As Microsoft (MSFT) prepares to push further into its partners’ territory when it launches the Surface Pro tablet later this week, companies like Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) are starting to think about a future where Microsoft selling end-to-end experiences powered by its own Windows platform. HP on Monday released its first Chromebook, a 14-inch notebook powered by Google’s (GOOG) Chrome OS. While we don’t expect the bulk of HP’s lineup to jump ship from Windows 8 any time soon, the company is clearly exploring other options and it’s off to a good start with a $330 Chrome-powered laptop featuring a big display, a 1.1GHz Intel Celeron processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of flash memory and 100GB of Google Drive cloud storage free for two years. HP’s full press release follows below.
HP Unveils Pavilion 14 Chromebook
MultiOS approach offers customers more choices
PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 4, 2013 – HP today announced its first Chromebook, widening the company’s extensive PC and workstation portfolio and expanding its multiOS approach to offer customers more choices.
The HP Pavilion 14 Chromebook boasts a display that’s approximately 2 inches wider (diagonally) than any other Chromebook in the market today. It provides a fast and easy gateway to a seamless Google experience with popular products like Search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive and Google+ Hangouts for multiperson video chat as well as access to apps in the Chrome Web Store.(1) A 14-inch diagonal design provides an ideal balance of mobility and comfort, while the HP BrightView display lets users see and surf easily.The HP Pavilion Chromebook joins HP’s PC portfolio as an ideal companion PC for the home.
“Google’s Chrome OS is showing great appeal to a growing customer base,” said Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager, Consumer PCs, Printing and Personal Systems, HP. “With HP’s Chromebook, customers can get the best of the Google experience on a full-sized laptop, all backed up by our service and brand.”
Instant access to digital life
With the HP Pavilion Chromebook, customers can effortlessly and quickly access Google applications, social networks, websites(1) and other content such as photos and documents. Constant automatic updates to applications and the Chrome OS mean that software and security is effortlessly kept up to date.
Powered by an Intel® Celeron® processor and Intel high-definition (HD) graphics,(2) the HP Pavilion Chromebook includes a 16GB solid-state drive for fast start-up times. Extra hardware security via the built-in Trusted Platform Module (TPM) protects against unauthorized access to sensitive data and credentials so customers can feel confident that personal data is protected. The HP Pavilion Chromebook weighs just under 4 pounds.(4)
A full array of ports including HDMI, USB 2.0 and Ethernet jack, and a combination headphone and microphone jack allow for fast and easy connections to displays and other devices.
The HP Pavilion Chromebook features an HP Imprint design in sparkling black, up to 4 GB of memory and a removable battery. An HP TrueVision HD Webcam(3) offers superb viewing experience, even in low lighting conditions.
With 100 GB of free storage on Google Drive for two years,(4) (5) customers can access their content from any internet-connected device-while at home or on the go. Plus, users can visit the Chrome Web Store to customize their HP Chromebook by downloading applications for work or play.
Pricing and availability
The Chromebook is available in the United States with a starting price of $329.99(6) at HPDirect.com
Additional information about the HP Chromebook is available at http://www.hp.com/go/chromebook.
