HP And Google Band Together To Make $499 Chromebook 13, Replace Pixel

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 entry-level Chromebook 13 comes with a sixth-gen Intel Core M CPU, 4GB of RAM and a 13in display with a 3200×1800 QHD+ resolution.

However the Chromebook 13 was unveiled at Google’s office in NY on Thursday is being targeted at home and office users according to HP while Google says it is a business focused device calling it “secure and professional” and Intel is promoting the laptop as “a new way to work”. MIS Asia pointed out that with a 3200 x 1800 pixel resolution for its 13.3-inch display, the HP Chromebook 13 has the highest-resolution screen ever installed on a Chromebook. The new generations Chrome OS laptop also offers a very low profile, 12.9 mm, which is roughly half an inch thin and weighs 2.86 pounds. The Chromebook 13 looks nice and feels well made.

It has a pair of USB-C ports, but also a single USB 3.0 port for the many of us who still frequently call upon the older connector. And indeed, the HP Chromebook 13 looks to be a pretty compelling alternative to the MacBook upgrade Apple ushered into the world last week.

The HP Chromebook also packs a Bang & Olufsen machine-drilled speakers upfront just above the keyboard and an USB Type C port for charging.

When it was first released, the 2015 Chromebook Pixel sports an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, 32GB solid-state drive for storage, and a touchscreen display.

HP’s all-metal Chromebook 13 is evocative of the Chromebook Pixel. It’s built on the Chrome Web Browser and its cloud-based apps such as Google Docs for productivity and Gmail for email. Although I doubt that many users will achieve this figure with moderate use, I’m optimistic that the size of the chassis – more room for batteries – and the low-power processor will lead to an extremely frugal laptop that you can use all day. As manufactured with an intention to serve people at workplaces, HP Chromebook 13 gives you 11.5 hours of battery life. In addition, using HP’s Elite USB-C Docking Station, Chromebook 13 is compatible with a wide range of accessories too, allowing you to hook up more peripherals in the process. The Chromebook 13 runs Chrome OS with features like Lucid Sleep and multi-layer security.