HP Announces 14-inch Chromebook

On the last day of Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, HP has revealed the very first Chromebook to be powered by a new Haswell processor.

Chromebook 14 runs Google’s Chrome OS and features an HD screen, optional 4G networking, a solid state hard drive and 100 GB of free storage on Google Drive. The basic model will cost just £249, and HP has promised to ship the device in time for Christmas.

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The LED-backlit screen of Chromebook 14 is capable of 1366×768 resolution. The device will be available with either 16 or 32GB SSD, HDMI, one USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports.

It measures 13.6 by 9.4 by 0.8 inches and weighs 1.8 kg, making it more of a laptop than an ultrabook. Customers will get a choice of three colours – Snow White, Ocean Turquoise and Coral Peach. That’s white, blue and pink for those of us who didn’t go to a design school.

The new Chromebook will arrive pre-loaded with Google apps including Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive and Google+. All of them update automatically, and more apps are always available at the Chrome Web Store.

Certain models will include up to 200 MB of free 4G data per month, provided by T-Mobile without a contract. Obviously, Wi-Fi connectivity is included as standard.

The new laptop joins a growing list of HP devices that run Google’s lightweight OS, which includes HP SlateBook x2, the HP Slate 7 and HP Slate 21.

“There are customers telling us they are interested in new operating systems and in particular Chromebooks,” said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer PCs, Services and Solutions, HP. “We built the HP Chromebook to offer a great experience, choice and affordability, with a design that is truly unique.”

Chromebook 14 is expected to be launched in the UK in November.

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