HP's Latest Round of Google-Based Laptops Reviewed - Chrome OS-powered Chromebook PC and Android-powered Slatebook
HP has been collaborating with Google in the hardware department for about a year now, during which time the partnership has produced the Chromebook 11 and Chromebook 14.
This year HP is releasing two more innovative Google-based notebooks - the latest addition to the Chromebook lineup (Chromebook PC), and the first Android-powered laptop (Slatebook).
Below we'll review the specs, release dates, pricing, and other aspects of these much-anticipated devices:
Chromebook PC Boasting Stronger Processor and Sturdier Design than Predecessors
The primary complaint about the original Chromebook 11 was that it lacked the processing power found in similarly priced laptops, despite having a brilliantly bright and vivid 11.6 inch display.
The new Chromebook PC will also have an 11.6 inch display, but this time HP is focusing more on power by including a Samsung processor. Still, we don't expect to see too much of a performance jump given that the RAM is staying at a mediocre 2GB.
The display resolution will remain the same at 1366 x 768, but the aesthetic design will be more similar to the Chromebook 14, which looks a bit more durable and less flimsy. At under an inch thick and weighing in at about 2.69 pounds, the device is still relatively compact.
One notable caveat is the fact that HP has listed the Chromebook's battery life at a mere 6.25 hours, which doesn't sound bad in comparison to a tablet or smartphone, but pales in comparison to the battery life of previously introduced Chromebooks made by Acer and Dell.
Spec-wise, the Chromebook PC seems lacking on the surface, especially when you consider the hardware you can get in a conventional Microsoft PC.
However, proponents of the infant Chrome OS would argue that the compact, made-to-be-simple operating system can run just fast on 2GB of RAM as a Windows PC running on 4GB of RAM.
While that argument may be true, it is safe to say that a power user could NOT perform intense multi-tasking and gaming on a Chromebook, so this is certainly a niche market aimed at Chrome OS fans that only require portability and simplicity.
While some users find the new operating system a refreshing change, others have criticized it for lacking distinguishing features. Still, at only $249 for a Wi-Fi enabled model, that's a fair price for any new 11.6 inch notebook. A 3G/4G-capable Chromebook PC will apparently be available as well.
14-inch Android-Powered Slatebook Slated for Release on July 20th
Before the Chromebooks were released, many people assumed that Google would be equipping them with its beloved Android operating system.
For those of you who were let down by Chrome OS, you might be happy to learn that HP is releasing an Android-powered laptop known as the "Slatebook."
The Slatebook will be considerably more powerful than its Chromebook counterpart, with an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor, built-in BeatsAudio speakers, 9 hours of battery life, and in impressive 14-inch 1080p full HD capacitive touchscreen.
However, the pricetag will be a bit higher as well at $429, which can be called 'fair' considering it is the first Android-powered notebook. The device will ship running 4.3 Jelly Bean - so for the first time ever you'll be able to enjoy the Google Play Store and all of its glorious apps on a mid-size notebook.
Design-wise the Slatebook looks special, with an eye-catching yellow and black theme that stands out in a crowd. Eventually you'll probably be able to choose from a selection of color themes. The size is also commendable, weighing in at 3.7 lbs and having a thickness of only 16mm.
Overall, I personally would wait for the Slatebook to drop in July, even though it means spending almost $200 more - simply because you'd get a 14-inch HD touchscreen, Android, and 4 times the storage space of a Chromebook PC.
