Are you hunting for a reliable, budget-friendly laptop that won’t drain your wallet or drive you up the wall? Look no further than the HP Chromebook 14! In the ever-evolving world of laptops, this little guy stands out like a diamond in the rough—or at least like a decent cup of coffee in a sea of overpriced lattes. Whether you’re a student juggling assignments, a professional always on the move, or just someone in need of a no-fuss machine, the HP Chromebook 14 might just be your new best friend. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty, shall we?
Unboxing: What’s in the Box?
First impressions count, right? Well, the HP Chromebook 14 keeps things simple. Inside the box, you’ll find the basics: a standard power cable with a USB 3.0 end, some cardboard packaging that’s surprisingly sturdy, and a couple of sheets of paperwork—a setup guide and a warranty card. And… that’s about it! No unnecessary frills, just what you need to get started. Think of it as the minimalist’s approach to laptop packaging. Less is more, right?
Under the Hood: Performance and Power
Now, let’s talk about what makes this Chromebook tick. The HP Chromebook 14 is powered by an Intel Celeron N100 processor, paired with 4GB of LPDDR5 SDRAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. The newer Chromebooks sport the zippier Intel N4000, N4500, or N6000 chips, so that’s what you’ll end up buying. For most everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and word processing, this Chromebook gets the job done without breaking a sweat—or your budget.
Running on Chrome OS, this device offers a smooth and secure experience. You won’t be running memory-hogging software like Windows 11, which means you can expect a quicker, more streamlined performance. However, if you’re a die-hard Microsoft Office user or a gamer at heart, you might need to make peace with the fact that you’re limited to Android and Linux apps. But hey, less is more, right?
AMD-powered Chromebooks also offer a budget-friendly option for basic tasks like document work and web browsing. However, they may experience lag during more demanding activities, making them less desirable compared to higher-performing options.
Display: What You See Is What You Get
The HP Chromebook 14 features a 14-inch HD LED display that’s bright enough for most indoor settings, offering 250 nits of brightness. Now, before you start dreaming of ultra-crisp 1080p visuals, let’s reel it in a bit. The display resolution is 1366 x 768—not Full HD, but certainly good enough for web browsing, watching videos, and cranking out that report that’s due tomorrow morning.
So, while it won’t win any awards for pixel density, the display is perfectly adequate for everyday use. Plus, with those Bang & Olufsen speakers, you’ll get surprisingly good audio quality—clear and balanced, even if it won’t shake the walls with bass. For a budget laptop, that’s more than you can ask for.
Design and Build: Light as a Feather
One of the standout features of the HP Chromebook 14 is its sleek and modern design. Despite being made of plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap at all. In fact, the build quality is solid, with a weight of just 1.46 kilograms. It’s easy to tote around all day, whether you’re dashing between classes, meetings, or coffee shops. The rubbery edge on the bottom is a nice touch, preventing it from slipping and sliding all over your desk.
And here’s a little something for those who crave peace and quiet: this Chromebook is fanless, meaning it runs silently. You can type away in libraries or during meetings without disturbing a soul—perfect for the introverts among us.
The Keyboard: A Typist’s Delight
Speaking of typing, let’s talk keyboards. The HP Chromebook 14’s keyboard is smooth, quiet, and even backlit. Yep, you heard that right—backlit! Notably, it lacks a dedicated Caps Lock key, which is replaced by a Search key, a design choice that might be a minor inconvenience for users who often type in all caps. You can type comfortably in low-light environments without missing a beat. Whether you’re penning your next novel, or just responding to emails in bed, this keyboard’s got you covered.
Ports and Connectivity: Plug and Play
HP hasn’t skimped on ports, either. It even includes a security lock slot for added protection. On the left side, you’ve got a USB Type-C port for charging and connecting to displays, along with a headphone jack for all you audiophiles out there. On the right side, there’s another USB Type-C port, a USB-A port (full-size USB 3.0), and a microSD card slot. That microSD slot is perfect for expanding your storage or loading up movies for offline viewing—just be careful, though, the SD card does stick out a bit. Maybe don’t shove it in your bag too recklessly!
Google Family Link: Keeping It Kid-Friendly
Planning to hand this Chromebook over to a younger user? Google Family Link is your new best friend. This feature allows parents to create a Google account for their child, giving them control over screen time, app usage, and content filters. Setting it up is a breeze—just download the Family Link app on your device, create or link a Google account for your child, and sign them into the Chromebook. Voilà, instant peace of mind!
Family Link lets you approve or block apps, set screen time limits, and even lock the device remotely when it’s time to hit the books or the hay. Plus, you get weekly activity reports, so you’re always in the loop about what your child is up to online.
Performance: Everyday Workhorse
When it comes to performance, the HP Chromebook 14 is a solid contender in the budget category. For general tasks like web browsing, streaming, and running Android apps, it’s smooth and responsive. We put it through its paces on Browserbench.org’s Speedometer, and it scored well, holding its own against more expensive rivals. Additionally, it effectively handles basic web applications like Google Docs.
We also tested a few Linux apps and even some basic games through Steam. While this Chromebook isn’t going to handle heavy-duty gaming or resource-intensive tasks, it’s perfectly capable of running lightweight games and coding software. However, it struggles with more demanding operations, such as video editing, due to its lower-tier processors and integrated graphics. If you’re into casual gaming or need to do some coding on the go, this Chromebook has you covered.
Battery Life: Going the Distance
Let’s talk battery life—because what good is a portable laptop if it can’t last through your day? The HP Chromebook 14 boasts a long battery life, with HP claiming around 13 hours on a single charge, and in our tests, it didn’t disappoint. With moderate use, you can easily get through a full workday, and maybe even sneak in some Netflix afterwards. It’s perfect for those days when you’re bouncing between classes, meetings, and coffee shops without a power outlet in sight.
Webcam: A Functional Friend
The webcam on the HP Chromebook 14 is, well, functional. It’s got a wide-angle lens, making it great for video calls with multiple people, but don’t expect the clarity of a Hollywood blockbuster. The Chromebook handles YouTube videos efficiently, making it a good choice for watching media content. It’s perfectly fine for Zoom meetings or virtual classes, but if you’re planning to start a YouTube channel, you might want to invest in an external camera.
Chrome OS, Android, and Linux Apps: Flexibility at Your Fingertips
One of the best things about Chromebooks is their ability to run Android apps, and the HP Chromebook 14 is no exception. You can download apps from the Google Play Store like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video and even enjoy offline viewing—perfect for long flights or commutes. Plus, with Linux support, you can run more advanced software like GIMP for photo editing or lightweight games from Steam. It’s not often you find this kind of flexibility in a laptop at this price point.
Final Verdict: Is the HP Chromebook 14 for You?
All in all, the HP Chromebook 14 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t skimp on essential features. With a price point of under $400 AUD (around $250 USD), it offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone in need of a reliable everyday laptop, this Chromebook delivers where it counts.
When comparing the HP Chromebook 14 with the Samsung Chromebook, the HP model stands out with its superior battery life, while the Samsung Chromebook excels in processing power, making it a strong contender in the entry-level device market.
We grabbed the N100 version for around $300 AUD, plus a discounted laptop cover, bringing the total to $330 AUD. Current prices range from $320 to $380 AUD for the N6000 version, so there’s not much difference between the versions in terms of cost. Actual prices available on amazon
So, what do you think of the HP Chromebook 14? Is it the right laptop for you? If you’re still on the fence, why not check out our detailed video review where we go hands-on with the HP Chromebook 14. Or click here to see the latest deals and prices on Amazon. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it! For stock availability, check Amazon as these change on a daily basis and deals abound.
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