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HP’s education Chromebooks get upgraded 2019 models

HP’s education Chromebooks get upgraded 2019 models

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Same designs, better specs

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Image: HP

HP’s education Chromebooks aren’t the flashiest computers, but they’re hugely important to the schools and thousands of students who use them. That’s why it’s good to see that HP is updating two of its Chromebook 11 models with newer, faster versions that are specifically designed for education (via Engadget).

Leading the charge is the new HP Chromebook x360 11 G2 EE (Education Edition), an update to the Chromebook x360 11 G1 model that was released back in 2017. HP is keeping things pretty similar to the G1, though: there’s still an 11.6-inch convertible display that can flip around to work as a touchscreen (along with an optional Wacom pen) and rugged, rubberized chassis that should stand up to use by the rowdiest students.

A new, world-facing camera

HP is also adding a new, 5-megapixel camera to the front lid of the Chromebook (in addition to the standard webcam), with the goal of making it easier for students to explore and photograph the world around them directly on their computer. Other changes are coming to the internal specs, with options for a pair of newer Intel Celeron processors (specifically, the N4000 and N4100 chips) as well support for up to 8GB of RAM and a choice between 32GB or 64GB of onboard memory.

HP Chromebook 11 G7 EE.
HP Chromebook 11 G7 EE.
Image: HP

Also getting an update is the HP Chromebook 11 G7 EE, which, as the numerical progression suggests, is a spec-boosted version of last year’s Chromebook 11 G6 EE model. The Chromebook 11 G7 EE doesn’t have the same convertible skills as its counterpart, although HP is still offering a touchscreen option for the 11.6-inch display along with a presumably cheaper non-touch configuration. The G7 EE is also getting the same updated Celeron chips as the x360 G2, and it can also be configured with up to 8GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. However, HP notes that the G7’s RAM is soldered directly to the board and therefore not upgradable, and the base model of the G7 offers just 16GB of storage compared to the x360 G2’s 32GB.

Neither laptop has a price or release date yet, which makes sense, considering that HP is only selling these directly to schools for now. But if history is anything to go by, there will likely be nearly identical consumer models available sometime in the near future.