Editor’s note: The HP Chromebook 14 model is no longer available. We are currently reviewing the 2022 model. Keep an eye out for that review! You can also check out our selections of the top Chromebooks and laptops. Don’t waste time reading this review. It’s true.
The HP Chromebook 14 will prove to be a great alternative to Windows laptops. Although many users prefer Apple notebooks or Windows, ChromeOS-powered devices can still be useful. This Chromebook is proof.
You might even decide to buy the Chromebook 14 because of all its features and stable performance. This extremely affordable computer is perfect for those who just need to surf the internet, check their emails, do basic work and watch Netflix. This machine offers more than its low price. It has a fantastic keyboard, an excellent trackpad, and a stunning 14-inch screen.
A laptop such as this has some obvious limitations. This laptop is not designed for intensive gaming or heavy graphics-heavy tasks like video editing. The HP Chromebook 14 is a good choie if you need more basic computing. It costs $199, which is approximately the same as AU$5
Design
Although the Chromebook by HP is not a high-end computer, it is a sleek, modern piece of kit. The enclosure is tapered to 0.7 inches (18mm) in thickness at its thickest point. It weighs in at 3.74 pounds (1.7kg), which is still quite light compared to the 13.3-inch, 2.97-pound Toshiba Chromebook2. The Chromebook 14’s larger screen allows for a lighter hand, but it doesn’t feel heavy.
The case is made entirely of plastic. It does creak and flex as you adjust the screen and pick it up by one hand. The case does not have any exposed screws so there is no risk of the screen falling out.
Oh. It’s also blue. It’s very blue. Like, swimming-pool blue. Although the shade, HP’s Sky Blue, is cool, it is not for everyone. The bright blue is offset by a white keyboard and lid, which makes the Chromebook 14 review unit look like a Smurf. It all depends on what your tastes are in 1980s cartoons.
There are many ports
There are plenty of inputs for the Chromebook 14. On the left side, you’ll find an HDMI-out port and a security lock slot. There is also a USB 3.0 port. The power connector and two USB 2.0 ports are located to the right. Although I wish all three USB ports could support USB 3.0, there is plenty of connectivity for most users.
Trackpad and keyboard from Stellar
I am a writer and have high standards for keyboards. I was surprised at the Chromebook’s typing experience. It feels responsive, with clicky keys and lots of key travel
Although the keyboard does flex slightly when you press hard on it, it doesn’t feel mushy under normal usage. The problem is that there’s no Caps Lock key. Instead, a Search key replaces it and must be activated while holding the alt key. Although it’s not a major issue, it makes it harder to tweet in all caps.
Equally excellent is the trackpad. The trackpad is large and spacious with lots of space to move around. You don’t need to look around for the right- or left-click buttons. The entire trackpad is a button.
It clicks with a satisfying click but becomes stiffer as you get closer to the keyboard. You’ll be able to feel at home on the Chromebook 14 if you are used to the trackpad of a MacBook Air.
