A pleasant, mid-priced Chromebook
HP
Out there for my subsequent Chromebook, I’m trying to deal with myself to a high-end mannequin. One I’ve been eyeing is HP’s x360 14c. Thankfully, I used to be capable of test-drive it up entrance as a result of I’m a tech author. And I’m fairly joyful that I did.
A number of issues initially caught my eye about it. First off, it has an Intel Core i3 processor. Many fashions in retailers are likely to somewhat have Celeron or Snapdragon in them. I favor the i3 or i5, as a result of they appear to work strong and zippy. And the HP has 8GB of RAM inbuilt, which is sweet, together with upward-facing Bang & Olufsen audio system, 14-inch Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen, fingerprint reader, Wi-Fi 6, almost 11 hours of battery life, microSD slot, USB and USB-C slots, and the flexibility to fold all the best way again right into a pill. Plus, my evaluate unit got here with an HP stylus that’s accessible as an elective accent. It magnetically snaps to the facet of the machine. And the entire thing weighs simply 3.35 kilos.
The Chromebook I’ve been utilizing the previous 16 months – an outdated Macbook Professional that I transformed utilizing Neverware CloudReady – has began performing funky. Though I added RAM, it nonetheless stutters to a grinding halt once I attempt enhancing massive photographs. And typically it inexplicably gained’t register my keystrokes. I’m nicely conscious that Google is formally popping out quickly with its Chrome OS Flex for my machine, however early studies are that it really works terrible with Macs and a lot better with outdated Home windows machines. Apart from, I simply assume it’s time for the latest-and-greatest precise Chromebook – one by which I can make the most of the Google Play retailer with.
By the best way, folks ask why I favor a Chromebook. First, it’s the security. I don’t have to ever fear about it getting viruses. Secondly, I really like the Google ecosystem and the best way it meshes Docs, Pictures, Drive and Gmail. Third, I really like the moment start-up. Fourth, I really like the velocity. And that I can work offline. And watch movies, motion pictures and TV on it. And naturally in my case, it really works nice for writers.
My expertise utilizing the HP the previous couple of weeks has been nice – particularly in comparison with engaged on my transformed Macbook Professional. A few issues have been nice surprises. The construct high quality appears to be excellent. The hinges are superior – letting the display screen relaxation solidly in place at actually any angle. Its touchpad feels nice, being tremendous responsive with the correct quantity of spring. Plus, there’s a bodily digicam change on the left facet – letting me shortly flip off the digicam. Beats utilizing a post-it to cowl the lens, once I don’t wish to be seen. And the 250-nit display screen can get brighter than I imagined.
Pay attention, utilizing a Chromebook is an identical expertise from one machine to the following. However having these good extras lets me know I can in all probability anticipate a number of years of use out of it till the following great point emerges. This specific mannequin sells for $540, which appears to be the recent spot of well-made Chromebook machines proper now.
