BETT 2021, like everything, went virtually virtual this year. Although the global conference on education and technology is only starting in its twenties, major Chromebook manufacturers are already taking the plunge from a slew of new Chromebooks. Acer shook the boat with the first Jasper Lake devices to hit the market, as well as the first EDU Chromebook powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7c processor. For good measure, Acer has thrown in a refreshed Chromebook 311 that shakes the same MediaTek 8183 ARM processor as the Lenovo Duet.
Not to be outdone, HP (virtually) arrived at BETT 2021 with five new Chrome OS devices to add to the company’s resume. Like Acer, HP used the ARM-based MediaTek 8183 as well as the newly released Intel Jasper Lake processors. There’s no Snapdragon in the mix, but HP brought the party a surprise in the form of a rechargeable, guaranteed USI stylus. In a moment more on that. Here’s an overview of all five of HP’s new EDU Chromebook offerings.
HP Chromebook 14 G7
First, HP has updated its Chromebook 14 with Intel’s latest small core processors. The Jasper Lake processors include the dual-core N4500 and the four-star N5100 which are the successors of the Gemini Lake-R chips in the current generation of many EDU Chromebooks and Windows devices. The HP Chromebook 14 G7 is equipped with a flat-folding hinge, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 and class-ready features such as a spill-proof keyboard and an optional privacy screen for the camera.
With its 14 ″ screen, this Chromebook is aimed at educators. Optional upgrades such as 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a Full HD touchscreen should make this model ideal for educators in a Google-centric classroom. Dual speakers and dual microphones are ideal for distance learning and video conferencing. The HP Chromebook 14 G7 is available in February with still the price of TBA.
HP Chromebook x360 11 G4 EE
HP’s latest 11.6 ″ Education Edition is probably the most interesting on the list for a few reasons. Like the 14 G7, it features Intel’s new Jasper Lake processors. These small core CPUs will offer a significant performance improvement over the previous generation Gemini Lake chips. Gemini Lake-R is a formidable processor for EDU and inexpensive devices. Jasper Lake can further narrow the gap between small core and large core processors.
The most interesting feature of this particular model happens to be the stylus. The optional pen is a USI stylus, but like Lenovo’s C13 Yoga Chromebook, the HP style is storable and also recharges. This is clearly not the first Chromebook to do this, but it’s the first Chrome OS device we’ve ever seen to use such a smart place to park the pen. Instead of sliding in the bottom of the Chromebook, the pen has a cozy little cradle directly above the keyboard. This makes accessing the stylus quick and easy, which is exactly what you want in the classroom.
Other than that, the x360 11 G4 EE contains exactly what you would expect from an educational device. It has up to 8 GB RAM and 32 GB / 64 GB storage. The screen is an 11.6 ″ HD touch screen with optional Gorilla Glass and of course you can get the optional stylus. This Chromebook comes with two cameras, one of which is the standard 720p webcam, while the other is an 8MP world camera with autofocus. HP mounted the world camera on the keyboard cover to the left of the left palm rest. The HP Chromebook x360 14 G4 EE is expected to launch in March and will come in Jet Black and Nautical Teal.
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HP Chromebook 11 G9 EE and 11 MK G9 EE
The HP Chromebook 11 G9 and MK G9 are essentially the clamshell version of the x360 11 G4 and the deals here are standard prices for an EDU device. Both models are virtually identical, and the only major difference is the processors. The 11 G9 presents Intel’s new Jasper Lake range, while the 11 MK G9 is powered by the same MediaTek 8183 ARM processor found in the Lenovo Duet. The Intel model is likely to dwarf the MK model in terms of processing power, but the MK G9 boasts 16 hours of battery life, and that’s a big deal for every device used for hours in a classroom environment every day. Both models come in Jet Black or Nautical Teal. The Intel-powered Chromebook 11 G9 EE will be available in February, while the MK G9 is expected to launch later this month.
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HP Chromebook x360 11 MK G3 EE
To round off the list, HP took the MediaTek 8183 and hit it in an 11.6 ″ rugged convertible. This model favors the x360 11 G4 with the same robust design and the choice of 4 GB / 8 GB RAM and 32 GB / 64 GB storage. You do not get the style option with the model, it contains only one webcam, but probably the most budget-friendly of the group. This is likely to be a good seller for HP as schools increase spending for the 2021-2022 school year and the new standard of distance education. The 11 MK G3 EE comes in Jet Black or Nautical Teal and will be available at the end of January with prices yet to be announced.
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