It looks like HP is getting ready to update its 11 inch Chromebook… again. This time instead of just giving the laptop a lousier display and a new case design, the company is swapping out the ARM-based processor for an Intel chip.
Say goodbye to the Samsung Exynos 5250 processor and hello to an Intel Celeron N2830.
A support document for the HP Chromebook 11 G3 popped up on the HP website recently, where Alvin Chin spotted it.
The new model appears to have the same case as the Chromebook 11 G2. But it has a 2.16 GHz dual-core x86 processor and support sup to 4GB of RAM.
The notebook measures 11.8″ x 8.1″ x 0.83″ and weighs 2.8 pounds.
Other features include:
- 11.6 inch, 1366 x 768 pixel display
- 16GB eMMC storage
- 802.11ac and 802.11n WiFi options
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Optional 4G LTE/HSPA+
- 1 USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI and headset jack
- Stereo speakers
- 36Whr battery
HP says the new Chromebook also features a TPM 1.2 embedded security chip, suggesting that this model could be aimed at the enterprise market.
There’s no word on how much the new model will cost or when it will go on sale.
This isn’t the first Chromebook to feature an Intel Bay Trail processor. Asus, Lenovo, and a few other companies already offer models with Intel Celeron Bay trail chips. When I reviewed the Asus C200 Chromebook recently I found that it offered decent performance and long battery life… although rival models with Intel Celeron Haswell chips also offer long battery like and even better performance.
Still, it’s likely that the new HP Chromebook 11 G3 will be faster than the models it replaces while offering similar or better battery life.
via Chrome Story
I’m disappointed that HP did not appear to have made a better Chromebook than they have. From what I know so far, Acer (fast, bright display) is stiil the best when it comes to the Chromebook. The problem with the Samsung Chromebook is its (ARM-based) processor, which I personally have issue with for technical reasons. HP needs to get their act together. This is not the time, nor the product we (consumers) want corners being cut, while bringing down the overall price for what is essentially still only a pricey netbook.
Perhaps having an Intel chip would make it easier to install a different operating system? It would be neat to try one like ReactOS https://www.reactos.or or a small Linux variation https://www.linux.com .
The original CB11 could have been upgraded to Tegra K1 to have a nice performance refresh. That and the IPS screen + the microUSB charging port would have been enough to make it a really appealing Chromebook.
Does this still have the USB charger?
Alas, the original IPS screen with this BayTrail chip would have been terrific.
I know! I’d be so happy if we could get the original Chromebook 11 with this processor.
They really should have. There are at least 3 great models work exactly the same specs.