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CES 2019 | Souped-up performance: the HP Chromebook x360 14 G1 will come with a Core i7-8650U

Souped-up performance: the HP Chromebook x360 14 G1 will come with a Core i7-8650U
Souped-up performance: the HP Chromebook x360 14 G1 will come with a Core i7-8650U
A Chromebook in an Ultrabook chassis. The HP Chromebook x360 14 G1 convertible has hardware familiar to any Ultrabook user including its 15 W Core ix Kaby Lake-R CPU, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 14-inch 1080p touchscreen.

While Chromebook options are innumerable nowadays, most are equipped with very low-power processors that require no active cooling. Even Google's own pricey Chromebook Pixelbook utilizes a 4.5 W CPU instead of the 15 W version as found on most Ultrabooks. In an attempt to stand out from the crowd, HP has introduced the Chromebook x360 14 G1 catered to premium and performance users.

The new HP Chromebook is notable for its selection of processors. Users are able to choose between the Core i3-8130U, i5-8350U, and even the i7-8650U for significantly faster performance than the usual Celeron, Exynos, or Intel Y-class processors found on most budget Chromebooks. Its 14-inch display will also be native 1080p by default with no 768p option. USB Type-C charging, a large 61 Wh battery, and up to 16 GB of DDR4-2133 RAM are all specifications closer to that of a $1000 Ultrabook than the traditional Chromebook.

Visually, the matte silver chassis takes design cues from the pricey EliteBook series including the aluminum keyboard deck and outer lid. Plastic is still present around the bezels and bottom cover to save on costs unlike on its HP Chromebook 14 G1 predecessor released a few years ago.

Why such high CPU options for a Chromebook? HP says the more powerful specifications can aid in multi-monitor multi-tasking, remote desktop tasks, and Google Play Store performance where weaker Chromebooks may start to struggle. Any Linux side installations would also likely perform more smoothly as well.

HP has not yet announced any firm launch dates or prices for the Chromebook x360 14 G1.

Chromebook x360 14 G1 specifications (Source: HP)
Chromebook x360 14 G1 specifications (Source: HP)

Source(s)

HP

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2018 12 > Souped-up performance: the HP Chromebook x360 14 G1 will come with a Core i7-8650U
Allen Ngo, 2019-01- 6 (Update: 2019-01- 2)