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HP Chromebooks: Ultimate Guide to Cloud-based Computing
Stephen Mash
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April 19, 2023
HP has a family of Chromebooks available as part of its extensive laptop range, offering an economical alternative to a Windows-based computer. But what precisely is a Chromebook, how is it different, and could it be your perfect choice for your next laptop?
This article will look at what is a Chromebook and its features, and the models available from our HP store to help you choose the best one.
What is a Chromebook?
Chromebooks are a range of laptops that use the Chrome operating system (OS) developed and designed by Google. Chrome OS is Google’s Linux-based operating system that uses the Chrome web browser for the user interface.
The Chrome OS is optimised around memory management, requiring less internal memory than an equivalent Windows-based laptop. It also works seamlessly with Google’s storage and productivity suite, so accessing your Google Drive or using Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides is quick and easy.
Chromebooks offer users a device for online work and play, running cloud-based applications and using cloud storage for most operations. This approach allows the devices to use minimal internal memory storage to reduce size, weight, and costs.
Chromebooks take advantage of the prevalence of high-speed internet connections to offer processing performance levels comparable with low-end Windows-based laptops. This capability makes Chromebooks practical for a broad range of work and home applications beyond simple internet-based browsing and messaging.
Smaller and more energy-efficient processors and solid-state memory allow the latest Chromebooks to deliver good processing performance, with local storage to handle offline tasks where the internet is unavailable. This ability has been helped by the evolution of the Chrome OS and its memory management functions, reducing the reliance on access to cloud storage. Chromebooks are available in various options, from low-price browser models to high-performance laptops with our 2-in-1 convertible design.
Benefits of using HP Chromebooks
Chromebooks are a streamlined computing solution with quick start times and simple setup thanks to the Chrome OS. It’s perfect for applications where you regularly want to pick up a laptop, perform a quick task and then put it back down again without having to wait for the device to be ready to use all the time.
Chromebooks are also more affordable, typically cheaper than a Windows-based laptop offering broadly equivalent performance and features. Chromebooks are also generally more power efficient. Our Chromebooks combine these features with our products’ renowned durability and reliability. These benefits of easy to use and low cost with a rugged and dependable design makes these laptops ideal for carrying around and operating in places, such as the beach or a café, where you may think twice before taking an expensive computer.
The lower power consumption of Chromebooks generally means batteries can be smaller and lighter yet last longer. Also, the laptop will generate less waste heat, meaning it needs less processor cooling, which also benefits the device’s portability. The longer battery life compared to equivalent Windows-based laptops makes these a great option if you regularly use your computer on long journeys or outside out of reach of a power socket.
Top HP Chromebook models available in the UK
15-inch HP Chromebooks
The HP Chromebook 15a-na0000na has a full high definition (FHD) 15.6-inch screen that delivers incredible images thanks to the Intel® UHD graphics system.
An Intel Celeron® N4500 processor offers excellent performance with exceptional quality and value. This model features 4GB of RAM and 128GB of static storage using embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) technology.
This Chromebook weighs just 1.69 kg and has a battery that lasts over 10 hours.
14-inch HP Chromebooks
We offer various options for Chromebooks with the popular 14-inch screens to suit your performance and budget requirements.
The top of the range is the HP Chromebook x360 14c-cc0003na with the outstanding 11th Generation Intel Core™ i3 processor. This model features an impressive 8GB RAM and a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) for local storage. This Chromebook weighs just 1.92 kg and has a battery that lasts nearly 11 hours.
The mid-range option is the HP Chromebook x360 14b-cb0002na which comes with the Intel Pentium® Silver N6000 processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC local storage. This model also weighs in at just 1.92 kg and has a battery lasting over 11 hours.
At the economic end of the range is the HP Chromebook 14a-na0009na, which comes with the Intel Celeron N4120 processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC local storage. This lightweight model weighs just 1.46 kg and has a battery lasting over 12 hours.
13-inch convertible HP Chromebooks
The HP Chromebook x360 13b-ca0002sa is a fully convertible 2-in-1 laptop with a 13-inch FHD touch screen for use as a tablet. This model uses the MediaTek Kompanio processor, built for mobility and multitasking.
This model features 4GB of RAM and an impressive 256GB SSD for local storage. In addition, this Chromebook weighs just 1.34 kg and has an incredible battery life of up to 16 hours.
11-inch HP Chromebooks
We offer a couple of options for Chromebooks with ultra-compact 11-inch screens to suit your needs. The HP Chromebook x2 11-da0005na is a premium compact laptop with a kickstand and a detachable full-size keyboard that makes it ideal for travellers looking to stay informed and entertained.
This model uses the capable Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor made for mobile use and features an impressive 8GB of RAM and 128GB eMMC for local storage.
This ultra-light Chromebook weighs just 0.56 kg in tablet mode, with an additional 0.47 kg for the keyboard and stand. Its battery life of over 11 hours further supports use on the move.
If you want an economical compact laptop, the HP Chromebook 11a-na0000na model with its MediaTek MT8183 processor fits the bill. This model has 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC. Additionally, this lightweight Chromebook weighs just 1.07 kg with an incredible battery life of nearly 16 hours.
How to choose the right HP Chromebook for your needs
Now that you have seen what a Chromebook is and what options are available from our store, choosing the right one is just a question of deciding which best meets your needs.
Our Chromebook selection offers a great range of options for display size, hardware configuration, and premium features like touch-enabled screens and convertible designs. Selecting the features you need will depend on the answers to questions like how you handle and store files, your access to fast networks, and your travel needs.
Chrome OS features and functionality
Chrome OS is a relative newcomer derived from the Chrome browser that is gaining popularity thanks to its use in Chrome books and Android mobile devices. It’s a free, open-source operating system based on Linux, allowing it to run some Linux applications.
Chrome OS has a range of interesting features, including:
- It’s simple to learn and use, requiring little computer knowledge
- It’s secure by design out of the box with built-in malware protection
- It has modest system requirements, so it works well on older processor technology and can run on a broad range of devices
- It allows you to use all of Google’s applications. For example, you can use the Chrome browser to browse the World Wide Web, use Gmail for messaging, watch YouTube videos, store pictures using Photos and save documents and files on Drive
- It relies on cloud-based storage to minimise local storage needs
- It’s compatible with high-resolution streaming-based games
Popular use cases for HP Chromebooks
Homework
Chromebooks are ideal for children from pre-school to university age due to their simplicity and ease of configuration. Also, some schools have adopted Google’s toolset for teachers to assess homework, making a Chromebook the perfect choice.
Entertainment
Chromebooks are available with high-quality, high-definition screens, making them perfect for home entertainment, like watching movies or playing games for users of all ages.
Your Chromebook can run any game that supports streaming, which includes many of the latest immersive multi-player games. You can join in the action if the Chromebook has the right computational and graphical processing power to meet a game’s minimum system requirements.
Android applications
Chromebooks running the Chrome OS allow you to install applications from the Google Play Store for your Android mobile devices, so you can effortlessly switch between your smartphone and Chromebook if this fits your needs.
Windows applications
If you need to run Microsoft applications, including the Office suite, a Chromebook with Chrome OS can handle this. The Chrome browser allows you to access cloud-based Microsoft applications easily, including Office 365. Accessing online applications enables you to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations and join in with collaborative work tasks.
Offline working
The latest generation of Chromebooks can work and play offline thanks to the built-in local storage that can handle most everyday computing tasks, comparable with the budget range of Windows-based laptops.
Summary
While Chromebooks may not match Windows-based laptops for intensive business and gaming applications, they are an excellent option for students, families and general mobile users.
Chromebooks are ideal for online use accessing cloud-based resources and dispensing with the need for large volumes of local storage to reduce cost, weight and power consumption.
This approach makes Chromebooks an excellent option if you are looking for an economical device for your cloud-based computing applications where you don’t need to rely on local storage for your data and documents. However, the latest Chromebooks now come with sufficient resources to be more than capable of handling everyday offline applications.
The Chrome OS offers an excellent alternative for your computer needs with the benefit of a quick setup and access to the same applications as any Android device.
