BETT 2021, like everything else, has become virtual this year. Although the global education and technology conference does not begin until the 20th, major Chromebook manufacturers are already unpacking a series of new Chromebooks. Acer rocked the boat with the first Jasper Lake devices to hit the market, as well as the first Chromebook EDU to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7c processor. To be sure, Acer launched an updated Chromebook 311 with the same MediaTek 8183 ARM processor as the Lenovo Duet.
Not to be outdone, HP arrived (virtually) at BETT 2021 with five new Chrome OS devices to add to the company’s curriculum. Like Acer, HP took advantage of the ARM-based MediaTek 8183, as well as the recently launched Intel Jasper Lake CPUs. There is no Snapdragon in the mix, but HP brought a surprise to the party in the form of a saved, rechargeable USI pen. More on that in a minute. Here is a summary of all five new offerings for HP’s Chromebook EDU.
HP Chromebook 14 G7
First, HP updated its Chromebook 14 with the latest small core processors from Intel. Jasper Lake CPUs include the dual-core N4500 and the quad-core 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 classroom-ready features such as a splash-resistant keyboard and an optional privacy curtain for the camera.
With its 14 ″ screen, this Chromebook is geared towards educators. Optional updates like 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage and a Full HD touch screen should make this model a great option for educators in a Google-centric classroom. Dual speakers and dual microphones are perfect for remote learning and video conferencing. The HP Chromebook 14 G7 will be available in February with prices still TBA.
HP Chromebook x360 11 G4 EE
HP’s latest 11.6 ″ Education Edition convertible is probably the most interesting convertible on the list for a few reasons. Like the 14 G7, it features Intel’s new Jasper Lake processors. These small-core CPUs are expected to offer a significant performance boost over previous generation Gemini Lake chips. Gemini Lake-R has proven to be a formidable processor for EDU and affordable devices. Jasper Lake could further narrow the gap between small and large core CPUs.
The most interesting feature of this particular model is the pen. The optional stylus is a USI stylus, but like the Lenovo Chromebook C13 Yoga, the stylus from HP can be stored and that’s how it is refilled. It’s clearly not the first Chromebook to do this, but it’s the first Chrome OS device that we’ve seen using such a smart place to store the pen. Instead of sliding into the base of the Chromebook, the stylus has a small cozy holder directly above the keyboard. This makes access to the pen quick and easy, just what you want in the classroom.
In addition, the x360 11 G4 EE presents exactly what you would expect from an educational device. It comes with up to 8 GB of RAM and 32 GB / 64 GB of storage. The screen is an 11.6 ″ HD touch display with optional Gorilla Glass and, of course, you can get the optional stylus. This Chromebook comes with two cameras, one being the standard 720p webcam, while the other is an 8 MP camera facing the world with auto focus. HP mounted the camera facing the world on the keyboard deck to the left of the left palm rest. The HP Chromebook x360 14 G4 EE is scheduled for release 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 offers here are standard rates for an EDU device. Both models are practically identical, with the only significant difference being the processors. The 11 G9 will offer Intel’s new Jasper Lake line, while the 11 MK G9 is powered by the same MediaTek 8183 ARM processor that is found in the Lenovo Duet. The Intel model is likely to outperform the MK model when it comes to processing power, but the MK G9 is announcing 16 hours of battery life and this is a big deal for any device that is being used for hours on end every day in an environment of classroom. Both models come in Jet Black or Nautical Teal. The Chromebook 11 G9 EE with Intel technology will be available in February, while the MK G9 is due for release later this month.
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HP Chromebook x360 11 MK G3 EE
Completing the list, HP took the MediaTek 8183 and transformed it into a robust 11.6 ″ convertible. This model favors the x360 11 G4 with the same robust design and option of 4GB / 8GB of RAM and 32GB / 64GB of storage. You will not have the option of stylus with the model, as it features only a single webcam, but it will probably be the most economical in the group. This is likely to be a big seller for HP, as schools increase spending for the 2021-2022 school year and the new standard for remote learning. The 11 MK G3 EE comes in Jet Black or Nautical Teal and will be available in late January with prices yet to be announced.
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