HP is starting off 2021 strong in the Chrome OS segment with the announcement of its new HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook. Available as both an Enterprise variant and in a standard consumer-ready product, the latest HP laptop doesn’t change much in terms of physical appearance. The Chromebook boasts a sleek, thin design. Measuring just 16.5mm at the thickest point — its 180-degree clamshell-style hinge.
HP also packed its new Chromebook with some fairly robust durability features. Ranging from the MIL-STD 810H testing to its wipeable, spill-resistant keyboard, which can survive up to 350mL of liquid. The touchpad, conversely, is a glass-coated component, while the narrow-bezel build is met on the edges of the keyboard with all the ports any user could need. Including two USB-C, two USB 3.2, and one HDMI 2.0 port. So the design itself is a clear iteration of previous models in the lineup.
The narrow-bezel display measures 14-inches and is available in either HD+ or FHD IPS configurations.
So where is the HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook different?
There is, of course, also a 3.5mm audio combo jack, microSD card slot, Nano security lock slot, and an optional fingerprint scanner. And the keyboard also packs optional backlighting. But while the ports, design, and keyboard aren’t changing a whole lot, there’s a lot new going on under the hood too.
Starting with configurations available with up to 256GB of SSD storage. With more affordable models shipping with either 64GB of eMMc storage or 128GB of SSD capacity. On the memory side of the equation, HP packed this Chromebook with 4GB of RAM at the bottom end. But that’s also DDR4 memory with 8GB and 16GB variations on offer as well.
All of that is backing up processors available up to and including the newest 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processors. And that, in turn, is coupled with Intel UHD and Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Easily making this among the most powerful Chromebooks yet released by HP. And potentially one of the best Chromebooks for 2021.
And, of course, that’s setting aside HP Fast Charging, which can take the 12.5-hour rated battery up to 90-percent full in 90 minutes.
For audio, that’s enabled by upward-firing speakers placed on either side of the keyboard.
HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook also comes in an enterprise variant
Now, HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook already ships with some great enterprise user-ready features. For instance, HP puts the laptop through MIL-STD 810H9 testing and its own HP Total Test Process for durability and reliability. The keyboard is fully wipeable with standard household wipes. Meaning that it’s resistant to damage from chemicals.
What’s more, the device features an HP Privacy Camera and there’s an option that comes with a fingerprint sensor as well. And Wi-Fi 6 (GIG+) networking from Intel means that speeds are at the level whether users are working from the office, at home, or otherwise remotely.
The Chrome OS gadget also ships with more standard enterprise features such as a Kensington Nano security lock slot. But HP is also building its new Pro c640 G2 Chromebook with a dedicated Enterprise variant. That adds in some additional IT department features, such as HP Chrome Device Enrollment Service for zero-touch enterprise enrollment. And that stacks atop Chrome OS Enterprise features that make managing devices better overall.
Of course, Chrome OS enterprise brings Windows perks too. HP also says that the Pro c640 Chromebook Enterprise will soon be ready for Paralleles Desktop for Chrome Enterprise. With that software solution in place, users will be able to run Windows 10 and, subsequently, Win32 Windows apps on their Chromebook, whether online or off.
Specs
For those who need the full list of specifications for the HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook, those are provided below, as supplied by HP.
| Screen | 14-inch, 180-degree clamshell Chromebook |
| Screen resolution | 14″ diagonal HD AG (1366×768) Narrow Border 14” diagonal FHD IPS (1920×1080) Narrow Border Optional TOP Touch |
| SoC | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processors Intel UHD Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 4GB/8GB/16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 64GB eMMc; 128GB SSD/256GB SSD |
| Cameras | HD webcam with wide view angle + HP Privacy Camera |
| Inputs/Outputs | 2x USB –C, 2x USB 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.0, Audio combo, microSD, Nano Security Lock Slot, Optional Fingerprint |
| Keyboard | Optional Backlit KB, Optional FPS on the keyboard deck, Wipeable & spill-resistant keyboard, Flint (dark color) keyboard caps |
| Connectivity | Intel Wi-Fi 6 with Extended Range Antenna Design |
| Durability | Undergoes MIL-STD 810H Tests |
| Battery | 3C 58Whr; HP Fast Charge Technology (90% in 90 minutes) Battery life: Up to 12.5 hours 45 Wh USB-C power adapter 65 Wh USB-C power adapter for Fast Charge |
| Dimensions & Weight | 323.6 x 221 x 16.5 mm 1.48kg/3.26lb |
| OS | Chrome OS / Chrome OS Enterprise Edition |
Pricing and availability
Now, HP is keeping the starting price-point for its Pro c640 G2 Chromebook on the lower end of the mid-range. And that’s going to hold true no matter which variant is purchased. The HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook, for instance, starts out at just $419. The HP Pro c640 G2 Chromebook Enterprise, conversely, starts at no more than $569.
Also regardless of which variant is purchased, the devices are actually on sale via respective retailers and HP directly starting today. So there’s no wait to pick one up for anybody looking to replace an aging Chrome OS device in the mid-to-premium Chromebook segment.
