HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

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The HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) was HP’s first AMD-powered Chromebook when it launched in 2021. Featuring the AMD 3015Ce processor, this budget-friendly laptop offered a compelling alternative to Intel-based models during its production run. This product has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase. However, existing owners will continue to receive Chrome OS updates and security patches until June 2031, making it a reliable device for those who still use one. The 14a-nd series was available in several color options including Forest Teal, Mineral Silver, and Ceramic White, with variations in display type (HD, HD Touchscreen, and Full HD) across different model numbers.

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) Comparison Chart

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

Price

List Price: $349.99

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List Price: $349.99

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List Price: $349.99

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List Price: $299.99

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Model number14a-nd0090nr / 31U28UA14a-nd0060nr / 31U20UA14a-nd0040nr / 31U18UA14a-nd0010nr / 31U15UA#ABA14a-nd0070nr / 31U27UA
Perfomance Rating3.23.23.23.23.2
Chromebook PlusNoNoNoNoNo
ProcessorDual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.00 Ghz) AMD 3015Ce ProcessorDual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.00 Ghz) AMD 3015Ce ProcessorDual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.00 Ghz) AMD 3015Ce ProcessorDual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.00 Ghz) AMD 3015Ce ProcessorDual-core 1.20 Ghz (max 3.00 Ghz) AMD 3015Ce Processor
RAM4 GB4 GB4 GB4 GB4 GB
Internal Storage32 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC32 GB eMMC
Screen Size14"14"14"14"14"
Screen Resolution1366x7681366x7681366x7681366x7681366x768
Screen Typeanti-glare, 250 nits, HDanti-glare, 250 nits, HDanti-glare, 250 nits, HDanti-glare, 250 nits, HDanti-glare, 250 nits, HD
Touch ScreenNoNoNoNoNo
Stylus / PenNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
12.82 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
(325.63 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)
12.82 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
(325.63 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)
12.82 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
(325.63 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)
12.82 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
(325.63 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)
12.82 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
(325.63 x 218.44 x 17.78 mm)
Weight2.97 lbs (1.35 kg)2.97 lbs (1.35 kg)2.97 lbs (1.35 kg)2.97 lbs (1.35 kg)2.97 lbs (1.35 kg)
Backlit KeyboardNoNoNoNoNo
Webcam720p HD720p HD720p HD720p HD720p HD
WiFiRealtek RTL8822CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
EthernetNoNoNoNoNo
Cellular ModemNoNoNoNoNo
HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMI
USB Ports1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C
Thunderbolt PortsNoNoNoNoNo
Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card Reader
Battery2 cell, 47Whrs, Li-ion2 cell, 47Whrs, Li-ion2 cell, 47Whrs, Li-ion2 cell, 47Whrs, Li-ion2 cell, 47Whrs, Li-ion
Battery Life10.0 hours10.0 hours10.0 hours10.0 hours10.0 hours
FanlessNoNoNoNoNo
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2031June, 2031June, 2031June, 2031June, 2031

Related Chromebooks

A Look Back at the HP Chromebook 14a (AMD)

The HP Chromebook 14a represented an important milestone in HP’s Chromebook lineup as their first device featuring AMD’s mobile processor designed specifically for Chromebooks. The AMD 3015Ce chip brought competitive performance to the budget segment, with its dual-core design running at base speeds of 1.2 GHz and boosting up to 2.3 GHz when needed. This processor excelled at everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming while maintaining excellent power efficiency.

Build quality on the 14a was what you would expect from a budget Chromebook of its era, with a plastic chassis featuring a metallic finish that gave it a more premium appearance than its price suggested. The device weighed in at 2.97 pounds, making it reasonably portable for students and commuters. HP included a 720p HD webcam positioned at the top of the display, which was adequate for video calls during the time when remote work and learning became essential. The anti-glare screen coating helped reduce reflections, though the 250-nit brightness meant it was best suited for indoor use.

Connectivity options on the HP Chromebook 14a focused on essential ports without any extras. Users had access to two USB-C ports that handled both charging and data transfer, a single USB-A port for legacy peripherals, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack for headphones or external speakers. Notably absent was an HDMI port, so connecting to external displays required a USB-C to HDMI adapter. The lack of an Ethernet port also meant users who needed a wired connection had to use a USB Ethernet adapter. The 802.11ac WiFi (WiFi 5) with 2x2 MIMO provided reliable wireless connectivity, while Bluetooth 5.0 enabled connection to wireless peripherals and audio devices.

Storage was limited to 32GB of eMMC on all variants, which was the primary compromise in this budget-focused design. For users who relied heavily on cloud storage and web-based applications, this did not pose major problems, but those who wanted to store media locally found it restrictive. The 4GB of DDR4 RAM handled Chrome OS efficiently for typical workloads, though heavy multitaskers with dozens of tabs open may have noticed some slowdown.

The 47Wh battery capacity delivered HP’s claimed 10-hour runtime under ideal conditions, though real-world usage typically yielded 5-7 hours depending on screen brightness and workload intensity. This still represented excellent battery life for a budget Chromebook of its time, easily lasting through a full school or work day with moderate use. Charging happened through either USB-C port, providing flexibility in how users positioned the laptop while connected to power. HP also included basic power management features in Chrome OS that helped extend battery life when away from an outlet.

Historical Context and Market Position

When the HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) launched in 2021, it entered a crowded budget Chromebook market dominated by Intel Celeron processors. HP’s decision to partner with AMD represented a significant strategic shift, as the company sought to differentiate its offerings and provide consumers with an alternative. The AMD 3015Ce processor offered comparable performance to Intel’s Celeron N4020 and N4120 chips while providing slightly different power and thermal characteristics.

The 14a-nd series competed directly against models like the Acer Chromebook 314, Lenovo Chromebook 3, and Samsung Chromebook 4. At its typical street price of $250-350, the HP Chromebook 14a positioned itself as a reliable option for education markets and casual home users. HP marketed the device heavily toward students and first-time Chromebook buyers who needed an affordable, dependable machine for basic productivity tasks.

During its production run, the HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) received generally positive feedback for its value proposition. Users appreciated the build quality, reliable performance for basic tasks, and the lengthy battery life. Common criticisms focused on the HD display resolution, limited storage, and lack of keyboard backlighting, but these were understood as typical compromises in the budget segment. The device served its intended purpose well as an entry point into the Chrome OS ecosystem.

Who This Chromebook Served

The HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) was designed for students who needed a reliable device for Google Docs, research, and online coursework. Casual users who primarily browsed the web, checked email, watched streaming video, and used social media apps found it more than adequate. It also worked well as a secondary household computer for kitchen recipes, quick searches, or kids’ homework.

This device was never intended for users with demanding requirements. Video editors, programmers, gamers, or anyone who regularly worked with large files and complex applications needed to look elsewhere. The 4GB RAM and limited storage did not support resource-intensive tasks, and the HD display fell short for color-critical work or extended content creation. Power users who frequently multitasked with numerous applications and browser tabs found performance limiting compared to higher-spec Chromebooks.

Legacy and Continuing Support

For existing owners of the HP Chromebook 14a (AMD), the device remains a capable machine for web browsing, document work, video calls, and streaming. With Chrome OS support extending until June 2031, users have several more years of updates and security patches ahead. After this Auto Update Expiration date, the device will continue to function but will no longer receive new features or security updates.

HP’s decision to bring AMD processors to their Chromebook lineup with the 14a-nd series proved to be an important step in diversifying the budget Chromebook market. While this specific model has been discontinued, HP continued to explore AMD partnerships in subsequent Chromebook releases. The lessons learned from this device influenced future HP Chromebook designs, particularly in balancing performance, battery life, and affordability.

Users looking for a modern replacement should consider HP’s current Chromebook offerings with updated processors and improved displays, or explore alternatives from Acer, Lenovo, and Samsung that offer comparable features at budget-friendly prices. The Chrome OS ecosystem has evolved significantly since 2021, with newer devices offering improved performance, better displays, and enhanced features while maintaining the simplicity and security that made Chrome OS popular.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) receive Chrome OS updates?

The HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) will receive Chrome OS updates and security patches until June 2031. This Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date means existing owners have several more years of supported use. After this date, the device will continue to function but won’t receive new features or security updates.

Can I expand the storage on the HP Chromebook 14a?

While the internal 32GB eMMC storage cannot be upgraded, you can expand storage using a MicroSD card slot that supports cards up to 256GB. This is ideal for storing documents, photos, and offline content. Additionally, Chrome OS integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, providing cloud storage as an alternative to local storage.

Was the HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) good for students?

Yes, the HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) was designed with students in mind. Its lightweight design (2.97 lbs), 10-hour battery life, and durable construction made it ideal for carrying between classes. Chrome OS provided a secure, low-maintenance environment that worked well with Google Workspace for Education. The 720p webcam supported video calls for remote learning sessions.

Could I connect the HP Chromebook 14a to an external monitor?

Yes, though you needed a USB-C to HDMI adapter since the Chromebook didn’t have a built-in HDMI port. Both USB-C ports supported video output, allowing connection to external displays. The AMD 3015Ce processor supported external displays at common resolutions for extended desktop or mirrored display setups.

Why is the HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) no longer available?

The HP Chromebook 14a (AMD) with the 14a-nd model number was discontinued as part of HP’s normal product lifecycle. Released in 2021, this model has been replaced by newer Chromebooks featuring updated processors and improved specifications. HP continues to offer various Chromebook models in the 14-inch category with more recent hardware.

How did the AMD 3015Ce compare to Intel Celeron processors?

The AMD 3015Ce offered comparable performance to Intel Celeron N4020 and N4120 processors commonly found in budget Chromebooks. With its dual-core design running up to 2.3 GHz boost clock, it handled everyday Chrome OS tasks smoothly. The AMD chip was particularly efficient at video playback and basic productivity tasks, making it a solid choice for the budget segment.