Proof that cheap doesn't always mean total garbage
This laptop is a solid, no-nonsense choice for students or casual browsers who need a reliable machine for light tasks. Its strengths are the fast startup and decent portability, though the limited storage and basic display mean it is definitely not for power users.
What We Liked 👍
- Extremely fast startup and setup
- Solid build quality for the price
- Handy HDMI and USB port selection
- Respectable battery life for streaming
What Could Be Better 👎
- Limited 64GB storage space
- Keyboard lacks essential backlighting
- Screen brightness is fairly underwhelming
- Not intended for heavy multitasking
More than just a plastic paperweight
So, you are looking for a laptop during the Prime Big Deal Days and you do not want to take out a second mortgage? The
HP Chromebook 14 is one of those devices that actually does what it says on the tin. It runs ChromeOS, which is basically a browser disguised as an operating system. If your digital life lives inside Google Chrome, you are going to be just fine here.
The spec sheet says one thing, reality says another, but in this case, the reality is surprisingly pleasant. It is not going to win any speed contests against a high-end machine, but for banging out emails, watching Netflix, or doing light admin, it is surprisingly snappy. It is made of plastic, but it feels like a well-built piece of kit rather than something you would find in a bin behind a toy store.
The features that might actually matter
It comes with an anti-glare panel, which is a blessing if you plan on using this anywhere near a window. The 14-inch screen is standard fare, and while it will not make your eyeballs melt with high-end resolution, it gets the job done for streaming. Plus, the inclusion of an HDMI port is a nice touch for a device that usually expects you to live the dongle life.
The battery charges reasonably quickly, hitting 50 percent in about 45 minutes, so you won't be tethered to a wall outlet for half your day. Just keep in mind that the keyboard lacks backlighting, which makes it a fun guessing game if you like to work in the dark. Also, that 64GB of storage is basically a glorified suggestion, so get ready to lean heavily on the cloud.
Who needs this thing?
If you are a student, a light browser, or someone who just wants a dedicated machine for watching shows without accidentally installing 40 different viruses, this is a steal at a discount. If you are a professional video editor or a gamer, you should look elsewhere, because this machine will politely decline any request to do real work. Buy it if you need a secondary device that won't break the bank, skip it if you expect it to replace your desktop.
