What you need to know
- HP has launched two new Chromebooks today, targeting both the premium and low-end of the market.
- The first Chromebook is a refresh of its x360 with Ice Lake processors, a fingerprint sensor, and WiFi 6 support.
- It's also debuted a cheaper Chromebook 11a from $219
HP has refreshed its convertible Chromebook x360 for 2020 with a new set of processors and internal upgrades.
The new x360 (more properly: the HP Chromebook x360 14c) retains the premium metal design of HP's earlier efforts but slims down the bezels for a modern look. It matches designs from Samsung and Asus that debuted earlier this year. As is standard for premium Chromebooks, it has a Full HD touch-enabled display protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass. HP is also adding a fingerprint sensor under the backlit keyboard, taking advantage of Chrome OS's newfound biometric support.
Inside, HP will give you the option of either an Intel Pentium Gold Processor or an Intel i3 processor. There's also a higher-priced Intel i5 SKU coming later in the month. As far as connectivity goes, this Chromebook comes with the new WiFi 6 standard, a selection of USB-C and USB-A ports, and HP's extended Wireless LAN support.
The x360 should be available from BestBuy from $449 later this month for the base version, while the i3 model should set you back $629.
The company also announced a more understated Chromebook in the 11a. It won't turn heads or flip into a tablet, but it's a Chromebook that can get on the web, read email, watch some videos, and take some dings in your backpack without causing you to sweat. It'll last for up to 13 hours on a single charge, and is powered by dual-core Intel Celeron N3350 processors with 4GB of RAM. There's 32GB of onboard storage for your files, and a microSD slot if that isn't enough.
There's no FHD display here either, though you do get the option of touch for its regular HD screen. USB-C ports drag this into 2020, and there are USB-A ports for older peripherals and USB drives.
This will be sold in Best Buy and on HP's site later this month from $219.
