On one finish of the spectrum, we now have Chromebooks that provide the power to play Steam video games and one particular mannequin that’s totally modular. But lots of the choices that get our motors operating aren’t essentially the most splendid options for most individuals trying to discover one of the best Chromebook. Thankfully, we’re seeing loads of extra conventional choices on the market, full with convertible designs, long-lasting battery life, and strong total efficiency. This is the place the HP Chromebook x360 13b is trying to wedge itself into the dialog. Instead of counting on Intel for its energy, the x360 13b is the primary Chromebook to be powered by MediaTek’s Kompanio 1200, which was launched in October of 2022. But in a world the place we’re getting Intel processors with onboard graphics, the place does the HP Chromebook x360 13b land?HP Chromebook x360 13b: Price and avialability(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Ahead of the 2022 vacation season, HP managed to sneak in one other light-weight and transportable Chromebook choice with the Chromebook x360 13b. What helps separate this from similarly-priced alternate options is the truth that it’s powered by MediaTek’s 1200 chipset, together with its 360-degree design. There are a number of completely different configurations obtainable with the Chromebook x360 13b, as you’ll be capable of select between both 128GB or 256GB of storage. HP can also be supplying you with the choice to have a backlit keyboard, however it’ll value you an additional $30 in the event you do. 128GB / No Backlit Keyboard: $449128GB / Backlit Keyboard: $479256GB / No Backlit Keyboard: $479256GB / Backlit Keyboard: $509The base mannequin value of the HP Chromebook x360 13b is available in at $449, however it’s already been discounted a couple of occasions because it was launched. We’ve already seen HP low cost the 13b, bringing the worth down to simply $329 with 128GB of storage and no backlit keyboard.HP Chromebook x360 13b: Design and specs(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Unlike final yr’s HP Dragonfly Elite Chromebook, there’s actually not an excessive amount of to write down residence about in terms of the general design of the Chromebook x360 13b. The physique is comprised of a mix of aluminum ocean-bound plastic and post-consumer recycled plastic. Right off the bat, the soft-texture end is comfy to the contact, however it received’t be lengthy earlier than you’ll begin seeing fingerprint smudges on the casing.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryHP Chromebook x360 13bDisplay13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 250 nitsProcessorMediaTek Kompanio 1200RAM4GBStorage128GB / 256GB NVMe SSDConnectivityBluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6MicroSD Card SlotYesCamera720p HD w/ privateness shutterPorts2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm audio combo jackAdditional featuresDual audio system, backlit keyboard, 360-degree design, USI Stylus supportBattery2-cell, 47Wh, as much as 16 hours, 50% cost in 45 minutesCamera1080p (60fps) w/ privateness switchDimensions12.13 x 8.22 x 0.66-inchesWeight2.95 poundsAUE dateJune 2030Opening issues up, HP is utilizing a moderately pedestrian 13.3-inch show, together with a disappointing 16:9 facet ratio, and a display that maxes out at 250 nits. On the intense facet, no pun supposed, HP opted for a shiny end display, which nonetheless seems to be higher than most Chromebooks utilizing shows with a matte end. Housed within the prime bezel of the show is a 720p webcam, flanked by a bodily digicam privateness shutter, which is one thing we’re completely satisfied to see at any time when a brand new Chromebook lands on our desk. (Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Port choice can also be what you’ll anticipate finding, with twin USB-C ports, a single USB-A port, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. One of the stunning inclusions that I found with the x360 is the microSD card slot. HP already offers you the choice to make use of as much as a 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD, however in the event you plan on taking part in some video games or simply need some additional house, you may simply slap a microSD card in there and be in your merry method. HP Chromebook x360 13b: Performance and battery(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Before you get too excited in regards to the potentialities of this Chromebook, it’s essential to keep in mind that the MediaTek 1200 will not be the corporate’s flagship chip. Instead, that title is reserved for the Kompanio 1380, which powers the likes of the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (2H). With that in thoughts, let’s get the benchmarks out of the best way for the HP Chromebook x360 13b.Swipe to scroll horizontallyBenchmark TestResultsWirple HTML5 3D Benchmark3072Octane 2.035434Speedometer 2.138.9 (+-)0.85JetstreamN/AMotionMark240.81 (+-)4.93%You would possibly discover that there isn’t a rating obtainable for the Jetstream benchmark, and that’s just because irrespective of what number of completely different occasions I attempted to run Jetstream on the x360 13b, it crashed the browser each time. This isn’t the primary time we’ve seen this occur, however it’s nonetheless value declaring. Now, these numbers won’t imply something to you, so in the event you harken again to our Chromebook Spin 514 hands-on, which is powered by the Kompanio 828, that system supplied an Octane rating of 25060. Obviously, a extra highly effective processor leads to higher efficiency, and that’s largely been the case in our time with the 13b.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Because it’s powered by an ARM processor, which means that you received’t be capable of do issues reminiscent of set up and play your favourite Steam video games. But you at all times have the choice of cloud gaming companies reminiscent of GeForce Now or Xbox Game Pass. But simply remember the fact that the x360 13b is “limited” to a 60Hz show, so your gameplay doubtless received’t be as clean in comparison with one thing like one of many new gaming Chromebooks. Moving over to battery life, that is one other massive purpose why Chromebooks powered by cellular processors are so standard. Instead of being restricted in efficiency by Intel’s Celeron or Pentium chips, the Chromebook x360 13b presents loads of energy and received’t go away you reaching for a charger after a couple of hours.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)According to HP, this Chromebook is rated to final for as much as 16 hours on a single cost. And we’re completely satisfied to report that this will get fairly darn near these claims. While we haven’t been in a position to get it to final for the total 16 hours, the x360 13b simply lasts for a few days with reasonable utilization. Plus, HP has applied quick charging into the Chromebook x360 13b, permitting you to get a 50% cost in simply 45 minutes. The firm even ships a 45W USB-C energy brick and cable within the field, so that you received’t have to fret about discovering one your self.HP Chromebook x360 13b: A fast tangent(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central) While going by the common paces of reviewing a Chromebook, there’s one thing that simply type of “clicked” in my head. The x360 13b is a good little machine, however it actually makes me really feel like I’m utilizing a ChromeOS pill with a keyboard hooked up. The 360-degree rotating hinge makes it simple to go from a conventional laptop computer to a pill, with out fiddling round with a removable keyboard case. There are clearly conventional ChromeOS tablets courtesy of Lenovo’s Chromebook Duet 3 or Duet 5. And you may even nonetheless get your arms on the HP Chromebook x2 11 with its glorious construct high quality and design.But all of these require using removable kickstands and magnetic keyboards. And as somebody who actually can’t stand the Microsoft Surface-style removable keyboard, it’s not likely my cup of tea. (Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Instead, after I wish to jot down some notes with my USI stylus, I can simply flip the display round, hearth up Google Cursive or Nebo, and begin writing. When I wish to transfer to the sofa or wish to head out to my native espresso store, I simply flip the keyboard again and begin pecking away on the keyboard.And that’s maybe the most important purpose why the Chromebook x360 13b stands out for me. Instead of worrying about putting in Linux apps or attempting to get Steam video games to work, the 13b is only a “get $hit done” system. It serves a particular goal and has greater than sufficient energy to deal with a bunch of Chrome tabs and home windows. While it won’t have one of the best or brightest display on the market, it’s satisfactory for many eventualities and conditions. It additionally helps that I haven’t run into any points when utilizing a USI stylus to write down out my grocery record, or jot down some notes whereas in a gathering. HP Chromebook x360 13b: What you will not like(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)All that being mentioned, not every little thing is ideal with the HP Chromebook x360 13b. For one, I’d have actually appreciated to see a fingerprint scanner right here. There are Chromebooks that value lower than what this one retails for, which have one built-in. Sure, we’re nonetheless ready for Google to open up the fingerprint scanner for use for extra than simply unlocking your Chromebook. But that doesn’t take away from the concept of together with it on a Chromebook that’s AUE date doesn’t expire till 2030.The speaker high quality is one other main bugaboo of mine, as I want we might simply transfer away from bottom-firing audio system throughout all Chromebooks. There are some that handle to pump your music in any case, however the x360 13b doesn’t fall in that camp. Plus, each time I sit on the sofa with this in my lap, every little thing’s a muffled mess that forces me to simply seize my earbuds in any case. The final level that I wish to contact on is the completely different configuration choices. I totally perceive that HP was attempting to hit a particular value level with the Chromebook x360 13b. But what’s the distinction in simply together with the backlit keyboard by default, as an alternative of charging an additional $30 for it? Profit margins be damned, that’s the transfer that HP ought to have made right here. I’m cool with charging additional in order for you extra storage, however the backlit keyboard simply looks as if a tick-tack choice that might’ve been averted. HP Chromebook x360 13b: The competitors(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)If you’re looking for one of the best low-cost Chromebook above $300, the competitors is surprisingly fairly fierce. Lenovo’s ThinkPad C14 Chromebook retails for round $530 however is already on sale for lower than $350. With that, you’ll get Intel’s Core i3-1215U chip, together with the identical quantity of RAM and storage as HP’s providing. While it nonetheless received’t get you aboard the Steam practice, a minimum of you received’t be restricted by an ARM chip if you wish to tinker with Linux.There’s additionally the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 with its bigger 14-inch FHD show, whereas additionally being priced at $499. If the worth is a priority, then you definately would possibly wish to try the C14, however the Chromebook Vero is definitely some of the distinctive Chromebooks available on the market in the present day. It too, is powered by the Intel Core i3-1215U however has 8GB of RAM and the identical 128GB of base storage.The truth additionally nonetheless stays that that is the primary Chromebook to be launched powered by MediaTek’s Kompanio 1200 chip. It’s extraordinarily doubtless that extra choices are on the best way, so that you would possibly wish to maintain your eyes peeled in the event you’re on the fence about HP’s providing.HP Chromebook x360 13b: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)You can purchase this if…You need a light-weight and transportable Chromebook.You need a Chromebook with a touchscreen and convertible design.You do not care about having an Intel or AMD processor.You should not purchase this if…You need a Chromebook able to taking part in Steam video games.You want extra RAM or storage.You are on a decent price range.To be fairly frank, except you may seize the Chromebook x360 13b on sale, it is best to in all probability try top-of-the-line Chromebooks. CES 2023 launched a couple of new choices that will likely be obtainable over the following couple of months. But you would possibly even wish to think about an older Chromebook in the event you can nonetheless discover one. I’m an enormous fan of what HP has managed to do with the Chromebook x360 13b, because it’s slowly turn out to be the laptop computer I throw in my bag after I want to depart the home. It’s quick and light-weight, and the 360-degree hinge is a good contact. You might find yourself operating into bottlenecks if in case you have too many tabs and app home windows open since there’s solely 4GB of RAM onboard right here. But in the event you can handle to seize this when it is on sale, the x360 13b looks like a steal, supplying you with sufficient wiggle room so as to add the backlit keyboard that you just shouldn’t have wanted so as to add. And with the additional financial savings, you may seize an ideal USI stylus, and have a wonderful system to take with you in all places.
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Lightweight convertible Chromebook
The HP Chromebook x360 13b would possibly not likely stand out from the gang at first look. But that is really fairly a powerful Chromebook, and presents loads of energy together with multi-day battery life.