Not too long ago, Google announced that Chrome OS would be getting official support for Android apps and even the Play Store on some Chromebook models. While unofficial means of running Android apps on Chrome OS devices have been around for a while, none of them have been quite up to par when it comes to compatibility, speed and system integration, making an official solution much more attractive. As a result, many OEMs are updating their Chromebook models and even putting out brand new lineups with all of the trappings of Android compatibility, ensuring that users will be able to run Android apps on their systems when Google rolls it out to those models. HP is no exception, having announced Monday that they will be updating their Chromebook 11 lineup to the 5th generation, which appeared on their website not long ago. The update, which sees the iconic Chromebook getting touch screen support, brings a number of refinements and enhancements.
The new HP Chromebook 11 G5 is, for starters, much more svelte than its predecessor, showing off thinner screen bezels and a slimmer waistline, reflected by its weight of only 2.51 pounds. Despite the decidedly tiny profile, the new Chromebook 11 G5 promises to runs its new Intel Celeron N3060 processor and large screen for 11 hours on the touch model and 12.5 hours on the non-touch model, according to HP’s battery testing through Chrome power_LoadTest. HP’s press release does not state the display resolution, but the previous leak on their website points to a 1366 x 768 panel. Users can choose between a model with 16GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM, or one with 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM. While these are not the specs of a server-maintaining ultra-workhorse or gaming monster, they should be more than adequate for most use cases, and HP hopes that includes running just about any Android app.
The new Chromebook should be available in July through certain partner outlets, and will be hitting store shelves in October, if all goes according to plan. According to the press release, the price for the low-end, non-touch model will be $189, cementing the new Chromebook 11’s rank in the entry level. The slightly higher end model that sports a touchscreen, however, was not priced.
