Google first introduced the Chromebook during the Google I/O conference in May 2011. For those who aren’t familiar with Chromebooks, these are personal computers that run on ChromeOS, Google’s own Linux-based operating system that’s designed to work primarily with web applications (applications that use web browsers as clients).
Unlike traditional computers, Chromebooks are designed to be used while connected to the Internet. This is why they come with minimal storage capacity because applications are not installed/stored locally in the device but the cloud. Google Chromebooks are also marketed to be less cheap than regular computers which the exception to the Chromebook Pixel which was designed to be a premium version featuring premium quality design and build.
This week, Google has released it’s new line of Chromebooks – the HP Chromebook 11, HP Chromebook 14 and the Acer C720. Below are some product photos and tech specifications for each model.
HP Chromebook 11
The HP Chromebook 11 is a nice, portable machine that features a silent, fanless design. It has a magnesium chassis built for durability and it doesn’t have any visible screws, vents or speakers. It comes in 2 different colors – black or white and a choice of 4 accent colors.
Product Photos:
Full Tech Specs:
- 11.6″ (1366 x 768) display with 16:9 aspect ratio (IPS Panel)
- CPU: Exynos 5250 GAIA Application Processor
- Memory: 2GB (4x 4Gbit) DDR3 RAM
- Storage: 16GB Solid State Drive1
- Audio: Combined headphone / microphone jack; Digitally-tuned speakers with sound ported up through the keyboard
- Battery: Up to 6 hours of active use (30 Wh battery)2
- Network: Dual-band WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth® 4.0, Verizon LTE connectivity (optional and coming soon)
- VGA Webcam
- 2 x USB 2.0
- Micro-SIM slot (3G and 4G/LTE model only)
- Micro USB for 15.75W charging and SlimPort video out
- Size: 297 x 192 x 17.6 mm
- Weight: 2.3lb / 1.04kg
The HP Chromebook 11 comes with 100GB Google Drive cloud storage FREE for 2 years, a 60-day FREE trial of Google Play Music All Access ($9.99/month after trial period) and 12 FREE sessions of GoGo Inflight Internet. This device is available for customers in the United Kingdom via PC World for £229 and in United States via Amazon.com, BestBuy and Google Play Store for $279.
One thing I really like about the HP Chromebook 11 is that you can use your Android phone’s charger to charge it which is basically any micro USB charger.
HP Chromebook 14
The HP Chromebook 14 is a totally different machine from the HP Chromebook 11 not only in terms of size but also in design and specs. It has a plastic chassis with the top having a smooth rubberized finish and comes in 3 colors – Snow White, Ocean Turquoise and Coral Peach.
Product Photos:
Tech Specs:
- 14″ 200 nit display with 16:9 aspect ratio
- 0.81 inches thin — 4.08 lbs / 1.85 kg
- Up to 9.5 hours of active use1
- New Intel Processor
- 100 GB Google Drive Cloud Storage2 with 16GB Solid State Drive
- Built-in dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
- HP TrueVision HD Webcam
- 2x USB3.0, 1x USB2.0
- Full size HDMI Port
- Bluetooth®4.0 Compatible
- T-Mobile 4G connectivity (optional)
The HP Chromebook 14 also comes with 100GB Google Drive cloud storage FREE for 2 years and a 60-day FREE trial of Google Play Music All Access ($9.99/month after trial period). It is available in the United States via WalMart starting at $299 and is available for preorder in India via Flipkart.com for Rs. 26,990.
Acer C720
Although it is a bit heavier than the HP Chromebook 11, the Acer C720 offers a longer battery life, SD card slot and is a cheaper alternative at $249.
Product Photos:
Tech Specs:
- 11.6’’ (1366×768) display, 16:9 aspect ratio
- 0.7 inches thin — 2.42 lbs / 1.1 kg
- Up to 8.5 hours of active use 1
- 1.4GHz Intel “Haswell” Processor
- Built-in dual band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
- VGA Camera
- 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0
- Full size HDMI Port
- Bluetooth®4.0 Compatible
Like the two HP Chromebooks, the Acer C720 comes with 100GB Google Drive cloud storage FREE for 2 years and a 60-day FREE trial of Google Play Music All Access ($9.99/month after trial period). It is available for preorder in the United States via Amazon.com starting at $249 and in India via Flipkart.com for Rs. 22,999.
Chromebooks are ideal and affordable devices for people who are always on the go and have a constant Internet connection. It’s great for basic web stuff such as checking emails, browsing the web, social networks, etc. Plus if you use most of many of Google’s products such as Docs, Drive, Quickoffice, etc. then a Google Chromebook would be more suited for you. It’ll also make a nice holiday season gift for your family and friends.
Is anyone of you getting one of the available Google Chromebooks? Which particular Chromebook model would you consider buying? Are you gonna get it for yourself or as a gift?
