HP Chromebook 11 (White/Blue)

Product Description

Chromebooks are a unique class of mobile computing devices, designed specifically for Web-based tasks. They differ from traditional laptops in a few important ways: Chromebooks run Web-based apps, not traditional PC applications. Chromebooks are designed to be connected to the Internet. You can create documents and spreadsheets or edit photos on a Chromebook using Google apps designed for these purposes. The Chrome operating system will not load and run traditional PC software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. However, files created in these applications can be viewed and edited using Google apps on your Chromebook or cloud-based applications like Microsoft’s Office web apps. You store your files in the Cloud, not on the machine. To help make them thin and light, Chromebooks are built without large-capacity drives. So instead of storing your documents, videos, and photos on your computer, you save them to Google Drive (Google's Cloud-based storage service). Your files are password-protected and secure, and you can access them anywhere there's an Internet connection. If you know you'll want access to a file or photo offline, however, you can easily save it to the built-in solid-state drive. view larger HP Chromebook 11: Made with Google. For Everyone. Everything you need in one laptop. Clever touches like an extra bright screen and a charger that also works with your Android phone are designed to keep up with the things you do every day. For Sharing, Playing, Doing For Everyday Relax with your favorite music, write a report using Google Docs, or put the finishing touches on a family video. Your Chromebook has 6 hours of battery life, slips easily into a bag or purse, and weighs just over 2 pounds – so it’s equally comfortable at home or keeping up with the things you do everyday.* Ready When you Are Chromebook starts in seconds, so you can go straight to playing or working (if you have to). Unlike traditional computers, Chromebook updates itself automatically so it doesn’t slow down over time. Browse the web at lightning speed with features like Chrome Instant and the Chrome Omnibox. With Everything Built-in For the Best of Google Video chats are loud and clear on digitally-tuned speakers. YouTube videos shine on the brilliant screen. And 100GB of free Google Drive storage safely stores all your stuff.** Your favorite Google apps are built-in, and there are lots of other apps available for free on the Chrome Web Store. Your Chromebook is probably easier than any computer you’ve ever used – there’s no clutter, no waiting, and no nagging. It uses the same charger as most Android phones, starts up in seconds, and automatically stays up-to-date without interrupting you. view larger view larger view larger view larger Plays Nicely with Others For Picking up Where you Left off – Wherever you Go Start writing an email on your Chromebook and finish it off from your phone. The stuff from your Chromebook (like email, files, photos, bookmarks, and apps) are easy to access on your phone, tablet, and even your old PC, so you can pick up right where you left off -- or multi-task with several devices at the same time, if you’re so inclined. Google Maps Directions to everywhere. Search for directions on your Chromebook, and find them later when you’re on the road. Chrome Read from where you left off. Find an article on your Chromebook, and read it later from your phone. view larger Google Drive Work anywhere. Write a document on your Chromebook, and edit it on the go. Gives you Peace of Mind Stays Fresh, all by Itself Chromebooks run Chrome OS, an operating system that’s fast, simple and secure. Chromebook updates itself automatically (and for free). So you’ll have the latest and greatest version -- no need for manual downloads and upgrades. Built-in Protection Virus protection, multiple layers of security, and verified boot help keep you safe from viruses, malware and other computer nasties. With Google Drive built-in, your files and photos are automatically backed up, so if you lose your computer, you don’t lose all of your stuff. Tech Specs Screen 11.6" IPS display with 16:9 aspect ratio 1366 x 768 pixel resolution 60% color gamut 300 nit screen Wide viewing angle (176 degree) Inputs Chrome keyboard Fine-tuned, clickable touchpad VGA webcam Ports Two USB 2.0 ports MicroUSB for 15.75W charging and SlimPort video output Industrial Design Magnesium chassis for strength White with a blue accent color Silent, fanless design No visible screws, vents, or speakers Size 297 x 192 x 17.6mm (not including feet) Weight 2.30lb / 1.04kg CPU Exynos 5250 GAIA Application Processor Memory 2GB (4x 4Gbit) DDR3 RAM 16GB Solid State Drive Audio Combined headphone / microphone jack Digitally-tuned speakers with sound directed up through the keyboard Battery Your Chromebook has up to 6 hours of active use (30 Wh battery)* Network Dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n Bluetooth 4.0 Goodies 100 GB Google Drive cloud storage, free for two years** 60-day free trial with Google Play Music All Access, and $9.99 per month after that*** 12 free sessions of GoGo Inflight Internet**** Some things like Hangouts and Voice Search require internet. *Battery life may vary upon usage and other conditions. **You will have 60 days to redeem the offer, following the date you first log into your Chromebook. 100GB of free storage is for 2 years, starting on the date you redeem the Drive offer. Learn more. ***You will have 60 days to redeem the offer, following the date you first log into your Chromebook. If you’ve ever tried a free trial for Google Play Music All Access, you are not eligible for this offer. Your 60-day trial will automatically switch to monthly billing unless you cancel. ****You will have 12 months to redeem the offer and use 12 sessions, following the date you first log into your Chromebook.

Product Detail

• Samsung Exynos 5 Dual 1.7 GHz


• 2 GB DDR3L SDRAM


• 16 GB Solid-State Drive


• 11.6-Inch Screen


• Chrome OS, 6-hour battery life

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CUSTOMER REVIEW



HP's Chromebook 11 is my second Chromebook because, after one year with Samsung's Chromebook I came to realize that not only a Chromebook does almost everything a laptop or a PC or a tablet would do for me but it does it cheaper, usually faster and better, almost always worry-free and very much in style.



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UPDATE (Dec 26, 2013): I am glad to see HP's 11-inch Chromebook available again. We've been using ours all throughout the charger 'crisis' and we are as happy with it today if not happier than we were on 'day one'. More than two months later, HP's Chromebook 11 continues to be a beautiful little device with a great display that continues to do most of what I require during my off-work hours. It traveled with me on my vacation and will travel with me again and it's there (on couch or on my bedside table) when I need it.

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WHY A CHROMEBOOK?



There's so much to say here but let me make a quick summary. And never forget that we are talking about an 'under 300' device here because, yes, anything that costs 3-4-5 times as much should do better most of the time.



˕ My Chromebook is my most used computer excluding work hours and by 'computer' I mean PCs, laptops and tablets.

˕ Malware, spyware, adware-free. Since nothing is really 'installed' on the Chromebook, I can't see how one would ever be infected. I am now using my Chromebook to open suspicious emails or click on dubious URLs that I don't dare touch from a laptop.

˕ Extremely safe OS. I don't know if this is common knowledge but Google is constantly challenging hackers to crack their OS. As far as I know, Chromium wasn't cracked yet.

˕ Easy to share among any number of users without any concerns of compromising privacy. If you have a Google account, you simply sign in and you are going to be within your own, personal environment.

˕ Constantly updated and upgraded. Google updates Chromium every few weeks and I found my Chromebook actually getting better all the time rather than slowly fall into obsolescence. HP's Chromebook will not replace Samsung's, it will be used by another family member who really, really wanted one after watching my happy relationship with our first one.

˕ Nearly maintenance free. Whenever I don't use a tablet or even a laptop for a while, they tend to get very busy for a while once I turn them back on. Tablets, especially, are almost impossible to use until all those dozens of updates/upgrades process. Not the case for Chromebooks. Whatever upgrades may take place don't hit my Chromebook. Whenever I call up an app, I get it in its latest version.

˕ The attached keyboard helps a lot. Yes, you can pair a keyboard and even a mouse to a tablet but the Chromebook's keyboard is always there, it negates the need of a stand or even some protecting case.

˕ Chromium is streamlined and efficiently focused where it matters, on the everyday uses most of us need a 'computer' most of the time.

˕ Chromium being such a streamlined OS, browsing and running apps on a Chromebook is in fact faster than off a PC/laptop/tablet of equivalent specs.

˕ Relatively low prince, 11.6" display and light weight seem to be just about right for something that typically you'd be using to browse the Web while watching TV or take to and from school.



WHY NOT A CHROMEBOOK?



Yes, Chromebooks can't do everything. Google's productivity suites notwithstanding, they are mainly and they are best at media consumption rather than production. Nobody should buy a Chromebook and expect to be able to edit video or perform some heavy word processing or do some hard-core gaming. There are other machines and devices for such tasks. My experience is that a Chromebook can't do 'everything'. Tablets are more portable, PCs and laptops are more powerful but, to me, my Chromebook is the most fun to use and it's likely to stay this way. I am not going to call it my 'second' or 'third' or 'first' computer but, objectively, it's the one most use outside business hours if what we measure is 'hours'.



HP's CHROMEBOOK 11



I haven't spent a lot of time with HP's but, from the start, it was a very familiar feeling. HPs is not 'exactly like' Samsung's but it's easily recognizable as a Chromebook.



Here are some changes:



˕ USB-based charging. This is a BIG thing. The biggest negative in the case of Samsung's Chromebook was the proprietary charger. HP's USB-based charging allows the use of most off-the-shelf chargers so there's a lot less to worry.

˕ Better quality display. When compared to Samsung's the colors are sharper and brighter and you can view the screen from almost any angle left/right or up/down.

˕ Nicer keyboard. It's the same layout but the keys seem to have a little more travel. As a touch typist I am comfortable with both but, on a blind test, I would probably pick HP's over Samsung's.

˕ Somewhat more stylish design. I got the black model and I like both the color and the color accents. Some prefer 'silver' but they are both Okay as far as I can tell.

˕ Fewer ports. There are no USB 3.0 or HDMI ports on the HP's even though my understanding is that you can, in fact output HDMI through the Micro USB. This may be a big deal for some and they should get Samsung's if that's the case. Speaking for myself, I never felt a need to output HDMI off my Chromebook, ever. Same for USB data transfers.



Overall, I am very pleased with HPs device. The lack of USB 3.0 and HDMI ports amount to a big 'nothing' to me and their absence is balanced and surpassed by the non-proprietary charging method, much nicer display and better keyboard.



RATING



I am not going to compare HP's Chromebook with the Pixel or some top of the line laptop. I noticed that many 'pro' reviewers are complaining because Chromebooks and this particular one are not 'high end' and aren't as nice as the Pixel and such. Well... did anyone check the prices? So, yes, let me make a 'duh' statement: this Chromebook is not as good as devices that sell for 3 times or 4 times as much so anyone who doesn't mind paying more should pay more and get one of those. Even though... look at some reasons above for why one my prefer a Chromebook to a laptop or a tablet, regardless of price.



HPs is a five-star to me because it's at least as good and in some way better than my now one year old, often used and much trusted Samsung. The thirty dollars price difference between the two can be justified by HP's supporting USB charging, its much nicer display and its marginally better keyboard. As far as performance, they both appear to be up to the task and they both played Netflix movies flawlessly over Wi-Fi and cast them to the big TV through Chromecast (no need of an HDMI cable for that) - I mention it because I just tried that.



Chromebooks are not for everyone and they are not a universal computing device but, if used for what they are meant to be used, they are as good and as revolutionary as tablets.



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CHROMEBOOK vs. CHROMEBOOK (HPs vs. Acer C720



I had the opportunity to play with Acer's Chromebook for a day and was therefore able to compare them side by side.



- Advantage HP -



˕ Looks and design. HPs looks much better in my view, you have color choices and that's that.

˕ Display. Same size, same resolution but HPs display is brighter, sharper and, most importantly, can be viewed from almost any angle. Not the case with Acer's.

˕ Charging. The ability to charge HPs Chromebook through almost any USB charger is very important to me. Acer's charger is proprietary.



- Advantage Acer -



˕ Horsepower. Acer's appears to be faster and it should be given its faster processor.

˕ Ports. You get HDMI out, USB 3.0 and SD card slot, all of them missing on HP's machine.

˕ Price. At least at launch, Acer's was selling for less.



I would say it's a tie when it comes to the keyboard and track pad's feel.



Acer's machine has the advantage if you are more 'productivity oriented' and need expansion capabilities (ports) and more raw CPU power. You would prefer the HP if you want a Chromebook mainly for fun and casual activities where looks, the availability of a charger and, very importantly, the quality of the display count more.



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NOTES:



- Like most Chromebooks, this one too comes with a free 100GB in Google's cloud for two years. I didn't take advantage of that offer and I'm not going to go for this one, simply because I have no use of 'cloud' storage that goes beyond Gmail at this time.

- While Chromebooks are immune to viruses and other forms of malware, you are as tracked and 'monetized' while on a Chromebook as you are when browsing from your laptop or tablet or phone. However, there are ways to disrupt and confuse the trackers and my two favorite extensions these days are Disconnect Search (or Disconnect.me) that makes it impossible for Google to log your search activities and DoNotTrackMe which does what the name implies. Worth trying.