Chromebooks are greeted sceptically so many times. And this model of HP, HP 14 G4 Chromebook T4M31UT#ABA, is no exception to that. Well, you should know that it’s a great Chromebook when your ultra light laptop includes an SSD. And guess what, it actually houses one…;) Without further ado, let’s check it out then.
Check out the latest price for the HP 14 G4 Chromebook T4M31UT#ABA
Specs:
- CPU – Intel Celeron N2840 (Dual-core), 2.16 GHz
- GPU – Intel HD Graphics
- Memory – 2 GB (1 x 2 GB) DDR3
- Screen – 14-inch HD (1,366 x 768)
- Storage – 16 GB eMMC Flash
- OS – Google Chrome OS
Benefits:
- Price – When you’re after a Chromebook one thing’s for sure: nothing would help you more than a low price tag that would save you a dollar or two yet maintain its quality of the product. HP surely outperforms its closest contenders in this section. While HP 14 G4 Chromebook T4M31UT#ABA would cost you even less than $225 (which is quite an achievement looking at the rest of the competitors) Dell Chromebook 13 is worth over the $300 mark.
- Performance – In features a Dual Core Intel Celeron processor which is a decently powerful processor for a Chromebook. While the 2 GB low power DDR3 RAM and 16 GB of flash-based memory may seem a bit low in comparison with its competitors, they do a fine job in performing day-to-day tasks such as internet surfing and video streaming efficiently. Although everything about the performance is not hunky-dory. Under heavy load it began to show its true nature and started to stutter and lag; but this is hardly the case for normal usage as there is no noticeable latency even when opening multiple tabs in the browser, streaming video in the YouTube and playing games at the same time.
- Ports – It has got a number of useful ports that’s for sure. Got an additional UHD monitor that you really would like to connect with it? No worries got the HDMI port. Need to connect some peripherals like an external mouse or optical disk drive? Got you covered as well with 2 USB 2.0 ports and a faster USB 3.0 port. Tired of the puny 16 GB ROM? Just insert a Micro SD card in the multi-format digital media reader slot and you’re ready to rock again.
Downsides:
- Battery – The 37 Wh battery in Chromebook T4M31UT#ABA isn’t anything fabulous, just average to be honest. Under normal usage like light internet surfing and some media consumption, it drains out in just 6 to 7 hours whereas the category average stands around 8 hours. Both of its competitors Dell Chromebook 13 – 7310 (13:25) and Toshiba Chromebook 2 (10:00) performed better in this section than this.
- Cooling – While the heating problem may not be severe it surely can be felt. After some time of video streaming, the Chromebook got reasonably hot. While the top side of the laptop stayed reasonably cool (near 80°F) the underside of the keyboard deck got rather hot nearing a 100°F (exceeding the safe threshold of 98°F).
- Weight – Well, it’s meant to be light. I mean they are called ultrabooks for a reason, duh!! But when you weigh even more than 3 and a half pounds you’re far from a lightweight Chromebook.
Verdict:
While HP 14 G4 Chromebook T4M31UT#ABA showed poor performance in some sections, it also excelled in many aspects. Well, if you want a beast among the ultrabooks then this may not be your cup of tea. But if you want a machine that would be able to surf the internet and check your mails on the go then it sure is a great candidate for that.
Check out the latest price for the HP 14 G4 Chromebook T4M31UT#ABA