For tech lovers, Chromebooks could be an acquired style. Superior customers don’t want a stripped-down working system, and the low computing energy typically disqualifies Chromebooks from being a critical, major PC. However Chromebooks can typically discover a welcome spot in an fanatic’s house as a secondary or (after the cellphone) tertiary gadget. And when that Chromebook is available in a removable type issue with a display screen that is barely bigger than most opponents, it suits that position effectively.
The HP Chromebook x2 two-in-one makes a play for this area with an 11-inch show that provides extra display screen space than rivals like the ten.1-inch Lenovo Chromebook Duet, the ten.5-inch Microsoft Surface Go 3, and even equally priced iPads. HP’s transportable, bendable (and did we point out blue?) Chromebook is ripe for journey and fewer intensive duties.
| Specs at a look: HP Chromebook x2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Worst | Finest | As reviewed | |
| Display screen | 11-inch 2160×1440 IPS touchscreen | ||
| OS | Chrome OS | ||
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute Platform | ||
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4x-2133 | 8GB LPDDR4x-2133 | |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC | 128GB eMMC | 64GB eMMC |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno 618 (built-in) | ||
| Networking | Qualcomm Atheros 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2×2) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 | ||
| Ports | 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Sort-C), 1x microSD card reader | ||
| Dimension | 9.9×7×0.3 inches (252.5×176.8×7.6 mm) | ||
| Weight | With keyboard and kickstand: 1.2 lb; Pill solely: 1 lb | ||
| Battery | 32 Wh | ||
| Guarantee | 1 yr | ||
| Value (MSRP) | $570 | $680 | $600 |
| Different perks | HP Rechargeable USI Pen | 4G LTE | HP Rechargeable USI Pen |
Regardless of an MSRP of $600-$680, relying on the configuration, I’ve seen the HP Chromebook x2 at extra applicable sale costs of $370, $400, or $480. Contemplating its degree of energy, its touchpad that calls for a tough floor, and a keyboard cowl that seems like a brief answer, you will need to look forward to that low cost.
Just a little colour by no means damage anybody
I admire a bit of tech that is not afraid to point out some colour. Those that like a typical-looking pc can get the Chromebook x2 in Shade Grey. However for these craving extra taste, there’s Evening Teal.
The pc itself is silver (with thick black borders) regardless; HP is not that daring. What Evening Teal will get you is a removable keyboard and again cowl/kickstand in an thrilling ocean-like shade of blue. That blue makes the white font on the keyboard pop and is simply darkish sufficient to not look infantile—a fantastic line to stroll for any Chromebook.
Highly effective magnets safe the again cowl to the pill and assist information the keyboard into place with five-point pogo pins. Attachments required minimal work; the magnets simply pull all the things proper into place.
By itself, the again cowl is skinny however arduous. It did not give after I tried bending it, besides with agency actions on the designated metallic hinge. I nonetheless felt safe with the Chromebook angled again on the most 170 levels, permitting me to kind in my most aggressive trend or mark away on the display screen with the stylus.
Scharon Harding
Skinny, removable keyboards like this aren’t long-term options for hardcore typists, however I used to be proud of how readily the system connects to the keyboard. It reliably woke from sleep when opened and closed, similar to a real clamshell. Nonetheless, every so often, the on-screen keyboard would fail to point out up after I wanted it (logging out or restarting all the time mounted that challenge, although). This might be a fault of Chrome OS, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a possible draw back to choosing a removable.
The 2 equipment are coated in polyurethane, with a pleasant, mildly textured end. The system itself has the reflective HP brand on the again, stored firm by a Chromebook brand and a digicam bump.
Scharon Harding
With the kickstand on, the one seen branding comes from the Bang & Olufsen stamp on the left-side trim. Two USB-C ports at 5Gbps and a microSD card reader additionally stay there, separated by a quantity rocker. At first, I believed it was odd for a quantity management to interrupt the circulation of ports. However this turned out to be a wise structure as a result of I ended up utilizing the USB-C ports and quantity rocker probably the most. The USB-C ports are about pretty much as good because it will get for Chromebooks, providing USB Energy Supply and DisplayPort 1.2, so you possibly can join a supporting monitor.
Scharon Harding
On the fitting aspect of the display screen is a WWAN LTE slot. Choosing 4G LTE requires each funds to your service supplier and the costliest configuration of the Chromebook x2, which, for some cause, does not include a stylus (you should buy HP’s pen separately for $49). I want you did not have to select between 4G or a stylus.
The pc weighs one pound with out the kickstand and keyboard and 1.2 kilos with them connected. Preserve the kickstand and keyboard on throughout journey, as a result of even with these components, three sides of the pc’s edges are uncovered. The machine is made out of 1 piece of CNC-milled aluminum and makes use of Gorilla Glass on the display screen to struggle scratches, so it isn’t cheaply completed, however it’s potential for the facility button to get by chance pressed or for the stylus to be pushed off the aspect of the display screen.
An 11-inch display screen gives a much bigger playground than the ten.1-inch Lenovo Chromebook Duet or the ten.5-inch Floor Go 3. But it does not make for a heavier system. In the event you’re utilizing the keyboard, the x2 is lighter than the Chromebook Duet (2 kilos). In the event you’re not, HP’s gadget weighs the identical because the Lenovo and a hair lighter than the Floor Go 3 (1.2 kilos).
The larger display screen does imply a much bigger system, however not by a lot. HP’s Chromebook is 9.9×7×0.3 inches, Lenovo’s Chromebook Duet is 9.6×6.3×0.3 inches, and Microsoft’s Floor Go 3 is 9.7×6.9×0.3 inches.
