HP launches new Chromebooks for schools with military-grade durability

HP announced two new Chromebooks: the Chromebook x360 11 G2 and Chromebook 11 G7 Education Editions. As the names suggest, both Chromebooks are aimed at the education market.

Starting with the Chromebook x360 11 G2 EE, the device features an 11-inch IPS display with HD (1,366 x 768) resolution, two USB-C ports, one regular USB port, a headphone jack, and an SD card slot. The 360-degree hinge lets you turn the device into a 3.24-pound tablet, with the optional Wacom EMR pen allowing for note-taking.

Elsewhere, the Chromebook x360 11 G2 EE comes with either the dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 or quad-core Celeron N4100, 8GB of RAM, either 32GB or 64GB of storage, and a 47.36Wh battery that promises up to 11.5 hours of use.

The Chromebook x360 11 G2 EE can also withstand a healthy amount of abuse. The device underwent MIL-STD-810G testing, which is a United States Military Standard rating, and can withstand drops of up to 76cm on concrete.

The Chromebook 11 G7 EE (above) is mostly the same machine — the same processor options, RAM amount, maximum storage option, battery size, and display size. It’s also just as durable, having achieved the same MIL-STD-810G rating and survived identical concrete drop tests.

However, there are some key differences to consider. For starters, the Chromebook 11 G7 EE features three different display options — an HD IPS touchscreen, a matte HD IPS non-touchscreen, and an HD SVA option.

Also, the hinge only lets you lie the display flat on a table. Finally, the Chromebook 11 G7 EE’s similarly-sized battery allows for up to 13 hours of use.

The Chromebook x360 11 G2 EE and Chromebook 11 G7 EE will go on sale sometime in April, with pricing yet to be confirmed.

Up next: One-month test: Can a Chromebook replace my main computer?