The HP Chromebook 11 sits in the middle of a bunch of budget-range $200 to $400 Chromebooks that have slowly filled the market where Netbooks used to be. These little Netbook-like devices look like computers, and nearly act the same as computers, but really run a very different operating system: Chrome OS, which feels like a super-powered semi-offline version of the Google Chrome browser.
Since our review last fall, there have been a few new additions: one is a replacement to the AC adapter/charger, which was recalled for safety reasons last year. This caused the Chromebook 11 to be pulled from the Google Play store, but it’s back again -- owners of this Chromebook from before December 1, 2013, need to swap out their chargers, however. The new charger looks pretty much the same. The bottom of the HP Chromebook 11 does get very warm, especially when charging, but otherwise things should (hopefully) be fine. There's also a new Verizon LTE version of the Chromebook 11, which costs around $100 more. All it does is add 4G LTE connectivity, which still requires a monthly data fee.
The HP Chromebook 11 isn't much more than a redesigned variant on the hardware already in the $249 Samsung Series 3 Chromebook. It has the same ARM processor, similar battery life, and also lacks a touch screen. But, the new HP version looks a lot better. Rather than seeming lack a cast-off Netbook with a Chrome OS brain-swap, the Chromebook 11 is cute, compact, simple, and attractive. It looks like the little simple mini-computer it really is. It's like the iPhone 5C of Chromebooks: you've seen this technology before, but now it looks cleaner, friendlier, and more colorful.
Are looks everything? Certainly not. Actually, this Chromebook has fewer ports than Samsung's version, and costs $30 more. But it has a better-quality screen, and a keyboard that's a breeze to type on. It's fun to use. And, it looks like something someone might actually want to buy.
Chrome OS keeps getting better, Google Drive more robust, and Google Chromecast now offers a way to stream content wirelessly to a TV. All of these make a Chromebook a more interesting bet than even a few months ago. It's not for everyone, but the Chromebook is finally making a case for being a fun, family-friendly product in its own right.
Since our original review, the Chromebook landscape's heating up even more, with most major PC manufacturers getting in the game in some way. The HP Chromebook 11 still feels like a colorful, pretty comfortable and affordable choice, but it's hardly the go-to slam-dunk pick.
What you get
The 11.6-inch Chromebook has specs that match a tablet more than a laptop: a dual-core Exynos ARM processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of SSD storage. Inside the box is a Micro-USB charger that's pretty compact, and can also charge up Micro-USB tablets, phones or other devices.
The 11.6-inch Chromebook has specs that match a tablet more than a laptop: a dual-core Exynos ARM processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of SSD storage. Inside the box is a Micro-USB charger that's pretty compact, and can also charge up Micro-USB tablets, phones or other devices.
Google also includes a two-year, 100GB Google Drive storage upgrade, a 60-day Google Music All Access trial, and 12 vouchers for GoGo in-flight Wi-Fi, which get redeemed via the Chromebook itself.
The Chromebook 11 now comes in a Verizon LTE model, too, for about $100 more (or less). Best Buy currently sells the LTE Chromebook 11 for $350.
Is LTE worth it? Connection speed seems fast enough, and having an always-on Chromebook can be useful, but keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for that data.
Design: Color me Google
Before the Chromebook 11, sub-$500 Chromebooks seemed like the sort of stuff that fell out the back of an abandoned CompUSA. They were Netbook-like, unattractive, and to make things worse, they ran a funky mostly online-only operating system. The Chromebook Pixel is a much more finely designed beast, but at over $1,000, it's well off any sensible person's radar.
Before the Chromebook 11, sub-$500 Chromebooks seemed like the sort of stuff that fell out the back of an abandoned CompUSA. They were Netbook-like, unattractive, and to make things worse, they ran a funky mostly online-only operating system. The Chromebook Pixel is a much more finely designed beast, but at over $1,000, it's well off any sensible person's radar.
