Why HP’s New Chrome OS Computers Are Exciting GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Opinion News > Computers
Why HP’s New Chrome OS Computers Are Exciting
Chrome OS is (finally) branching out
By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 12, 2021 03:04PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Computers Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Key Takeaways
HP has unveiled two new Chrome OS-based devices: a Chromebook with a detachable keyboard and an all-in-one desktop computer.Both devices are exciting for Chromebook users because they bring more versatility to Chrome OS.HP’s Chromebook x2 11 looks to borrow a lot of ideas from Apple’s iPad, giving Chrome OS a solid tablet-like laptop for artists and consumers to enjoy. HP The world of Chromebooks has been steadily growing as manufacturers release new computers, but HP’s latest Chrome OS-based devices have me especially excited about the future of the platform. In early August, HP unveiled two brand new Chrome OS computers, including a Chromebook with a detachable keyboard and a new all-in-one desktop that uses Chrome OS as its primary operating system. Chromebook 2-in-1s and all-in-one desktops aren’t a new thing, but HP’s newest additions are especially exciting because of how much they look to borrow from mainstream devices like the iMac and Apple iPad. One could even go so far as to say this is the first time we’ve seen a real contender in the Chrome OS area that better lines up with the look and feel of the iPad. This is a part of the computer world Chromebook manufacturers haven’t been digging into much, and doing so could lead to more innovative Chrome-based smart devices. Learning From the iPad
The iPad is one of the biggest tablet computers available in the world, and for good reason. It’s easy to use and it offers a lot of functionality. By focusing on delivering something more akin to the iPad than a traditional 2-in-1 computer, HP is setting itself up for success. First, being able to use the computer easily in tablet mode is a huge win. The included stylus also helps close the gap for artists or other users who might use it for work-related tasks. Additionally, Chrome OS continues to increase the number of Android apps it supports, meaning more accessibility to apps similar to those you might see on the iPad. Tie in the steadily improving Linux support, too, and Chrome OS is becoming more versatile as an operating system. HP The main reason this is so exciting to me, though, is because HP’s push to make Chromebooks even more versatile could be exactly what it needs to propel the platform forward. Sure, Chromebooks are doing perfectly fine as they are—businesses and education systems love them. However, their use outside of just standard internet browsing, menial tasks, and streaming for everyday consumers has been extremely limited. If HP and other companies can incorporate what makes the iPad so beloved, Chrome OS devices could become more appealing as alternatives to the Apple tablet, especially when looking at how underwhelming Android tablets can be by comparison. Upping the Quality
Make no mistake, HP isn’t reinventing the wheel with either of its new devices. However, it is learning from the competition and trying to utilize more mainstream features to make Chromebooks more appealing. This is important because the market has become stagnant, especially in the past couple of years. Most Chromebooks look similar to each other, and none really try to push beyond offering a basic computing experience. But, because Chrome OS is so lightweight, there’s a lot of room to make a device that performs exceptionally well, without bogging down the actual hardware, itself. HP HP’s new all-in-one could leverage that cloud-based OS well, especially with some of the features that it has to offer. On top of an Intel-based processor and DDR4 RAM, the HP Chromebase 21.5-inch All-in-one Desktop also includes a built-in set of dual speakers from Bang & Olufsen, a company known for creating high-end audio tech. This, along with the rotating screen, help deliver a more premium-feeling device. This is nice for a Chrome OS-based device, as many run on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to build quality and feel. This is just another point where HP is learning from other computer manufacturers on the market, by taking some of those qualities and offering its own spin on them. Ultimately, these devices are still only as powerful as the apps and software Chrome OS provides. With that in mind, though, I hope this means HP is pushing for more premium-styled devices that stand out above the current offerings consumers have to sift through. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can You Use a Chromebook as Your Main Computer? Google Pixel Tablet: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? How to Get Fortnite on a Chromebook Chrome OS Is Missing or Damaged: How to Fix This Error How to Fix it When Your Chromebook Won't Turn On How to Fix it When Chromebook Won't Connect to Wi-Fi The 8 Best Computer Brands 6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Laptop The 8 Best Laptops for Under $200, Tested by Experts The 7 Best Chromebooks, Tested by Lifewire Chromebook End of Life: Where to Find It and What to Do About It Lenovo Chromebook Duet Review: Low Budget 2-in-1 HP Chromebook 11 Review: A Well-Rounded Laptop Suited for Study, Work, and Play How to Speed up a Chromebook How to Install Chrome OS on Your Computer Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies