HP Chromebook x360 Has Toughness And Ports, Remains Inexpensive

The folks at HP have revealed a new Chromebook x360 with a set of specs that make it a true contender for Chrome OS supremacy. This device doesn't have the most high-end hardware in the universe, but for this price point, it's pretty gosh-darned good. Along with a set of rugged-ready features, this Chromebook rolls with a pair of USB-C ports and a microSD card reader too.

The Chromebook x360 (11-ae010nr) works with a touchscreen and the ability to run Android apps inside Chrome OS. While this doesn't mean users can run ANY Android app, there's a bunch already onboard. This device joins the ever-growing list of Android app-ready Chrome OS devices – along with most new Chromebooks from this point forward.

The display is a touchscreen, which is a must when using Android apps. The touchscreen is an 11.6-inch HD IPS WLED-backlit panel covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. That means it's scratch-resistant. That and the "spill resistant" keyboard make this device more rugged than most other Chromebooks.

This Chromebook x360 sports an Intel Celeron Processor N3350 (dual-core) with 2MB Cache and a base clock speed of 1.1GHz, with up to 2.4GHz burst frequency. This machine also has 4GB LPDDR4 SDRAM onboard and Intel HD Graphics 500. Internal storage is 16GB eMMC – expandable by the microSD card slot at its side.

This machine has 2x2802.11ac WLAN wireless internet connectivity as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Several ports sit on either side of the Chromebook: 2x USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports and 2 USB 3.1 Type-A Gen 1 ports. There's also a single headphone/microphone jack for all your headphone/microphone combo needs.

There's a Kensington Mini Security Lock on this Chromebook for both in-store and at-event security. This device has a battery life up to 11 hours and 30 minutes with mixed usage – according to HP. The purchase of this Chromebook includes a 1-year limited hardware warranty with 90 days limited technical support for both software and initial setup.

This Chromebook from HP will cost users right around $300 when it arrives in stores immediately if not soon. Included with purchase is 100GB cloud storage with Google Drive (for 2 years). This machine will be available for sale from several outlets like Target, Walmart, Sam's Club, Micro Center, Costco, and Amazon.