HP Chromebook 11a (ARM)
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The HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) delivers exceptional value for students and casual users seeking a portable, long-lasting laptop for everyday web-based tasks. Powered by the MediaTek MT8183 octa-core processor and featuring up to 15 hours of battery life, this 11.6-inch Chromebook weighs just 2.36 pounds, making it an ideal companion for learning, web browsing, and light productivity work. Available in Snow White, Ash Gray, and the distinctive Indigo Blue color options, the 11a offers style choices uncommon in the budget segment. While its TN display and entry-level specifications won’t impress power users, the HP 11a punches well above its sub-$300 price point with solid build quality and reliable performance for its intended use cases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional 15-hour battery life enables all-day use without charging | TN display panel with poor viewing angles and washed-out colors |
| Lightweight 2.36 lb design is highly portable for students | Limited to 4GB RAM restricts heavy multitasking |
| Surprisingly sturdy build quality with minimal chassis flex | 32-64GB eMMC storage requires cloud reliance for files |
| Strong value at under $300 for budget-conscious buyers | No backlit keyboard makes typing in dim environments difficult |
| MediaTek MT8183 handles basic tasks with responsive performance | Single USB-A and USB-C port limits connectivity options |
| Chrome OS updates through June 2030 ensure long-term security | 220-nit brightness struggles in bright outdoor environments |
HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) Comparison Chart
 HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) |  HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) |  HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) |  HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) | |
| Price | List Price: $329.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $329.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $259.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $219.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $259.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $219.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $259.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $249.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Model number | 11a-na0110nr / 60G05UA | 11a-na0100nr / 60G04UA | 11a-na0090nr / 60G03UA | 11a-na0080nr / 60G02UA | 11a-na0050nr / 1F6G1UA#ABA | 11a-na0030nr / 1F6F8UA#ABA | 11a-na0021nr / 241T0UA#ABA | 11a-na0070nr / 60G00UA | 11a-na0010nr / 1F6F4UA#ABA | 11a-na0040nr / 1F6F9UA#ABA | 11a-na0027nr / 657X9UA |
| Perfomance Rating | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Processor | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 | Octa-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.00 Ghz) MediaTek MT8183 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 64 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) | anti-glare (220 nits, 45% NTSC) |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) | 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches (284.99 x 192.79 x 16.76 mm) |
| Weight | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) | 2.36 lbs (1.07 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Webcam | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD | 720p HD |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C (USB-C supports DisplayPort) |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion | 2 cell, 37Whrs, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours | 15.0 hours |
| Fanless | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 | June, 2030 |
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Detailed Insights into the HP Chromebook 11a
The HP Chromebook 11a makes thoughtful design decisions that prioritize durability over premium aesthetics. The plastic chassis, available in Snow White, Ash Gray, and a distinctive Indigo Blue, features surprising rigidity that minimizes flex during normal handling. At just 11.22 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches, this compact device slips easily into backpacks and small bags, while the 2.36-pound weight ensures comfortable portability throughout the day. The build quality notably exceeds expectations for a budget Chromebook, with reviewers consistently praising the solid feel despite the affordable price point.
Performance from the MediaTek MT8183 octa-core processor delivers smooth navigation through Chrome OS and handles 8-10 browser tabs without significant slowdown. The ARM-based chip pairs with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and Mali-G72 MP3 integrated graphics to provide capable multimedia playback and responsive web browsing. Chrome Unboxed specifically noted that the 11a feels faster than the similarly-equipped Lenovo Chromebook Duet, attributing this to the lower 1366x768 display resolution requiring 55% fewer pixels to drive than higher-resolution alternatives. This makes the 11a particularly well-suited for text-heavy tasks like document editing and online learning platforms.
The connectivity options include one USB-C port supporting both charging and DisplayPort output, one USB-A 3.0 port, a combo headphone/microphone jack, and a microSD card reader for storage expansion. Users who need a wired internet connection can plug a USB Ethernet adapter into the USB-A port. While the limited port selection may frustrate users needing to connect multiple peripherals, the essentials are covered for typical student workflows. The 720p HD webcam with integrated microphone handles video calls adequately, supported by speakers that HP has custom-tuned for clear voice reproduction during video conferences.
Battery performance represents the HP Chromebook 11a’s standout feature, with HP claiming up to 15 hours of use on a single charge. Real-world testing largely validates this claim, with Electronics Critique achieving 15.45 hours and Chrome Unboxed reporting 11-13 hours under typical usage patterns. The 37Wh lithium-ion battery pairs with the energy-efficient MediaTek MT8183’s 6W thermal design power to deliver genuine all-day endurance. For students moving between classes or families sharing the device throughout the day, this eliminates the common frustration of mid-use charging requirements that plague competing budget laptops.
The 11.6-inch TN display remains the HP Chromebook 11a’s most significant compromise, with 220-nit brightness and poor viewing angles limiting usability in bright environments or group settings. Colors appear washed-out compared to IPS panels found on slightly more expensive alternatives, and the 1366x768 resolution provides adequate but unremarkable text clarity. However, Chrome Unboxed noted this lower resolution actually benefits performance, requiring 55% fewer pixels than 1920x1080 screens and contributing to the surprisingly snappy responsiveness for a MediaTek-powered device. For single-user tasks like reading, document editing, and video streaming, the display adequately serves its purpose without distracting from the overall value proposition.
Reviewer Insights on the HP Chromebook 11a
Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective
Chrome Unboxed delivered an enthusiastic assessment of the HP Chromebook 11a, declaring “Is this Chromebook worth the asking price? 100% it is!” Their hands-on testing revealed a device that consistently exceeds budget Chromebook expectations. The review highlighted the surprisingly premium feel of the Indigo Blue color option, noting that “adding a splash of color really does affect the way you perceive a Chromebook.” The chassis rigidity impressed testers, who found minimal flex during typing or handling despite the lightweight construction. Real-world battery testing yielded 11-13 hours of actual use, falling slightly short of HP’s 15-hour claim but still providing genuine all-day endurance.
The trackpad received particular praise from Chrome Unboxed, who found the smooth surface and satisfying click mechanism competitive with devices at twice the price point. They acknowledged the TN display’s limitations with poor viewing angles and washed-out colors but considered this an acceptable trade-off given the overall value proposition. Their conclusion emphasized the 11a’s versatility: “Whether it acts as a secondary device around the house or a decent performer for the kids, the HP 11a deserves your attention.”
Tech Spurt’s Perspective
Tech Spurt focused on the HP Chromebook 11a’s portability credentials in their review, emphasizing the sub-1kg weight that makes it genuinely pocket-friendly for students. Their testing confirmed the rigid build quality that belies the budget price, though they humorously noted the trackpad as “comically small” compared to larger Chromebooks. Audio quality disappointed reviewers, with speakers producing noticeable distortion at higher volumes during video playback. Despite these concerns, Tech Spurt recommended the 11a as an excellent choice for students and families seeking an affordable secondary device for basic web-based tasks.
Electronics Critique’s Analysis
Electronics Critique conducted extensive battery testing, achieving an impressive 15.45 hours of real-world usage that closely matched HP’s marketing claims. Their review emphasized the energy efficiency of the MediaTek MT8183’s low 6W thermal design power, which enables the fanless operation and exceptional battery longevity. While acknowledging the 32GB storage limitation requires embracing cloud-based workflows, they praised Chrome OS’s automatic security updates and user-friendly experience as ideal for users transitioning from Windows or macOS.
Customer Reviews of the HP Chromebook 11a
Amazon customer reviews average 4.3 stars across thousands of verified purchases, with buyers consistently highlighting the exceptional value and reliable performance for basic computing needs. Parents frequently praise the 11a as a durable, affordable option for remote learning and homework, with the long battery life eliminating mid-day charging interruptions. Students appreciate the lightweight design for carrying between classes, while the compact screen size works well for focused reading and writing tasks.
Common criticisms in customer feedback center on the display quality, with buyers noting the need to view the screen directly head-on for acceptable image quality. Several reviewers mention the limited storage requires regular file management or Google Drive integration, though most accept this as reasonable for the price point. The keyboard receives mixed reviews, with some users finding the smaller size comfortable while others with larger hands report cramped typing experiences.
Durability emerges as a recurring positive theme across customer reviews, with many parents specifically praising the HP Chromebook 11a’s resilience to daily student abuse. Buyers report the device handles being tossed into backpacks, minor bumps, and general rough handling without significant issues. The plastic construction, while not premium-feeling, proves surprisingly resistant to scratches and minor drops. Multiple reviewers purchased the 11a specifically as a replacement for more expensive laptops that failed to survive student life, finding the HP’s combination of durability and low replacement cost provides superior long-term value for educational settings.
Overall customer sentiment positions the HP Chromebook 11a as an outstanding entry-level option that delivers exactly what budget-conscious buyers should expect.
Conclusion
The HP Chromebook 11a (ARM) successfully targets students, families, and casual users seeking an affordable, portable computing solution for web-based productivity. While the TN display, limited storage, and modest specifications won’t satisfy demanding users, the combination of exceptional battery life, solid build quality, and responsive Chrome OS performance creates genuine value at sub-$250 price points. With Chrome OS updates guaranteed through June 2030, buyers receive years of secure, supported computing.
The MediaTek MT8183 ARM processor delivers surprisingly competent performance for basic computing tasks, handling web browsing, document editing, and video streaming without frustrating lag or stuttering. Parents and educators seeking durable devices for younger students will appreciate the sturdy construction and worry-free pricing, while the 15-hour battery ensures devices last through entire school days without charging. The HP Chromebook 11a may not win any awards for display quality or port selection, but it earns genuine praise for delivering reliable, no-nonsense performance at an accessible price point. For budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing portability and all-day battery life over display quality and raw power, the HP Chromebook 11a delivers impressive capability for its humble price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the HP Chromebook 11a battery actually last?
HP claims up to 15 hours of battery life, and real-world testing supports this claim. Chrome Unboxed achieved 11-13 hours with active use, while Electronics Critique measured 15.45 hours in their testing. For typical student usage with web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, expect genuine all-day battery life without needing to recharge.
Can the HP Chromebook 11a run Android apps?
Yes, the HP Chromebook 11a fully supports Android apps through the Google Play Store. The MediaTek MT8183 ARM processor provides native Android app compatibility, and the 4GB RAM handles most lightweight apps smoothly. However, demanding games or productivity apps may experience occasional slowdowns due to the entry-level specifications.
Is the HP Chromebook 11a good for students?
The HP Chromebook 11a is an excellent choice for students, particularly in K-12 education. The lightweight 2.36 lb design fits easily in backpacks, the all-day battery eliminates mid-class charging needs, and Chrome OS works seamlessly with Google Classroom and educational apps. The durable build withstands daily student handling, though the small 11.6-inch display may feel cramped for extended research or writing sessions.
Can I expand the storage on the HP Chromebook 11a?
The internal eMMC storage (32GB or 64GB depending on variant) is not upgradeable, but you can expand storage using the built-in microSD card reader. This allows adding up to 256GB or more of additional storage for offline files, photos, and media. Most users also rely on Google Drive for cloud-based file storage, which integrates seamlessly with Chrome OS.
How long will the HP Chromebook 11a receive Chrome OS updates?
Google guarantees Chrome OS automatic updates through June 2030 for the HP Chromebook 11a-na0 models with MediaTek MT8183 processors. This ensures the device receives security patches, new features, and performance improvements for years of reliable use. After this date, the Chromebook will continue functioning but won’t receive new updates.
Can I connect the HP Chromebook 11a to an external monitor?
Yes, the USB-C port supports DisplayPort output, allowing connection to external monitors using a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter. This enables extending or mirroring the display to larger screens for presentations or more comfortable viewing. Note that the Chromebook lacks a dedicated HDMI port, so an adapter is required for most monitors.