HP Chromebook 14

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HP Chromebook 14 lifestyle

The HP Chromebook 14 G5 was a no-frills budget Chromebook designed for students, educators, and anyone who needed a reliable machine for everyday browsing and productivity. Powered by the Intel Celeron N3350 processor with 4GB of RAM, this 14-inch notebook prioritized all-day battery life and silent operation over raw performance. Released in 2017-2018 in gray and white color options, the HP Chromebook 14 earned a reputation as a dependable workhorse for basic computing tasks. With its Auto Update Expiration date of June 2027 now passed, this Chromebook no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches, making it primarily of historical interest to those curious about budget Chromebooks from this era.

ProsCons
Excellent 9+ hour battery life tested by multiple reviewersDim display (220-232 nits) made outdoor use difficult
Completely silent fanless operation with passive coolingBelow-average performance compared to similarly priced competitors
1080p Full HD display at budget price pointNo keyboard backlighting on standard models
Comprehensive port selection with 2x USB-C and 2x USB-AMushy keyboard feel with short 1.2mm key travel
MIL-STD-810G durability with spill-resistant keyboardCheap plastic construction looked unimpressive
Google Play Store access for Android appsLimited to basic tasks due to dual-core processor

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HP Chromebook 14

HP Chromebook 14

HP Chromebook 14

HP Chromebook 14

Price

List Price: $299.99

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List Price: $249.99

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List Price: $289.00

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List Price: $288.00

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List Price: $359.99

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List Price: $242.00

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Model number14-ca070nr14-ca020nr14-ca051nr / 2H9R0UA#ABA14-ca023nr14-ca060nr14-ca040nr
Perfomance Rating2.82.82.82.82.82.8
Chromebook PlusNoNoNoNoNoNo
ProcessorDual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N3350
Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N3350
Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N3350
Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N3350
Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N3350
Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz)
Intel Celeron N3350
RAM4 GB4 GB4 GB4 GB4 GB4 GB
Internal Storage32 GB eMMC16 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC
Screen Size14"14"14"14"14"14"
Screen Resolution1366x7681366x7681366x7681366x7681366x7681366x768
Screen TypeWLED-backlitWLED-backlitWLED-backlitWLED-backlitWLED-backlitWLED-backlit
Touch ScreenNoNoNoNoNoNo
Stylus / PenNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
13.27 x 8.94 x 0.72 inches
(337.06 x 227.08 x 18.29 mm)
13.27 x 8.94 x 0.72 inches
(337.06 x 227.08 x 18.29 mm)
13.27 x 8.94 x 0.72 inches
(337.06 x 227.08 x 18.29 mm)
13.27 x 8.94 x 0.72 inches
(337.06 x 227.08 x 18.29 mm)
13.27 x 8.94 x 0.72 inches
(337.06 x 227.08 x 18.29 mm)
13.27 x 8.94 x 0.72 inches
(337.06 x 227.08 x 18.29 mm)
Weight3.39 lbs (1.54 kg)3.39 lbs (1.54 kg)3.39 lbs (1.54 kg)3.39 lbs (1.54 kg)3.39 lbs (1.54 kg)3.39 lbs (1.54 kg)
Backlit KeyboardNoNoNoNoNoNo
WebcamTrueVision HDTrueVision HDTrueVision HDTrueVision HDTrueVision HDTrueVision HD
WiFi802.11 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)
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.2
EthernetNoNoNoNoNoNo
Cellular ModemNoNoNoNoNoNo
HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMI
USB Ports2 USB 3, 2 USB-C2 USB 3, 2 USB-C2 USB 3, 2 USB-C2 USB 3, 2 USB-C2 USB 3, 2 USB-C2 USB 3, 2 USB-C
Thunderbolt PortsNoNoNoNoNoNo
Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card ReadermicroSD Card Reader
Battery2 cell, 47.36 WHr, Lithium-ion2 cell, 47.36 WHr, Lithium-ion2 cell, 47.36 WHr, Lithium-ion2 cell, 47.36 WHr, Lithium-ion2 cell, 47.36 WHr, Lithium-ion2 cell, 47.36 WHr, Lithium-ion
Battery Life11.5 hours11.5 hours11.5 hours11.5 hours11.5 hours11.5 hours
FanlessYesYesYesYesYesYes
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2027June, 2027June, 2027June, 2027June, 2027June, 2027

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A Look Back at the HP Chromebook 14 G5

HP Chromebook 14 connectivity features

The HP Chromebook 14 G5 took a practical approach to Chromebook design, prioritizing durability and battery life over aesthetics. The anthracite gray or snow white plastic chassis may not have won any beauty contests, but HP built this machine to survive the rigors of classroom and business environments. The device earned MIL-STD-810G certification for durability, featuring reinforced corners and a spill-resistant keyboard that could handle everyday accidents. At 3.39 pounds and 0.72 inches thick, the Chromebook 14 struck a reasonable balance between portability and screen real estate.

The 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display was a genuine highlight at its price point, offering significantly sharper text and images than the 720p panels common on competing budget Chromebooks of the era. NotebookCheck measured an impressive 1687:1 contrast ratio and found the color accuracy suitable for everyday use. However, both professional reviewers noted that the panel maxed out at roughly 220-232 nits of brightness, which made the display difficult to read outdoors or in brightly lit environments. For indoor use in typical office or classroom lighting, the screen performed admirably.

Connectivity options were genuinely impressive for a budget Chromebook of its time. HP equipped the Chromebook 14 G5 with two USB Type-C ports supporting both DisplayPort output and Power Delivery charging, plus two traditional USB 3.0 Type-A ports. Users who needed wired internet could connect a USB Ethernet adapter to one of the USB-A ports. The microSD card slot allowed for storage expansion, and 802.11ac 2x2 Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.2 provided reliable wireless connectivity. The 180-degree hinge allowed the screen to fold flat, which was useful for sharing content in collaborative settings. Some model variants also included a touchscreen, adding another layer of versatility for Android app compatibility.

Performance expectations needed to be calibrated appropriately for this budget device. The dual-core Intel Celeron N3350 processor handled basic web browsing, document editing, and video streaming without issue, but struggled with heavy multitasking or demanding Chrome extensions. NotebookCheck’s benchmark testing recorded an Octane 2.0 score of approximately 11,461, which was adequate for everyday Chromebook tasks but fell below more expensive models of the period. The 4GB of RAM was sufficient for typical browsing patterns with a reasonable number of tabs open, though power users who routinely worked with 15+ tabs noticed slowdowns. The eMMC storage, available in 16GB or 32GB configurations, provided snappy Chrome OS boot times and app launches, though the limited capacity meant users needed to rely on cloud storage for most files rather than keeping large media libraries locally.

What Reviewers Said About the HP Chromebook 14

HP Chromebook 14 performance tier

JoelsterG4K’s Perspective

JoelsterG4K, whose video attracted over 336,000 views, provided a real-world parent’s perspective on the HP Chromebook 14. He purchased the Chromebook for his daughter from Costco for around $200, and his review focused on the practical value proposition rather than technical specifications. He highlighted the vibrant IPS display quality as particularly impressive for the price, noting that the colors appeared vivid and the text was sharp enough for comfortable reading. The completely fanless operation meant the laptop ran silently, which he found ideal for homework sessions. The Costco bundle he purchased included a wireless mouse and carrying case, adding extra value to an already affordable package. His overall assessment positioned the HP Chromebook 14 as an exceptional choice for students and families who needed a reliable computer for web browsing, schoolwork, and basic productivity without breaking the bank.

Dove Computer Solutions’ Perspective

Dove Computer Solutions took a more business-focused approach in their review, examining the HP Chromebook 14 G5 as an enterprise device. They highlighted the MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability certification, which made the laptop suitable for deployment in education and business environments where devices may have experienced rough handling. Their review showcased a higher-end configuration with 8GB RAM and the slightly more powerful Intel Celeron N3450 processor, along with an optional backlit keyboard. They emphasized the comprehensive port selection and the 8-9 hour battery life as key selling points for organizations looking to deploy Chromebooks at scale. The spill-resistant keyboard received particular praise as a practical feature for real-world use in schools and offices.

NotebookCheck’s Assessment

NotebookCheck awarded the HP Chromebook 14 G5 a score of 82%, praising its silent operation and excellent battery life while noting the dim display and modest performance as limitations. Their reviewer Sascha Mölck found that “HP has equipped the Chromebook 14 G5 with an impressive selection of ports” and that “the HP Chromebook 14 G5 runs silently and has excellent battery life.” However, they also observed that “the device looks unspectacular with its anthracite plastic case…which makes the device look cheap.” Their testing confirmed the display brightness limitation, noting that “the display is difficult to read outdoors and only suitable for being used indoors.” The keyboard received criticism for its mushy feel and flexy deck, though they acknowledged it remained functional for typing.

Laptop Mag’s Take

Laptop Mag reviewed the white model at $248 and gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling it “a solid choice” and “a significant upgrade over the AMD model.” Their testing measured an impressive 9 hours and 18 minutes of battery life during continuous web surfing, beating the Chromebook category average by a significant margin. They praised HP for “offering a 1080p display on such an affordable laptop” and found the keyboard comfortable with well-spaced chiclet keys, though they noted the 1.2mm key travel fell short of their preferred 1.5mm. The review concluded that while performance lagged behind similarly priced competitors, the HP Chromebook 14 handled basic productivity tasks adequately and represented a compelling value for budget-conscious buyers of the time.

What Customers Said About the HP Chromebook 14

Amazon customers rated the HP Chromebook 14 at 4.1 out of 5 stars across hundreds of reviews, with the majority of buyers praising its value proposition and reliability. Parents frequently cited the Chromebook as an excellent device for students, highlighting the long battery life that got their kids through a full school day without needing to charge. Many reviewers appreciated the 1080p display quality, noting that text appeared crisp and video streaming looked good for the price point.

Common criticisms centered on the limited storage (16GB or 32GB eMMC) that filled up quickly when installing Android apps, and the modest performance that struggled with more demanding tasks or heavy multitasking. Some buyers reported that the keyboard felt somewhat cheap compared to more expensive laptops, and the lack of backlighting made typing in dim environments difficult. The plastic build quality received mixed reactions, with some buyers finding it acceptable for the price while others wished for a more premium feel.

Overall, customers recommended the HP Chromebook 14 for its intended purpose: basic web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and lightweight productivity. Buyers who understood the limitations of a budget Chromebook reported high satisfaction, while those expecting performance comparable to higher-priced laptops expressed disappointment.

Historical Perspective

The HP Chromebook 14 G5 delivered exactly what budget Chromebook buyers needed in the late 2010s: exceptional battery life, a quality 1080p display, and reliable silent operation at an affordable price. While the Intel Celeron N3350 processor limited the machine to basic tasks, it handled web browsing, Google Docs, email, and video streaming without complaint. The comprehensive port selection with dual USB-C and dual USB-A ports provided flexibility that many competing budget Chromebooks lacked, and the MIL-STD-810G durability certification meant the device could withstand the inevitable bumps and spills of daily use.

Students, educators, and casual users who prioritized all-day battery life and a quality display over raw performance found the HP Chromebook 14 an excellent value during its active years. The fanless design ensured completely silent operation, making it ideal for quiet study environments, libraries, or shared workspaces. For families looking to provide their children with a reliable homework machine that wouldn’t break the bank, the HP Chromebook 14 delivered the essentials without unnecessary frills.

With the Auto Update Expiration date of June 2027 now in the past, the HP Chromebook 14 G5 has reached the end of its supported life. The device will continue to function for basic tasks, but it no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. For anyone seeking a Chromebook today, newer models with later AUE dates and improved processors represent significantly better investments. The HP Chromebook 14 G5 remains a notable example of how Chrome OS enabled capable, affordable laptops during this period of Chromebook evolution, and it served countless students and families well during its supported lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could you run Android apps on the HP Chromebook 14 G5?

Yes, the HP Chromebook 14 G5 supported Google Play Store access, allowing users to install and run Android apps. However, the limited 16-32GB storage filled up quickly with apps, and the Celeron N3350 processor struggled with more demanding Android applications. Basic apps for note-taking, reading, and social media ran fine.

What was the battery life of the HP Chromebook 14?

The HP Chromebook 14 delivered excellent battery life, with Laptop Mag measuring 9 hours and 18 minutes during their web browsing test. HP officially rated the battery at 11.5 hours, though real-world usage typically fell in the 8-10 hour range depending on screen brightness and workload.

Was the HP Chromebook 14 G5 good for students?

The HP Chromebook 14 G5 was well-suited for students who needed a reliable device for schoolwork, web research, and document editing. The long battery life meant it could last a full school day, and the MIL-STD-810G durability certification protected against drops and spills. However, students working with demanding applications or heavy multitasking often needed to consider more powerful Chromebooks.

Is the HP Chromebook 14 G5 still receiving updates?

No. The HP Chromebook 14 G5 (14-ca0 series) had an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date of June 2027, which has now passed. The Chromebook no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. The device continues to function, but is no longer suitable for environments requiring up-to-date security.

Did the HP Chromebook 14 have a touchscreen?

Some variants of the HP Chromebook 14 G5 included a touchscreen, while others did not. The base models typically lacked touch capability, but certain configurations with the 180-degree hinge included an optional touchscreen for Android app compatibility and tablet-style interaction.

Could you use the HP Chromebook 14 for video conferencing?

Yes, the HP Chromebook 14 included a TrueVision HD webcam and dual microphones suitable for video calls via Google Meet, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. The webcam quality was adequate for basic video conferencing, though it didn’t match dedicated webcams. The fanless design meant no background noise during calls.

Could you connect an external monitor to the HP Chromebook 14?

Yes, both USB-C ports on the HP Chromebook 14 G5 supported DisplayPort output, allowing connection to external monitors using a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapter. The Intel HD Graphics 500 could drive external displays at resolutions up to 4K@30Hz or 1080p@60Hz, making it suitable for extending the desktop or mirroring presentations.

How did the HP Chromebook 14 compare to Windows laptops at the same price?

The HP Chromebook 14 typically offered better build quality, longer battery life, and a superior display compared to Windows laptops at the same $200-300 price point during its era. Chrome OS also ran more smoothly on modest hardware than Windows. However, Windows laptops offered more software flexibility and didn’t have the same app limitations as Chromebooks. The Chromebook was the better choice for web-based tasks; Windows was preferable for users needing specific desktop applications.