Top HP Chromebooks for Students on the Go

Technological advancements have had a profound impact on education. Online learning environments are integrated into classrooms from early childhood to higher education, and Digital Technologies and Digital Literacy have been highlighted in the Australian Curriculum. Access to a portable, versatile device to use for educational purposes has become almost essential, especially for students who are on the go, moving between different classrooms and learning environments.

HP Chromebook range overview:

HP has a range of Chromebooks that meet this need, developing multipurpose devices with useful features for students who need to work and learn anywhere. 

HP Chromebook x360 2-in-1 Laptop (14a-ca0005TU)

The HP Chromebook x360 2-in-1 Laptop (14a-ca0005TU) has a flexible x360 form, meaning the screen folds 360 degrees back, touching both sides of the keyboard. It can be used as a laptop to type an assignment or do some online research before being folded back into a free-standing touch screen or tablet, perfect for reading learning material, making handwritten notes or creating educational content.

This Chromebook features a 14-inch Full High-Definition (FHD) touchscreen and a full-sized keyboard. An HP Wide Vision High-Definition (HD) camera is built into the frame, useful for participating in online classes and recording verbal assignments or feedback. Along the edge, it has USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports to connect external storage devices and accessories, as well as a headphone/microphone combo port.

The battery on the Chromebook x360 (14a-ca0005TU) lasts up to 12 hours and 15 minutes, easily meeting the demands of an entire day of learning. Once the battery gets low, it only takes around 45 minutes to go from 0% to 50% charge, a handy feature for busy students or those who occasionally forget to charge their device.

HP Chromebook x2 (11-da0006QU)

Can’t decide whether a laptop or tablet would be more suitable for the learning journey? With the HP Chromebook x2 (11-da0006QU), you get both. It can be propped up using the kickstand for use as a laptop, then have the full-sized keyboard detached from the screen to transform it into a tablet.

Slightly more compact than the previous option, this Chromebook has an 11-inch touch screen that displays at 2.1K resolution. It has 128GB of storage, which is adequate for most educational needs, especially when assignments and lessons are hosted in cloud-based storage. The device has a 12MP camera that allows for participating in online classes, and sound comes through dual speakers with audio by Bang & Olufsen. It’s also possible to connect headphones via Bluetooth for a more immersive experience.

Along the laptop’s edge are a few buttons and features to be aware of. A fingerprint scanner is incorporated into the power button as a convenient security feature, and there is a media card slot and two USB Type-C ports. On the other side is a magnetic dock where a stylus can be mounted for safe storage. While sold separately, an HP stylus pen is recommended due to the experience it creates for tablet users.

HP Chromebook x360 2-in-1 Laptop (14b-cb0000TU)

The HP Chromebook x360 2-in-1 Laptop (14b-cb0000TU) is another flexible x360 form device where the screen can be folded to transform it into a touch screen device, holding its shape in four different positions. Having a 2-in-1 device is beneficial in the classroom as it offers greater flexibility and choice when studying and completing educational activities.

Taking a look at the specifications, this Chromebook has a 14-inch FHD touch screen supported by an Intel® UHD Graphics processor. It comes with a HP Wide Vision HD camera, array of integrated microphones and dual Bang & Olufsen speakers, enabling full participation in online learning sessions without the need for external accessories. If headphones are required, they can be connected using Bluetooth or the headphone/microphone combo port.

The Chromebook x360 (14b-cb0000TU) has 128GB of inbuilt storage. If needed this can be expanded in three different ways; using a cloud-based storage solution such as Google One, connecting an external storage device to the USB Type-C or USB Type-A ports, or inserting a microSD card into the inbuilt media card reader. 

HP Chromebook features

Portable and lightweight

Students are always on the go. They’re moving around the classroom, across the campus and between different locations including home and school. As a result, portability is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a device, and Chromebook’s are designed with this in mind.

Each of the Chromebooks we’ve mentioned weighs under 1.7 kg, with the HP Chromebook x2 (11-da0006QU) being the lightest at 0.56 kg for the tablet and 0.47 kg for the keyboard and kickstand. Reviewing the dimensions, the Chromebook’s are also quite compact, fitting into a 14-inch laptop sleeve or smaller. Having a smaller, lighter device makes it easier and more comfortable to carry around, which is better for the student.

Battery life and productivity

The frustration and inconvenience of an educational device going flat during a long study session or full day on campus can’t be understated. Add to that, many educational institutions have limited charging options and some don’t allow students to charge their devices onsite at all. As a result, having a long battery life is crucial.

Chromebooks are powered by Lithium-ion batteries with enough capacity to get you through the day. These batteries charge quite quickly, from 0% to 50% battery within approximately 45 minutes when powered down. This feature is especially handy for those who are a little forgetful and find themselves trying to do a last-minute charge before setting out for the day.

Durability and build quality

With all the movement and different activities, student life can be quite hard on devices. This is especially true with younger users. To combat this pressure Chromebooks are purposefully designed to withstand the rigours of student life. 

Heavy-duty plastics and metal have been used to create many of the exterior components and the higher overall build quality helps the device to last, despite regular use. There are also accessories like HP laptop bags and tablet sleeves, which can help protect the device when carrying it from one location to another.

Google workspace compatibility

Around the world, over 170 million students and educators are using Google Workspace for Education as a secure online workspace where collaboration, communication and instruction are streamlined. HP Chromebooks can seamlessly integrate into this space, with additional features that enhance the learning experience of students.

Due to the Chrome Operating System (OS) installed on the Chromebook, the device has inbuilt capabilities that enhance its functionality in a Google Education classroom and offer greater connectivity to the school's management system, including the Google for Education App Hub. Some apps come installed on the Chromebook from new, while others can be downloaded through the Google Play store.

Student-focused features

In today’s learning environment devices that act as a substitute for paper and books are simply not enough. Instead, students need something that can support creative thinking, online collaboration and the transformative use of technology in the classroom. 

Many of the features integrated into the Chromebook’s design were specifically chosen due to the positive impact they can have on learning. Convertible designs allow for greater flexibility in how the device is used and remove the need for the tablet versus laptop debate. The touch screen opens a new realm of possibilities for how apps and programs can be integrated and utilised, which is expanded further by stylus support. 

Budget-friendly options

Between the fees, uniforms, extracurriculars and textbooks, education can get expensive, not to mention the cost of living. As a result, finding a budget-friendly option for an educational device is often a priority. 

Chromebooks offer excellent value for students on a budget, offering significant added value to the educational experience without the eye-watering costs associated with some of the alternatives on the market. 

Summary

With HP Chromebook, you know you are getting a durable, portable device with the needs of students in mind. To find your ideal on-the-go learning companion, explore HP's Chromebook lineup for yourself and see which device best suits you.