluminum premium chassis measuring only 12.9 mm, and features a 13.3-inch (non-touch) display with a resolution of 3,200 x 1,800. Interestingly enough, the HP Chromebook 13 is also the first device of its kind to feature an Intel Core M processor. The CPU is part of the 6th generation Intel Skylake series which has never before been used on a Chromebook, and can be paired with up to 16 GB of RAM. Other details worth mentioning include two USB Type-C connectors, a USB 3.0 port, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, Bang & Olufsen speakers, and a 45 watt-hour battery with fast charging capabilities, which HP claims to hold enough energy for 11.5 hours of usage on a single charge. All the components put together weigh 2.86 pounds (1.29 kilograms).
The HP Chromebook 13 is expected to go on sale by the end of the week. Prices will start at $499, which isn’t bad considering the fact that the Google Chromebook Pixel released last year costs twice as much. Then again, $499 is only the entry price, and for this particular sum of money, you won’t get an Intel Core M CPU, but rather an older Intel Pentium processor and other toned-down hardware components. Still, the anodized aluminum exterior will be used for all configurations, so if you’re looking for a stylish, all-metal Chromebook at a more affordable price, the HP Chromebook 13 might be the answer you need. It’s worth noting that HP is selling a USB Type-C docking station along with the Chromebook 13, called the Elite USB-C Docking Station. It can be used to connect the Chromebook to a variety of accessories and multiple displays at the same time.
