HP Chromebook 13 (G1)

Updated on February 5, 2026

Note: This product has been discontinued and reached its Chrome OS Auto Update Expiration date in November 2022. It is no longer receiving security updates. The information below is kept for historical reference.

When HP unveiled the Chromebook 13 G1 in May 2016, it marked a turning point for Chrome OS devices. This was HP’s answer to Google’s premium Chromebook Pixel—a device that proved Chromebooks could compete with high-end ultrabooks on build quality and design. The aluminum chassis, stunning QHD+ display, and fanless operation made it “the closest thing we’ve seen to a Pixel since Google first introduced it,” as NotebookCheck’s Steve Schardein noted in his comprehensive review. For professionals who wanted a premium Chrome OS experience without paying Pixel prices, the Chromebook 13 G1 represented a compelling alternative.

Pros and Cons

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HP Chromebook 13 (G1) Comparison Chart

	HP Chromebook 13 (G1)	HP Chromebook 13 (G1)	HP Chromebook 13 (G1)	HP Chromebook 13 (G1)
Price	List Price: $599.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $499.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $1029.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $819.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	W0T00UT#ABA	W0S99UT#ABA	W0T02UT#ABA	W0T01UT#ABA
Perfomance Rating	3.2	2.6	5.7	4.8
Chromebook Plus	No	No	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 0.90 Ghz (max 2.20 Ghz) Intel Core m3-6Y30 Processor	Dual-core 1.50 Ghz Intel Pentium Processor 4405Y	Dual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.10 Ghz) Intel Core m7-6Y75 Processor	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Core m5-6Y57 Processor
RAM	4 GB	4 GB	16 GB	8 GB
Internal Storage	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC	32 GB eMMC
Screen Size	13.3"	13.3"	13.3"	13.3"
Screen Resolution	3200x1800	3200x1800	3200x1800	3200x1800
Screen Type	WLED eDP BrightView	WLED eDP BrightView	WLED eDP BrightView	WLED eDP BrightView
Touch Screen	No	No	No	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	12.59 x 8.64 x 0.5 inches (319.79 x 219.46 x 12.7 mm)	12.59 x 8.64 x 0.5 inches (319.79 x 219.46 x 12.7 mm)	12.59 x 8.64 x 0.5 inches (319.79 x 219.46 x 12.7 mm)	12.59 x 8.64 x 0.5 inches (319.79 x 219.46 x 12.7 mm)
Weight	2.69 lbs (1.22 kg)	2.69 lbs (1.22 kg)	2.69 lbs (1.22 kg)	2.69 lbs (1.22 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Webcam	TrueVision HD	TrueVision HD	TrueVision HD	TrueVision HD
WiFi	Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)	Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)	Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)	Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2
Ethernet	No	No	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No	No	No
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	3 cell, 45 WHr, Lithium-ion	3 cell, 45 WHr, Lithium-ion	3 cell, 45 WHr, Lithium-ion	3 cell, 45 WHr, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	11.5 hours	11.5 hours	11.5 hours	11.5 hours
Fanless	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	November, 2022	November, 2022	November, 2022	November, 2022

Design and Build Quality

The HP Chromebook 13 G1 arrived at a time when most Chromebooks featured plastic construction aimed at education markets. HP took a different approach, crafting a machine from brushed aluminum with diamond-cut chamfered edges. 9to5Google’s Abner Li observed that “the brushed aluminum and slanted edges contribute to a very sleek look usually not afforded to Chrome OS devices.”

At just 0.5 inches thick and weighing 2.69 pounds, the Chromebook 13 G1 was remarkably portable for its time. The device featured a one-finger lid opening design, a hallmark of premium laptops. However, Chrome Unboxed’s Robby Payne noted that despite the aluminum construction, “the chassis is bendable under light pressure”—a minor concern that didn’t significantly detract from the overall premium feel.

Display Performance

The 13.3-inch IPS display with 3200×1800 resolution was one of the Chromebook 13 G1’s strongest selling points. NotebookCheck’s testing measured brightness at 355.5 cd/m² with a color accuracy delta E of 3.75—impressive numbers that placed it among the best Chromebook displays available. The panel offered excellent viewing angles, making it suitable for presentations and shared viewing.

The QHD+ resolution presented both advantages and challenges. The pixel density delivered crisp text and sharp images, but Chrome OS’s scaling meant effective resolution typically settled at 1600×900. Users who preferred the native resolution found text “comically small,” as Li noted. The glossy finish enhanced colors but created reflections that made outdoor use difficult—a common trade-off for IPS panels of that era.

Performance Across Variants

HP offered the Chromebook 13 G1 with four processor options spanning Intel’s 6th generation lineup. The entry-level Pentium 4405Y provided adequate performance for basic tasks at the $499 price point. The Core m3-6Y30 at $599 offered the sweet spot for most users, while the Core m5-6Y57 ($819) and Core m7-6Y75 ($1,029) delivered premium performance for demanding workloads.

Benchmarks told a compelling story. In Octane 2.0 testing, 9to5Google found the performance improvements substantial: the Pentium ran 1.6x faster than previous-generation Chromebooks, while the Core m5 achieved 3.0x improvement. Chrome Unboxed measured the Core m5 variant reaching 27,000-29,000 points in Octane—approximately 1,000 points higher than the original Chromebook Pixel LS. The fanless design meant the processors ran entirely silent, though the higher-tier Core m5 and m7 models generated noticeable heat under sustained loads.

Battery and Thermals

HP rated the Chromebook 13 G1 at 11.5 hours of battery life, but real-world results varied significantly based on display resolution and usage patterns. 9to5Google achieved 8.75 hours with the QHD+ display at 50% brightness, leaving 20% remaining. Chrome Unboxed reported approximately 6 hours—roughly half the endurance of competing models like the Dell Chromebook 13 and Chromebook Pixel LS. This discrepancy between marketing claims and actual performance represented one of the device’s most notable shortcomings.

The fanless thermal design kept the device silent but introduced heat concerns with higher-end processors. 9to5Google noted that Core m5 and m7 models “run noticeably hot,” requiring desk usage or a barrier when used on laps. The lower-tier Pentium and Core m3 variants maintained cooler operation suitable for any environment.

Connectivity and Ports

The Chromebook 13 G1 was among the earliest Chrome OS devices to embrace USB-C, featuring two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports for charging and data transfer. This forward-thinking design proved prescient as the industry moved toward USB-C standardization. A single USB 3.0 Type-A port provided backward compatibility with legacy peripherals, while a microSD card reader (achieving 51 MB/s transfer speeds in NotebookCheck’s testing) allowed storage expansion.

The port placement drew criticism from multiple reviewers—all connections clustered on a single side, which could create awkward cable management in certain setups. The absence of HDMI output meant users needed adapters or docking stations for external displays, though HP offered the Elite USB-C Docking Station as a companion accessory. Users who required a wired network connection could use a USB Ethernet adapter with the USB-A port or a USB-C dock.

Keyboard and Input

The six-stage backlit keyboard received generally positive feedback. Robby Payne praised the “good travel and tactile feedback,” though Li found the keys “mushy with soft click and thin feel.” These subjective differences highlight how keyboard preferences vary among users. The full-size key width accommodated comfortable typing, and the backlight proved useful for low-light environments.

The trackpad drew mixed reviews. While responsive and accurate for basic navigation, Chrome Unboxed noted “excessive click travel, creating a flimsy feel.” The disproportionately small size compared to the device’s footprint required an adjustment period for users accustomed to larger trackpads on competing ultrabooks.

Reviewer Insights

NotebookCheck (Steve Schardein)

NotebookCheck awarded the Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5 an 85% rating, praising its combination of “premium materials, meticulous design, a high-res screen, and great performance.” The comprehensive review included detailed measurements that validated HP’s premium positioning—display color accuracy, thermal management, and build quality all met professional standards.

The review concluded that “at its $819 price point, it sort of falls into that ‘great—for a Chromebook’ category.” This observation captured the fundamental tension: the Chromebook 13 G1 competed with Windows ultrabooks and the MacBook Air at similar prices, raising questions about Chrome OS’s value proposition for premium buyers. The reviewer suggested the $600-and-below Core m3 and Pentium configurations represented “game-changers” that should be on any shortlist.

Chrome Unboxed (Robby Payne)

Chrome Unboxed’s review emphasized how HP “set a bit of a new standard for creativity and quality in a Chromebook.” As a publication focused exclusively on Chrome OS devices, their perspective highlighted the Chromebook 13 G1’s significance within its ecosystem. The benchmark performance exceeded the Chromebook Pixel LS while maintaining a fanless design—a notable achievement.

The review didn’t shy from criticism, particularly regarding battery life and trackpad quality. Payne concluded that “though not perfect, the sexy look and feel can almost make you overlook the flaws”—a sentiment that captured the device’s appeal to design-conscious users willing to accept some compromises.

9to5Google (Abner Li)

9to5Google’s review provided valuable perspective on the Chromebook 13 G1’s broader significance. Li observed that “the higher starting price definitely changes the ownership calculus,” questioning whether premium pricing aligned with Chrome OS’s traditional value proposition. However, his personal experience proved positive: “My computing experience has been thoroughly improved, and that speaks to an unaddressed higher-end segment.”

This insight proved prophetic. The Chromebook 13 G1 demonstrated market demand for premium Chrome OS devices, paving the way for subsequent generations of high-end Chromebooks from multiple manufacturers.

Historical Significance

The HP Chromebook 13 G1 holds an important place in Chromebook history. It arrived when Chrome OS was transitioning from a purely cloud-based operating system to one supporting Android apps—a feature announced shortly after the device’s launch. The combination of premium hardware and expanded software capabilities suggested a future where Chromebooks could serve as primary computing devices for demanding users.

For buyers seeking premium Chrome OS hardware today, the Chromebook 13 G1 no longer represents a viable option due to its November 2022 Auto Update Expiration. However, its influence persists in current premium Chromebooks that follow the template HP established: aluminum construction, high-resolution displays, and performance-tier processors.

Frequently Asked Questions