HP Chromebook 11 (G3)

Starry Hope Rating
2.5

Updated on

Photo of HP Chromebook 11 (G3)

Note: The HP Chromebook 11 G3 has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase. Chrome OS support ended in June 2020. This page is maintained for historical reference.

The HP Chromebook 11 G3 launched in September 2014 as HP’s third-generation entry in the compact 11-inch Chromebook market. This model marked an important transition for HP’s Chromebook line, moving from ARM-based processors to Intel’s x86 architecture with the Celeron N2830 dual-core chip. The G3 targeted education environments and budget-conscious buyers who needed a lightweight, reliable machine for web-based tasks. At 2.83 pounds with an 11.6-inch WLED display and promised 8-hour battery life, the Chromebook 11 G3 represented the straightforward, no-frills approach that defined early Chromebooks. While its specifications were modest even by 2014 standards, the G3 served its intended purpose as a simple, affordable device for basic computing needs.

ProsCons
Compact and lightweight at 2.83 lbs for easy portabilityLow-resolution 1366x768 display with limited viewing angles
Full-size HDMI port for easy external display connectionsDual-core Celeron N2830 provides minimal processing power
Full-size SD card slot for expandable storage32GB eMMC storage fills quickly with offline files
Reliable 8-hour battery life for all-day useNo touchscreen option available
Durable plastic chassis suitable for education useWiFi limited to 802.11n, no AC support
Standard USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for peripheralsChrome OS support ended June 2020

HP Chromebook 11 (G3) Comparison Chart

HP Chromebook 11 (G3)

HP Chromebook 11 (G3)

Price

List Price: $279.99

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Model number11-2110nr
Perfomance Rating2.3
Chromebook PlusNo
ProcessorDual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.41 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N2830
RAM4 GB
Internal Storage32 GB eMMC
Screen Size11.6"
Screen Resolution1366x768
Screen TypeWLED
Touch ScreenNo
Stylus / PenNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
11.81 x 8.1 x 0.81 inches
(299.97 x 205.74 x 20.57 mm)
Weight2.83 lbs (1.29 kg)
Backlit KeyboardNo
Webcam1280x720
WiFi802.11 a/b/g/n
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0
EthernetNo
Cellular ModemNo
HDMIFull-Size HDMI
USB Ports1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3
Thunderbolt PortsNo
Card ReaderSD
Battery3 cell, 36 WHr, Lithium-ion
Battery Life8.0 hours
FanlessNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2020

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HP Chromebook 11 G3 Design and Build

The HP Chromebook 11 G3 followed the understated design language typical of education-focused Chromebooks in 2014. HP opted for a simple black and silver plastic chassis that prioritized durability over aesthetics. At 11.81 inches wide, 8.1 inches deep, and 0.81 inches thick, the G3 maintained a reasonably slim profile for its era. The 2.83-pound weight made it easy to carry in a backpack, though it wasn’t as light as some ARM-based competitors that could dip below 2.5 pounds.

The keyboard offered a standard chiclet-style layout without backlighting, a common cost-cutting measure in budget Chromebooks. The trackpad provided basic multitouch functionality for Chrome OS gestures. HP positioned the ports sensibly around the chassis: full-size HDMI on one side for presentations and external monitors, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports for accessories, a full-size SD card slot for storage expansion, and a combo headphone/microphone jack for audio.

Performance and Limitations

The Intel Celeron N2830 processor represented the entry-level of Intel’s Bay Trail platform. With two cores running at 2.16 GHz (turbo to 2.41 GHz) and Intel HD graphics, this chip handled basic web browsing and document editing but struggled with more demanding tasks. Opening more than a handful of Chrome tabs could noticeably slow the system, and running Android apps was not yet supported when this device was current.

The 4GB of RAM provided adequate headroom for Chrome OS’s lightweight memory requirements, though this became more constrained as web applications grew more complex over time. The 32GB eMMC storage offered fast boot times and responsive performance for cached content, but the limited capacity meant users needed to rely heavily on cloud storage for their files. The SD card slot helped mitigate this limitation for users who needed local storage.

Display and Connectivity

The 11.6-inch WLED display delivered a standard 1366x768 resolution that was common in budget laptops of its era. While the matte finish reduced glare in classroom settings, the panel offered limited viewing angles and color accuracy. For text-based work and web browsing, the display proved adequate, though media consumption and photo editing suffered from the panel’s basic specifications.

Wireless connectivity relied on 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, notably lacking the faster 802.11ac standard that was beginning to appear in higher-end devices in 2014. Bluetooth 4.0 enabled connections to wireless mice, keyboards, and audio devices. The full-size HDMI port was a practical inclusion that allowed easy connections to projectors and monitors without adapters—a significant advantage for classroom presentations.

Legacy and End of Support

Chrome OS support for the HP Chromebook 11 G3 ended in June 2020, following Google’s Auto Update Expiration policy that provided approximately six years of updates from the device’s release. After this date, the device no longer receives security updates or new Chrome OS features, making it unsuitable for continued use in environments where security is a concern.

The G3 serves as a reminder of how quickly technology evolved in the Chromebook space. What was once an adequate education device now lacks the processing power, storage, and display quality expected from modern Chromebooks. HP continued developing the Chromebook 11 line through subsequent generations, with each iteration bringing improved processors, better displays, and eventually touchscreen options that the G3 lacked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the HP Chromebook 11 G3?

While the HP Chromebook 11 G3 will still power on and run Chrome OS, it reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date in June 2020. This means it no longer receives security updates or new features. Using an unsupported Chromebook carries security risks, and we recommend upgrading to a newer device.

What processor does the HP Chromebook 11 G3 have?

The HP Chromebook 11 G3 uses an Intel Celeron N2830 dual-core processor running at 2.16 GHz with turbo boost up to 2.41 GHz. This was an entry-level Bay Trail chip from Intel designed for basic computing tasks like web browsing and document editing.

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the HP Chromebook 11 G3?

No, the HP Chromebook 11 G3’s 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. However, you can expand storage using the full-size SD card slot for additional file storage.

Does the HP Chromebook 11 G3 have a touchscreen?

No, the HP Chromebook 11 G3 does not have a touchscreen. It features a standard 11.6-inch WLED display with 1366x768 resolution. Touchscreen Chromebooks became more common in later generations of the HP Chromebook 11 line.

What ports are available on the HP Chromebook 11 G3?

The HP Chromebook 11 G3 includes a full-size HDMI port, one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.0 port, a full-size SD card slot, and a combo headphone/microphone jack. Note that it does not have USB-C ports, as those weren’t common on Chromebooks until several years later.

How long does the HP Chromebook 11 G3 battery last?

HP rated the Chromebook 11 G3 for up to 8 hours of battery life with its 36 WHr 3-cell lithium-ion battery. Real-world battery life varies based on screen brightness, active tasks, and battery age. On older units, battery capacity will have degraded significantly from the original specification.