I examined this $800 HP Chromebook for a month: 3 issues I really like and hate about it

With the $800 HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c, you'll should mood your expectations.

In the event you're anticipating efficiency so quick you get whiplash, audio so crisp you possibly can virtually make out sound waves, and a show that may solely be described as “visible sweet,” then that is the laptop computer. Not for you.

Nonetheless, should you're on the lookout for a easy Chromebook for lighter workloads, together with coordination between Google's numerous apps (for instance, Gmail, YouTube, Meet, Calendar, Docs, and so on.), the HP Chromebook x360 14c needs to be it. may simply sufficient On your workflow wants.

Nonetheless, earlier than snatching up this Chromebook, there are some things you need to know.

hp chromebook plus x360 14c worth

You will get this laptop computer via the official web site of HP. It has a beginning worth of $789 and comes with the next specs:

The configuration I examined has 256GB of SSD storage, which provides $30 to the worth (ie, $819).

What I like in regards to the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c

“HP Chromebook Plus In some methods, sure. Let's begin with the positives.

Strong, premium-esque development

At a fast look, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c appears to be like so much just like the HP Specter x360 14, a laptop computer that prices round $2,000.

From the twin audio system flanking the keyboard to the strong, aluminum grey chassis, this laptop computer feels prefer it prices greater than $800. I shook the lid to check its sturdiness, and by chance, nothing occurred.

Nonetheless, it's price noting that the chassis is delicate to scratches, and it's fairly a fingerprint magnet.

Because the title signifies, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c options 360-degree twin hinges, permitting the laptop computer to rework into a number of totally different modes, together with pill mode and tent mode.

Pill mode was my favourite, particularly for enjoying a few of my favourite Google Play video games amongst us sniper 3dAnd Temple Run 2.

superior keyboard

Take it from me as a keyboard snob – the Chromebook Plus x360 14c's keycaps are surprisingly clicky. I'm shocked, as a result of keyboards on this worth vary are usually ineffective and inexpressive. Very Low grade. Nonetheless, the white-backlit keyboard on the Chromebook Plus x360 14c is engaging, bouncy, and provides wonderful tactile suggestions.

i shouldn't be Very I used to be shocked, as HP is thought for main the best way within the laptop computer keyboard recreation. (I actually went into element in regards to the HP Specter x360 14's keyboard.)

The touchpad provides the cherry on prime to the keyboard expertise. It’s large and spacious. Additionally, it's comfy sufficient on my fingers for seamless navigation, however supplies sufficient friction for quick clicks.

large number of ports

The HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c isn't stingy on the subject of ports. On the best facet, I noticed a USB-A port, a headset jack, and a USB-C port.

In a nod to the creators, it additionally has a microSD card slot, permitting you to immediately switch information to and out of your digicam. You can too use it to extend your storage.

On the left, you'll discover one other USB-C port, an influence button, a quantity rocker, and a webcam kill swap (which helps you to rapidly deactivate the webcam).

What's “eh” in regards to the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c

There are a couple of facets in regards to the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c that I don't like, however given its inexpensive worth, I'm keen to place them down.

not for present

In the event you care about crisp, vivid, sharp shows, I hope you're not placing the Chromebook Plus x360 14c in your purchasing record.

The 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel show is ok in that it will get the job completed, however it received't win any awards.

Not zippy, however that's anticipated

As you'll uncover within the Geekbench part, which exams processor efficiency, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c isn't a efficiency powerhouse by any stretch of the creativeness. In spite of everything, it sports activities a processor that's two generations out of date (it has a Twelfth-generation Intel CPU; we're within the 14th-generation period).

Nonetheless, as I discussed to start with, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c isn't designed for energy customers, however it's ok for the typical school-focused client or employee bee with gentle to medium workloads.

Not “skinny and lightweight”

Don't anticipate the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c to be as gentle as a feather.

It weighs 3.34 kilos, which is fairly commonplace for a laptop computer. Nonetheless, should you're hoping for one thing glossy, gentle and glossy that received't add a lot to the burden of your journey bag, the Chromebook Plus x360 14c isn’t for you.

What I don't like in regards to the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c

After I examined the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c inside Mashable's places of work, I observed a couple of issues that will trouble some customers.

low gentle

In case your desk is positioned subsequent to a brilliant window otherwise you plan to make use of the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c outdoors, you might discover that the show is tough to see. Why? It's very blurry.

Sitting close to a window with daylight streaming in, I squinted to see a few of the particulars on the show. Nonetheless, the show is appropriate in the best lighting.

poor energy effectivity

I need to meet However no less than 9 hours of battery life on a Chromebook.

In response to my expertise testing Chromebooks, the typical Chromebook lasts between 9 to 10 hours. Nonetheless, within the battery life part, you'll discover that it barely missed the 9 hour mark.

Webcam is “meh”

I'm not a fan of the webcam on the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c. I've all the time criticized the laptop computer trade for providing blurry 720p and 1080p webcams. Nonetheless, at first, I held my tongue on this Chromebook as a result of it has a 5MP shooter.

Sadly, I wouldn't have guessed that the webcam on the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c can be something larger than 1080p. It’s fairly noisy and low decision, however the good factor is that it reproduces colours fairly nicely. For instance, it portrayed my brown complexion precisely.

hp chromebook plus x360 14c battery life

We ran the CrXPRT 2 battery take a look at on an HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c with the show at most brightness. it lasted 8 hours 54 minutes. It's not half unhealthy, however it misses my most popular 9-hour mark by a slight margin.

Fortunately, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c ought to final a typical eight-hour college or work day on a single cost.

hp chromebook plus x360 14c geekbench scores

We ran Geekbench 6 on a Chromebook Plus x360 14c, which exams the processor's potential. It gave a multi-core rating of 4,318, which isn’t that spectacular.

The Microsoft Floor Laptop computer Go 3 has a greater rating of 6,043 and is inside the identical worth vary because the Chromebook Plus x360 14c (should you don't thoughts getting Home windows as a substitute of ChromeOS).

ultimate ideas

It's additionally price noting that the Chromebook Plus x360 14c helps stylus enter. The pen isn’t included within the HP field; Nonetheless, you should use any Common Stylus Initiative (USI) pen accessible available on the market – like this pen from HP.

In brief, you won’t care in regards to the Chromebook Plus x360 14c's dim show and potato webcam. However its sturdy aluminum chassis, versatile postures (for instance, pill and tent modes), wide selection of ports, and unbelievable The keyboard can mesmerize you.