Last Updated on March 29, 2020
Design
This Chromebook device was designed specifically for business purposes, and its architecture reflects that: it is elegant, but not particularly striking. Since it is intended for office use, it’s not unfair for HP to keep designs small, but I would have appreciated a little more panache. Nonetheless, the laptop certainly looks good, being mostly wrapped in aluminum (its bottom is plastic), and with just over three and a half pounds in weight, it has a device that it is easy to carry, without a bulky feeling.
It is a convertible model, so it can be used as a standard traditional laptop or as a tablet when its screen is folded back. The explanation for this aspect of a work laptop is that it is possible to make inappropriate presentations in a tent configuration or to fold it into a tablet in order to read and sign documents. But the size of this machine creates an uncomfortable gap on the other side of the hinges in this configuration and although it is not large for a laptop, it is a fairly unmanageable tablet. Personally, we feel we would prefer this to be a regular laptop with a touch screen rather than a convertible, but the adaptability does not greatly impair the overall package. HP claims that this model follows MIL-STD 810 G requirements for reliability, meaning it is more likely to survive falls, dust and humidity than the average laptop.
Display and Audio
HP did a great job with the speakers, adding the brand name of Bang & Olufsen and their credibility. The reality is is that they sound better than regular laptop speakers, producing a strong and crisp sound without much modulation. Bass tones reach a bit hollow, though, as the sound reverberates through the casing before it spreads. On the other hand, the screen is the G1’s biggest weakness; at best, it is unimpressive and perhaps a little poor at worst. It doesn’t get really bright, so if you are planning to ever using it outdoors, you will not be able to see much. Colors are not displayed as we would want them to, which is cool, crisp and rich. Furthermore, the screen is not compatible with Pixelbook Pen active models. The underlying display seems at odds with the supposed over-average longevity of the Chromebook— you’re not likely to experience the disadvantages of a lot of dust or humidity if you never use it outdoors.
Performance and battery life
Luckily, you couldn’t ask for a much better Chromebook quality than you get with this device. This is more sensitive than a Pixelbook, which, although equipped similarly, has an Intel processor of the previous generation. The eighth-generation Core i5 of this model is more able than ever to handle any variety of tasks you may want to carry out on a Chromebook, giving that it has eight gigabytes of RAM. If you’re really concerned about long term-proofing, you could move things to the Core i7 processor and 16 RAM gigs — but even the Core i3 version at the entry level would have plenty of power to be competitive for a few years.
Similarly, battery life is impressive. It is practically difficult to squeeze out of the device of its power. It has about 12 hours of life, which we believe is more than enough. You already know at this stage whether a Chromebook meets your needs. If you’re interested in PC games and photo editing, this isn’t necessarily a device design for your needs. If, like us, you only work on Chrome OS, however, this is a persuasive package.
Power is fantastic, battery capacity is great, and the keypad will make you hate to type other Chromebooks. If you are hunting down a big, premium Chromebook that can mainly be used at the office or at home, that will tick several of the desired elements on your list. The HP Chromebook x360 14 offers value for money and even more. But while it can do fantastic things, the dim display and the shimmering battery life pull things down. And the x360 is certainly a no-starter if you want a stylus. However more home users who want to save some money should keep it on the list.
Should you buy the 2019 HP Chromebook x360 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet?
The Chromebook x360 14 is a hard to test laptop. On the one side, the Chromebook does so much, with a fantastic keyboard, a long battery life and very impressive performance. And yet, it’s tough for to recommend the Chromebook x360 14 because of its cost that is insane. The cost would be easier to stomach if the x360 screen of the Chromebook 14 were not dimmer and less vibrant than most bargain laptops we usually evaluate.
While it doesn’t deliver the same quality, the Chromebook Flip C434 is rather preferred by those who want to save some money. Overall, the x360 14 is an excellent Chromebook, with only one questionable side, yet difficult to afford price.