eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Hewlett-Packard has unveiled its two latest Chromebooks—the Chromebook 14 and the SMB- and education-targeted Chromebook 14 G4—bringing new Intel processors to replace the Nvidia Tegra processors in the previous models and a new Full HD screen option.
Both machines can be configured with an optional 14-inch Full HD SVA WLED In-Plane Switching anti-glare display (1,920 by 1,080) at extra cost, or can be purchased with a standard 14-inch HD SVA WLED display (1,366 by 768), according to an Oct. 19 announcement from the company.
Built for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) and school users, the Chromebook 14 G4 comes with console-based management tools that include multilayered security for employees or students and administrators, as well as enhanced virtualization and virtual private networking (VPN) capabilities for secure and seamless management of multiple devices, according to HP. The G4 is also the first Chromebook to be verified for use with Citrix Receiver 1.8 for Chrome virtualization tools.
The Chromebook 14 G4 can be configured with a choice of Intel Celeron processors, from the Celeron N2940 with Intel HD Graphics (1.83GHz, up to 2.25GHz, 2MB of cache, four cores) to the Celeron N2840 with Intel HD Graphics (2.16GHz, up to 2.58GHz, 1MB of cache, two cores). It can also be configured with up to 4GB of DDR3L-1600 SDRAM memory, as well as eMMC 2 flash storage from 16GB to 32GB. The machine comes with integrated Intel HD graphics, HD audio and dual speakers. It also includes WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and Google’s Chrome OS operating system.
The G4 is also fitted with an HD Webcam, a multiformat digital media reader, one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports and one HDMI port. It runs on a three-cell, 37WHr Li-ion battery. The machine starts at 3.78 pounds and can be purchased in a dark Ash Silver color. The HP Chromebook 14 G4 is expected to be available in the United States later this month starting at $279.
The Standard Chromebook 14
The regular Chromebook 14 model (pictured) comes with an Intel Celeron N2840 dual-core 2.16GHz processor with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.58GHz, 2GB of DDR3L SDRAM memory, integrated Intel HD graphics and 16GB of eMMC flash storage. The standard Chromebook 14 comes with a 14-inch HD BrightView LED-backlit display.
The Chromebook 14 also comes with a front-facing HP TrueVision HD Webcam with an integrated digital microphone and integrated WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, a multiformat digital media card reader is built in, as well as HD audio and stereo speakers, one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports and one HDMI port. The standard Chromebook 14 starts at 3.74 pounds and is available in Turbo Silver or Sky Blue colors.
The HP Chromebook 14 is expected to be available in the United States at www.hp.com/go/chromebooks and select retailers on Nov. 8 starting at $249.99. Machines with the Full HD display start at $279.99.
“HP is delivering new premium features that customers want on Chromebooks to create amazing experiences at an affordable price,” Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager of consumer personal systems at HP, said in a statement. “We are excited to offer the new HP Chromebook 14 to give customers fun and function with a fresh color palette, bright displays and great battery life in thin, stylish and affordable designs.”