HP has now announced a brand new Chromebook for education dubbed the HP Chromebook 11 x360 G3 EE. Related in branding to two other Chromebooks launched today, this Chromebook is a near mirror replica of the HP Chromebook 11 G8 EE. The key difference is that it’s 11.6-inch display panel is planted firmly on a 360-degree hinge.
The purpose of the latest education edition HP Chromebook 11 x360 is to be as versatile as possible. So the company packed the device with two cameras for capturing video, photos, or chatting in a tent, stand, tablet, or clamshell mode.
It also ensured that the HD IPS eDP BrightView On-Cell WLED-backlit display is available in one variant with a digitizer. That means it can be used alongside an optional active HP Wacom EMR pen for drawing, writing, or annotating. And that’s in addition to every variant’s inclusion of a standard touchscreen.
Not the most powerful but definitely rugged
Now, like the other devices in the HP Chromebook 11 series, the Chromebook x360 G3 EE is not the most powerful device around. The four available builds start out with an Intel Celeron N4000 processor tied in with Intel UHD Graphics 600. That steps up incrementally to an Intel Celeron N4120 processor tied in with the same.
8GB of LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM should help offset that, as should the up to 64GB of storage. But the real selling point here is this gadget’s ruggedization features.
The reinforcements found with the HP Chromebook 11 x360 G3 EE match up with the above-mentioned device almost across the board. That includes everything from reinforced plugs to a MIL-STD 810G-rated frame. That, combined with a Gorilla Glass 3 screen, grippy panels, and rubberized edges, as well as an anchored keyboard, keep this device safe against external damage.
In fact, this Chrome OS laptop can survive drops from higher than most desks — 122 cm or just over 4 feet — thanks to further metal bolstering in the corners.
Spill protection on the keyboard is good for up to 12-ounces of fluid, meaning a splash of soda will flow through the keyboard instead of causing damage. Repeat wipes from common household cleaning products won’t cause damage when getting rid of the stickiness that soda leaves behind either.
Specs
Since the HP Chromebook 11 x360 G3 EE is a budget-friendly school Chromebook, specifications aren’t the most exciting piece of information here. But they are still an important aspect of the device. So here they are, listed as provided by HP.
| Available Operating System | Chrome OS |
| 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 | 11.6″ |
| Maximum Memory | 8 GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM Memory soldered down |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB up to 64 GB eMMC 5.0 |
| Display | 11.6″ diagonal HD IPS eDP BrightView On-Cell WLED-backlit touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3, 220 nits, 45% NTSC (1366 x 768) 11.6″ diagonal HD IPS eDP BrightView On-Cell WLED-backlit touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 and Digitizer, 220 nits, 45% NTSC (1366 x 768) |
| Available Graphics | Integrated: Intel® UHD Graphics 600 (Support HD Decode, DX12, and HDMI 1.4b.) |
| Audio | HD audio, dual speakers, integrated 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 textured island-style keyboard, spill-resistant with HP Improved Anchored Key Design |
| Available Pointing Devices | Touchpad with multi-touch gesture support, taps enabled as default |
| Camera | 720p HD camera 5 MP camera (world-facing) |
| 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 |
| Dimensions | 11.61 x 8.08 x 0.82 in; 29.5 x 20.53 x 2.09 cm |
| Weight | Starting at 3.19 lb; Starting at 1.45 kg |
| Energy Efficiency Compliance | ENERGY STAR® certified; EPEAT® 2019 Silver |
| Environmental Specifications | Low halogen; TCO 8.0 Certified |
Pricing and availability
Now, HP hasn’t provided specifics about precisely which sales regions the HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 EE will be available in. But the company has provided a price point that’s significantly lower than might be expected. The newest HP Chromebook x360 11 is now available via education technology supply channels for as low as $299. That will net buyers the entry model, while more powerful models will undoubtedly cost just a bit more.
