New HP Chromebook 14: cheaper, better battery life and different processor

Chrome OS is known for its light software, snappy performance and simplicity, but we can probably thank the platform’s affordable prices for most of its success. Gone are the days when you had to spend hundreds of dollars just to get a half decent computer. There’s plenty of accessible Chromebooks around, and HP is adding a new one to the list today.

Well, they aren’t exactly making a brand new one; it’s more of a refreshed version of last year’s HP Chromebook 14. But there are enough changes in the new model to make this a newsworthy event.

The refreshed HP Chromebook 14 is improved in a few key ways. Let’s start with the best news: it’s much cheaper at only $249.99 (to start). The base version features a 14-inch 1366×768 display, but you can upgrade to a 1080p screen by paying $30 more (not sure if the higher resolution will affect battery life much).

HP is promising 9 hours and 15 minutes of battery life. This is definitely an improvement on the last generation Chromebook, which could go for about 8 hours. Also an important change is the switch to an Intel Celeron N2840 processor, instead of last gen’s NVIDIA K1 SoC. Other specs include the usual 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, microSD support and more.

And of course, you get your freebies, which encompass 12 free Gogo in-flight internet passes, 3 free Google Play movie rentals and 90 days of free Google Play Music (assuming you haven’t used your free trial yet).

Interested? Look forward to seeing the new HP Chromebook 14 in store shelves by November 8th, while the $279 iteration is set to hit the USA later this month. We will have to wait and see how well the new processor and improved battery do, but so far this is certainly looking like a good option for those in need of a Chromebook, and the reduced price sure is nice. Are any of you getting one?

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