The final HP Chromebook announcement in conjunction with BETT 2020 is the HP Chromebook 14 G6, a laptop designed for workers, students, and teachers alike. Packed with up to an Intel Celeron N4120 processor and an all-day battery, the device falls squarely into the same category as nearly every other Chromebook launched at the event by HP.
That carries over on the ruggedization side of the equation too. HP says its MIL-810G-tested Chromebook 14 G6 can withstand drops onto concrete from as high as just short of 28-inches with ease. It also indicates that as much as 12-ounces of liquid can be spilled on the keyboard without damage. The fluids are drained through and out of the bottom of the Chalkboard Gray frame.
But the HP Chromebook 14 G6 is also intended for older users and for teachers. So it comes in at 14-inches, with a touch screen and plenty of other features to make it the more refined older sibling among its counterparts.
What sets the HP Chromebook 14 G6 apart, aside from size?
Now, what makes the HP Chromebook 14 G6 different from other Chrome OS laptops announced by the company is a suite of features that make it better suited for older students, teachers, and enterprise workers. The size and availability of a 1080p display — up from the 720p display on other HP’s revealed today — is a great improvement.
But the big changes really start with the option for buyers to add in backlighting for the full-size island-style keyboard. That will make the device easier to use in dim or dark environments.
The dual array microphone in the new HP Chromebook 14 should also make an enormous difference when it comes to conferencing. With two mics in place, users will be in a better position to be heard clearly during calls or recordings than might be possible with the single mic included on every other device HP has launched today.
Another deciding factor that makes the Chromebook 14 a more powerful HP Chrome OS gadget than its counterparts is in its storage. As little as 16GB can be had for those who require less room or who are more dependant on cloud services. But up to 128GB storage capacity is available for those who really need it.
Finally, battery life here is bolstered up to 13.5-hours according to HP. So teachers, in particular, don’t need to worry about recharging after a long day of putting out assignments and grading papers.
Specs
In terms of pure specifications, HP has provided the following details about its new Chromebook 14 G6.
| Available Operating System | Chrome OS™ 64 |
| Processor Family | Intel® Celeron® processor |
| Available Processors | Intel® Celeron® N4120 with Intel® UHD Graphics 600 (1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency, 4 MB cache, 4 cores) Intel® Celeron® N4100 with Intel® UHD Graphics 600 (1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.4 GHz burst frequency, 4 MB cache, 4 cores) Intel® Celeron® N4020 with Intel® UHD Graphics 600 (1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.8 GHz burst frequency, 4 MB cache, 2 cores) Intel® Celeron® N4000 with Intel® UHD Graphics 600 (1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency, 4 MB cache, 2 cores) |
| Display Size | 14″ |
| Maximum Memory | 8 GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM Memory soldered down |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB up to 128 GB eMMC 5.0 |
| Display | 14″ diagonal HD SVA eDP anti-glare micro-edge WLED-backlit, 220 nits, 45% NTSC (1366 x 768) 14″ diagonal FHD IPS eDP anti-glare micro-edge WLED-backlit, 250 nits, 45% NTSC (1920 x 1080) 14″ diagonal HD SVA BrightView TOP micro-edge WLED-backlit touch screen, 220 nits, 45% NTSC (1366 x 768) 14″ diagonal FHD SVA anti-glare TOP micro-edge WLED-backlit touch screen, 250 nits, 45% NTSC (1366 x768) |
| Available Graphics | Integrated: Intel® UHD Graphics 600 (Support HD Decode, DX12, and HDMI 1.4b.) |
| Audio | HD audio, dual speakers, dual array microphone |
| Wireless Technologies | Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 9560 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2×2) Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® 5 Combo, non-vPro™ (HP Extended Range Wireless Lan, MU-MIMO and Chromecast support) |
| Expansion Slots | 1 microSD (Supports SD, SDHC, SDXC.) |
| Ports and Connectors | 2 USB 3.1 Type-C™ Gen 1 (Power delivery, data transfer, DisplayPort™) 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 1 Stereo headphone/microphone combo jack |
| Available Keyboards | Full-size island-style Chrome keyboard, cool gray, spill-resistant, optional backlit |
| Available Pointing Devices | Touchpad with multi-touch gesture support, taps enabled as default |
| Camera | 720p HD camera; HD Privacy webcam |
| Software Included | HP Classroom Manager; Chrome Enterprise Upgrade Chrome Education Upgrade |
| Security Management | Nano Security lock slot; Google H1 Security Chip |
| Power | HP Smart 45 W USB Type-C™ adapter |
| Battery Type | HP Long Life 2-cell, 47.36 Wh Li-ion polymer Battery is internal and not replaceable by customer. Serviceable by warranty |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours and 30 minutes |
| Dimensions | 12.85 x 8.93 x 0.72 in; 32.65 x 22.7 x 1.83 cm |
| Weight | Starting at 3.38 lb; Starting at 1.54 kg |
| Energy Efficiency Compliance | ENERGY STAR® certified; EPEAT® 2019 Silver |
| Environmental Specifications | Low halogen; TCO 8.0 Certified |
Pricing and availability
With regard to pricing and availability, HP hasn’t revealed many details on the latter front. But the HP Chromebook 14 G6 is already available to buy from HP. The starting cost, for a variant featuring an Intel Celeron N4000 chipset, is set at $289.
That price point puts the Chromebook 14 G6 firmly in the budget category, even if its overall features don’t.
