The Chromebook Plus series has proven to be a great line for the HP brand. I can say this with some credibility because I have tested several models from this range over the past few months.
All these laptops offer excellent hardware performance along with an array of features ensuring a good user experience. However, many of these devices have some curious flaws, and the same can be said of this new 2-in-1 laptop, the HP Chromebook Plus x360.
The three takeaways from the HP Chromebook Plus x360 computer
- The HP Chromebook Plus x360 is a new version of last year’s model and it includes more powerful features and a larger screen.
- This laptop retains everything that made the old version great, such as the comfortable keyboard, robustness and the high degree of flexibility, since the device can transform into a tablet.
- However, the new device has the same problem as the old model, namely a screen that is not bright enough.
Design-wise, the computer is almost identical to HP’s other x360 models. The biggest difference is in screen size, with my test machine having a smaller 14-inch touchscreen. There is, however, a 15.6-inch version. Nevertheless, there is enough space under the hood to fit a robust 12th generation Intel Core i3 processor.
This boost in power allows the laptop to handle tougher tasks and run many more programs while remaining as efficient as before, earning it the title of Chromebook Plus.
A high-performance work machine
Combine the performance of the Chromebook Plus x360 with its inherently flexible nature and you have a very capable work machine. The ability to flip the screen and turn the device into a tablet is a particularly useful feature, as Plus-labeled computers are among the first Chromebooks to support Photoshop on the web (you even get a trial version free for three months with purchase).
So imagine, if you will, writing in laptop mode, then easily switching to tablet mode to draw or edit. This is a completely integrated way of working that Chromebook users have never really had before. From now on, they no longer have to do without Adobe’s flagship software.
I have to talk about the keyboard, because it’s by far my favorite thing about this HP Chromebook Plus x360 (I’m a fan of beautiful keyboards in fact).
Very responsive keyboard
Each key is made of a soft matte material and responds perfectly to the touch. I don’t know if HP did anything special in building this laptop. Other machines, like Acer’s Chromebook Plus CX34, have a keyboard with a short keystroke but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. The responsiveness could be due to the sturdy aluminum frame.
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
When it comes to the construction of the device, aluminum provides excellent build quality. Just hold this laptop in your hand to realize that it can withstand occasional bumps or drops.
I noticed that the bottom plate is made of a completely different material. It’s not plastic, but it looks like it. This change in material did not prevent me from positively appreciating the Chromebook Plus x360. However, I find this choice strange to change the material of this part.
8 hours of battery life
When it comes to battery life, the laptop does quite well. I evaluated it by having it display a YouTube video stream at 50% brightness and 720p resolution.
The computer lasted for a little over eight hours before shutting down completely, which is a good amount of time in my opinion. Honestly, I expected a shorter battery life, around six hours. I thought HP wouldn’t have improved, adjusted the battery capacity to match the improved hardware, but I was wrong.
Although I liked the performance of the Chromebook Plus x360, it’s time to point out its weak points. First of all, the screen. It’s mediocre, especially for a 2-in-1 laptop.
Even when set to maximum, the screen remains dull
It is a 1080p resolution screen with a low brightness level. Even when set to maximum, the screen remains dull. I was frankly surprised.
This is one of the few Chromebooks that has access to Photoshop and it lacks the ability to produce accurate colors on screen… Illustrators and editors may make more mistakes than usual .
Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
As for the webcam, I noticed that its video feed was not very good. Although it has a similar 1080p resolution to other Chromebook Plus models I’ve tested, the video quality is grainier and the colors duller.
Plus, you only get 256GB of storage, which to be honest is more than enough for a device that primarily runs on the internet and cloud. You can always supplement the internal storage with a Google One subscription, which offers up to 2TB of storage. Additionally, all Chromebook Plus models come with a feature that allows offline access to your Google Drive files.
ZDNET Buying Tips for the HP Chromebook Plus x360 Computer
I recommend purchasing this model if you are looking for a versatile work laptop, especially if it is on sale as is currently the case.
For example, with an Intel Celeron N4120 processor, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage, the 14” screen model is sold at €400.
Source: “ZDNet.com”