Albeit not being full-fledged PCs, Chromebooks are becoming increasingly interesting machines for a lot of people, given that the extremely simple and lightweight Chrome OS generally leads in reliability, ease of use and usually highly affordable prices.
However, a few of these computers have stood out for things like higher-end specs and interesting industrial designs — namely Google‘s own Pixels — and it looks like HP may have found a really sweet spot with today’s announcement. Partnering with the Mountain View company, the two are today unveiling the Chromebook 13, an all-metal machine with truly impressive specs and price…
Google is said to be responsible for part of the design, and the result is stunning. With a brushed, anodized aluminum back (which also clads the device’s interiors) and HP’s glossy logo in contrast, the Chromebook 13 is indeed quite the looker.
The 13.3″ non-touchscreen display has a QHD+ resolution (that’s 3200×1800) option and 1080p standard, and despite the huge amount of pixels, the new, 6th generation Intel Core M processor — the same one found in the newest MacBook — should keep things running smoothly, especially with up to 16GB of RAM to support the browser-based OS.
The battery is a 45-watt hour, and HP claims it should give you room for almost 12 hours of use. The presence of two USB-C ports should also help in keeping recharging times short with the present fast charging option.
Other than two USB-C ports, a standard USB A 3.0, a microSD slot to expand the 32GB of internal memory, HP’s “TrueVision” HD camera and the usual headphone/mic jack, the Chromebook 13 also comes with Bang & Olufsen-tuned, machine-grilled dual speakers above the keyboard, all in a package that keeps the weight under three pounds.
HP is also offering a few accessories, among which the USB-C docking setup may be the most interesting, as it will allow you to hook the Chromebook into multiple (up to three) displays using DisplayLink (available starting Chrome OS 51), in addition to external keyboards, mouses and other peripherals.
With a starting $499 price tag, while still being relatively expensive for a Chrome OS product, the Chromebook 13″ is, however, an indeed intriguing option. HP is pushing it for regular consumers as well as businesses, which may be interested in it given the presence of its docking station.
Other price variants include $599, $819 and $1029 options, with 4, 8 and 16GB of RAM and Core m3, m5 and m7 processors respectively.
On the other end, high-end specs and a distinctive design may still be more than valuable points by themselves for some, and with rumors of Android‘s own Play Store making its way to the platform, things may be getting more serious, and could eventually lead to justify more higher-end Chrome OS machines like this.
You can check out the official introduction videos and an image gallery down below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-WGZzOtasw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78T3iuWi0Ks
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