HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 Review

The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 stands out as a lightweight, budget-friendly device designed for everyday computing. Whether you’re a student needing a reliable machine for assignments or someone seeking a secondary laptop for light tasks, the HP Chromebook 14 excels in its price range.

With a 14-inch HD display, the power of the Intel Celeron N4000 processor, and the ease of use of Chrome OS, this Chromebook delivers value and functionality for users with moderate needs.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, pros and cons, and much more about the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 to help you decide if it’s the best laptop for students.

Key Features

1. Intel Celeron N4000 Processor

   The dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 processor ensures smooth operation for everyday tasks like browsing, word processing, and video streaming.

2. 14-inch HD Display

   The 14-inch anti-glare, micro-edge display delivers a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, making it perfect for web browsing, watching videos, or light multitasking.

3. 4 GB RAM & 32 GB eMMC Storage

   With 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage, this Chromebook supports light multitasking and enough space for cloud-based work.

4. Chrome OS

   The device runs on Chrome OS, a streamlined operating system known for its simplicity and speed. It allows users to access Google apps, manage files, and surf the web efficiently.

5. Long Battery Life

   One of its standout features is its battery life, which offers up to 13 hours of continuous usage depending on workload. This feature ensures that you can go a whole day without needing to charge the laptop.

6. Integrated UHD Graphics 600

   This Chromebook includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600, which delivers basic graphical capabilities suitable for light gaming and HD video streaming.

7. Portable Design

   Weighing just 3.24 lbs and with a sleek ceramic white color, this lightweight device is designed for mobility.

8. Wi-Fi 5 & Bluetooth 5.0

   Equipped with reliable connectivity options, the HP Chromebook 14 supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, allowing for faster wireless communication and smoother connections.

9. Energy-Efficient Certification

   This Chromebook is ENERGY STAR certified and EPEAT Silver registered, ensuring that it’s environmentally friendly.

Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Long battery life up to 13 hours
• Affordable price
• Crisp 14-inch HD anti-glare display
• Chrome OS provides easy access to Google services

Cons:

• Limited storage space (32 GB)
• Not suitable for heavy multitasking or high-performance tasks
• Display resolution is lower compared to Full HD options

Detailed Review

The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 excels in performance for users who have basic computing needs. It’s an ideal laptop for students, casual internet users, or professionals who require a second device for lighter tasks. Let’s break down its performance aspects:

Processor and Multitasking

Equipped with an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, the Chromebook is built to handle light tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos. The dual-core Celeron N4000 clocked at 1.1 GHz with a turbo boost of up to 2.6 GHz provides enough power for Chrome OS’s lightweight environment. However, it’s not a laptop designed for intensive tasks like video editing, gaming, or software development.

With 4 GB of DDR4 RAM, multitasking is possible but limited. The Chromebook allows you to open multiple Chrome tabs, stream videos, and switch between apps without significant lag. For heavier users who require dozens of tabs or run memory-hungry applications, the performance may start to slow down.

Display and Graphics

The 14-inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 is sufficient for watching videos, working on documents, and basic browsing. It’s an anti-glare display, making it easier to work in brighter environments or outdoors. While it’s not Full HD, the quality is acceptable for its price range.

The Intel UHD Graphics 600 integrated into the Chromebook is suitable for light graphic tasks such as watching HD videos, casual gaming, and photo editing. However, this laptop is not intended for intensive graphical workloads, such as 3D rendering or playing demanding games.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the key strengths of the HP Chromebook 14. HP promises up to 13 hours of battery life, making it one of the best choices for users who need a reliable, long-lasting device. For students or professionals working on the go, this Chromebook will get through a full day of use without needing to reach for the charger.

In real-world tests, the Chromebook performs excellently with mixed usage (browsing, streaming, document editing), consistently offering more than 10 hours of battery life. However, running more intensive tasks may shorten battery longevity.

Chrome OS and Usability

The Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, which is built for simplicity, security, and speed. Users accustomed to Google’s ecosystem (Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, etc.) will find the experience seamless. The system’s reliance on the cloud means local storage is less of an issue, as you can store documents and files on Google Drive.

Chrome OS also allows access to the Google Play Store, which gives users the flexibility to download Android apps. However, it’s worth noting that Chrome OS is not designed for heavy software installations or complex operations, making it less versatile compared to Windows or macOS.

Conclusion

The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 is an affordable, portable, and reliable laptop ideal for students, casual users, and professionals who need a lightweight, secondary device. Its compact size and long battery life make it a great option for on-the-go users, and its anti-glare display ensures comfort even in bright environments.

While it lacks in storage and is not suitable for high-performance tasks, the Chromebook delivers an exceptional experience for users with moderate needs. The Intel Celeron N4000 processor, combined with 4 GB of RAM, offers sufficient power for everyday activities such as browsing, document editing, and video streaming. If you’re looking for an entry-level Chromebook at a great price, this model is definitely worth considering.

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Comparison with Similar Products

When comparing the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 to similar budget-friendly Chromebooks, several key factors come into play: performance, display quality, battery life, storage, and overall value for money. Below is a comparison with two other popular Chromebooks in the same price range: the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 and the Acer Chromebook 315.

Comparison Table

Key Comparisons

1. Processor and Performance

   • The HP Chromebook 14 and the Acer Chromebook 315 both feature the Intel Celeron N4000, a processor designed for light computing tasks such as browsing, streaming, and document editing. In contrast, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 offers a more powerful Intel Core i3-10110U processor, which can handle more demanding tasks, multitasking, and even some light productivity software like photo editing.
   • While the HP Chromebook 14 performs adequately for basic use, it may lag behind when running multiple tabs or Android apps compared to the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5.

2. Display

   • The HP Chromebook 14 comes with a 14-inch HD display (1366 x 768 resolution) and an anti-glare feature, which helps in bright environments. The Acer Chromebook 315, however, offers a larger 15.6-inch HD display, making it a good option for users who prefer a bigger screen, although the resolution remains the same.
   • The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 stands out with its 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen display (1920 x 1080 resolution) and 360-degree hinge, which allows for more versatile use as a tablet or a traditional laptop.

3. Battery Life

   • In terms of battery life, the HP Chromebook 14 takes the lead with up to 13 hours of usage on a single charge, making it a strong choice for users who need long-lasting battery power. The Acer Chromebook 315 follows closely with up to 12.5 hours of battery life, while the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 offers around 10 hours, which is lower but still sufficient for most day-to-day tasks.

4. Storage

   • The HP Chromebook 14 and Acer Chromebook 315 both provide 32 GB of eMMC storage, which is on the lower end but common for budget Chromebooks. This should be adequate for users who rely heavily on cloud storage via Google Drive or other services.
   • The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 offers double the storage at 64 GB eMMC, giving users more space for offline files, Android apps, and downloads.

5. Build and Portability

   • The HP Chromebook 14 weighs 3.24 lbs, making it portable and easy to carry for students or professionals on the go. The Acer Chromebook 315 is heavier at 3.97 lbs, which could make it slightly less portable but still manageable for users who need a larger screen.
   • The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5, weighing in at 2.97 lbs, is the lightest and most compact of the three, making it an excellent choice for portability. Additionally, its 360-degree hinge and touchscreen add versatility for users who want the functionality of both a laptop and a tablet.

6. Special Features

   • The HP Chromebook 14 and Acer Chromebook 315 both feature anti-glare displays, but the HP Chromebook 14 also includes dual microphones for clearer video calls, making it a good option for remote work or online learning. Additionally, it is ENERGY STAR® certified, appealing to environmentally conscious users.
   • The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 sets itself apart with its 360-degree hinge and touchscreen capability, making it a hybrid device that offers more flexibility for different use cases, such as drawing or presenting.

FAQs

Can the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 handle heavy applications?

The HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 is not built for running heavy applications or resource-intensive tasks. It is powered by the Intel Celeron N4000, a dual-core processor designed for light computing activities such as web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and running cloud-based applications.

While it can handle multiple browser tabs or light multitasking, it is not equipped to manage heavy-duty software like Adobe Photoshop, video editing suites, or demanding games. The Chromebook’s 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage are suitable for casual tasks but not for large, memory-intensive programs.

If you need a device for more complex workloads, like software development, 3D modeling, or professional video editing, you will need a laptop with a more powerful processor and larger RAM capacity. However, for users who primarily rely on web-based applications or Google Workspace, this Chromebook will serve well, providing sufficient speed and responsiveness for daily tasks. The device is best suited for users looking for a reliable, budget-friendly laptop for casual use.

Is 32 GB of storage enough for everyday use?

The 32 GB eMMC storage on the HP Chromebook 14 is somewhat limited, especially when compared to other laptops with more substantial storage capacities. However, Chromebooks are designed to make the most of cloud-based storage, which helps to alleviate some of the constraints imposed by this smaller local storage.

With Google Drive integration, users can save their files and documents in the cloud, reducing the need for substantial onboard storage. This means users can store photos, videos, and documents online, leaving the local storage for essential files, apps, and downloads.

For users who rely primarily on cloud-based services like Google Workspace, or those who don’t need to store large files locally, the 32 GB should be sufficient. Additionally, external storage devices or USB drives can provide extra space if needed.

However, for users who frequently work offline or need to store a lot of local data, the storage might quickly fill up, requiring more careful data management or alternative storage solutions. Still, the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 is designed with the cloud-centric user in mind, which offsets much of the concern about limited local storage.

How good is the display quality of the HP Chromebook 14?

The display on the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 is a 14-inch HD screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, which is typical for laptops in this price range. While it doesn’t offer the sharpness of a Full HD or 4K display, it provides a decent visual experience for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and document editing. The anti-glare feature is particularly useful, especially for users who work in brightly lit environments or outdoors, as it reduces reflections and makes the screen easier to read.

For casual users, students, or professionals who need a laptop for simple tasks, the display is sufficient. Videos, images, and text appear clear and crisp enough for most uses. However, those who prioritize high-resolution displays for activities like photo editing, gaming, or consuming high-definition media might find the display resolution a bit lacking. Overall, considering the budget-friendly nature of the Chromebook, the screen quality strikes a balance between affordability and functionality.

How long does the battery last on the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000?

One of the standout features of the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 is its impressive battery life. HP claims that the battery can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day of productivity.

For typical users who are browsing the web, streaming videos, or working on documents, the battery life holds up well, easily lasting through a day of work or classes without needing to be recharged. This makes it an ideal choice for students, remote workers, or anyone who needs to be on the move and away from a power outlet for extended periods.

Of course, actual battery life will vary depending on the types of tasks being performed. More resource-intensive activities, such as running Android apps, streaming videos in high definition, or having multiple browser tabs open, can reduce battery longevity.

However, even with moderate to heavy use, the Chromebook’s battery should comfortably last through several hours of continuous work. The long battery life is a key selling point for this model, providing users with the convenience of working untethered for extended periods.

Can the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 run Android apps?

Yes, the HP Chromebook 14 Laptop Intel Celeron N4000 supports running Android apps via the Google Play Store, which is integrated into Chrome OS. This feature significantly extends the versatility of the Chromebook, allowing users to download and use a wide range of apps, from productivity tools to entertainment platforms.

Apps like Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Netflix, Spotify, and countless others can be installed and run seamlessly on the Chromebook. This compatibility offers users a blend of the traditional laptop experience with the mobile-centric ecosystem of Android apps.

However, it’s worth noting that while the majority of apps run smoothly, not all Android apps are fully optimized for Chrome OS. Some may not take full advantage of the larger screen or may perform slightly differently compared to how they would on a smartphone or tablet.

Despite this, the ability to run Android apps enhances the Chromebook’s usability, making it more versatile than traditional laptops that don’t have this capability. For casual gaming, social media, and additional functionality, this feature proves to be a substantial advantage for users of the HP Chromebook 14.