hp Pavilion 14 chromebook

As imperfect as it is, the last Chromebook we tested - Google pixels - is a superb machine for high-end finishes that broke with tradition "Chromebook = Cheap PC". HP back to basics with his 14-c001ef Pavilion, a laptop at low cost - 299 €. The price it worth it?

Chromebooks are the machines running applications online in ChromeOS, equipment and components they include are small ... in theory. But not in practice! Recall that the first model launched by Samsung in June 2011 pâtissait its processor too winded. If this new model proposed by HP does not have a high-end processor - an ordinary Pentium - 4 GB of RAM enough to the machine to not row when four more web pages are open. On the other hand, games like Angry Birds work without worries, but attention to ports of 3D games like From Dust in Chrome that require a processor and a powerful graphics card to play. Ergonomics side if the keyboard is decent, the touchpad is lined with small spikes quickly annoying. Provide a mouse ...

Little enduring

Weighing more than two pounds with its AC adapter, the HP Pavilion 14-c001ef Chromebook is not the lightest laptop. Why count automatically the weight of the AC adapter into the total weight? Simply because of its very low autonomy. With only 2 hours 49 endurance in video mode, the machine is a portable office that uses at home to surf the net a real laptop that regularly uses battery.

Display: definition and poor light

The Pavilion 14 Chromebook is not expensive and the screen reminds us: 1366 x 768 pixels is not really an ideal setting to work. Again it is sufficient for the web, but it is very limited when it comes to working on long text documents, juggling between a Word document and a PDF, etc.. And if the rate is acceptable contrast, brightness of 200 cd / m² may be insufficient if riding in a bright place.

Chrome OS

This is neither the equipment, rather suitable or finishing - rather average - we criticize. This would be unfair considering the laptop price. This is indeed the software part that sins. Just like its big brother the pixels , which is to kick a masterpiece of engineering, the operating system is the problem. In fact, Chrome OS can hardly do without internet for software as for the content. While some applications now work offline, but most services require a permanent connection. And these are not the 16 GB hard drive that will allow you to store all the files you need on holiday. Not to mention the key applications like Skype that do not exist in Chrome OS. So much for cheap calls on holiday ... To counteract this view, we must recognize the Google system robustness and security.

No Skype, very little disk space, a connected almost obligatory fashion ... all in a somewhat heavy portable little tough and not really sexy: HP Pavilion 14-c001ef Chromebook has not pleased us. The low cost has its limits and Chrome OS only amplify. At least do that net in sedentary and really be limited to such a budget, the Pavilion 14-c001ef be avoided. Especially for 70 € more, there are laptops with 14-inch equipment - and an operating system - much more complete.