Chromebooks have a reputation for being cheap laptops with entry-level specs. But sometimes you want a little more power. And HP is the latest company to give it to you.
The company has launched a new Chromebook with premium specs and a starting price of $499, and as expected, the HP Chromebook 13 is available with up to 16GB of RAM, up to a 3200 x 1800 pixel IPS display, and up to an Intel Core M7 Skylake processor.
Entry-level models will likely have lesser specs: the laptop can be configured with a 1920 x 1080 pixel display, 4GB or 8GB of RAM, and processor options including Pentium 4405Y, Core M3, and Core M5 processor.
But each model has 32GB of eMMC 5.0 storage, a backlit keyboard, 802.11ac WiFi, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, one full-sized USB-A port, and a 45 Wh battery up to 11.5 hours of battery life
The notebook has an anodized aluminum case and the computer measures 12.6″ x 8.6″ x 0.5″ and weighs about 2.9 pounds.
Optional accessories include an HP Elite USB-C docking station that lets you hook up two external displays as well as other accessories. Or you can opt for a USB-C to HDMI, VGA, or USB 3.0 adapter.
HP isn’t the first company to offer a premium Chrome OS laptop. Google’s Chromebook Pixel has a starting price of $999, and Dell’s Chromebook 13 sells for $450 and up. But the HP Chromebook 13 still manages to stand out due to the number of configuration options, not to mention that an entry-level model is just half the price of a Chromebook Pixel.
