HP targets classrooms with the ProBook x360 11

HP is hoping the ProBook x360 11 will be a hit in education. (Source: HP)

Designed from "the ground up" for educational settings, the ProBook x360 11 is an inexpensive, durable, and capable convertible with active pen support.

Douglas Black, 12/01/2016

Laptop Convertible / 2-in-1

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HP's new 11-inch ProBook x360 11 G1 was designed entirely with education in mind, according to the company. The specs seem to confirm this, with equal attention paid to both function and ruggedness. HP says that the rubberized MIL-STD-810G case will allow the notebook to survive falls offs desks, while the water-resistant keyboard should be able to withstand nearly 12 oz of fluid.

Beyond the 41 Wh battery, the specs are quite flexible: both Celeron and Pentium-class Apollo Lake CPUs are available, RAM is expandable up to 8 GB, storage starts at 64 GB eMMC and is upgradable to 128 or 256 GB SSDs, and the 1366 x 768 screen is available with or without touch. The touch screen will support active pens.

In terms of connectivity, the ProBook offers almost everything imaginable for a budget notebook: 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2, a microSD slot, 2 USB 3.1 ports, 1 USB Type-C port, HDMI 1.4b, 3.5mm audio, and Ethernet.

While it's a little chunky at around 3 lbs and measuring 8.2″ x 11.9″ x 0.8″, a thinner notebook would not be nearly as durable. HP plans to begin selling the ProBook in mid-December, starting at $329.