HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 (Education Edition)
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The HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 Education Edition arrived in April 2020, just as schools worldwide scrambled to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. While HP had designed this rugged 11.6-inch convertible for traditional classroom use, it would unexpectedly become one of many devices pressed into service for remote learning. Looking back, the x360 11 G3 represents a fascinating snapshot of education technology at a pivotal moment, when manufacturers were perfecting the formula for durable, affordable devices that could survive daily student use while remaining cheap enough for mass deployment.
The timing of this Chromebook’s release feels almost prophetic. HP engineered the x360 11 G3 to withstand the harsh realities of K-12 classrooms: MIL-STD 810G military-grade testing ensured it could survive 4-foot drops onto concrete, spill-resistant keyboards protected against inevitable drink accidents, and Gorilla Glass 3 shielded the touchscreen from scratches and impacts. These features, designed for bustling school hallways and crowded cafeterias, proved equally valuable when the devices ended up in living rooms and bedrooms, handled by students without direct teacher supervision. The dual camera setup including a world-facing 5-megapixel sensor seemed like overkill for traditional lessons but became genuinely useful for document capture and virtual science experiments. These devices also came with monitoring software that gave schools visibility into student activity, a capability that generated its own set of debates around privacy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| MIL-STD 810G certified durability held up well over years of student use | 1366x768 resolution felt dated even at launch |
| Gorilla Glass 3 touchscreen proved its worth in real-world deployments | Intel Celeron N4020 struggles with modern web apps |
| 10+ hour battery life delivered on all-day learning promise | 32GB storage became increasingly inadequate as apps grew |
| 360-degree hinge enabled creative classroom activities | Thick bezels and chunky design feel distinctly early-2020s |
| World-facing camera ahead of its time for document scanning | Performance bottlenecks more apparent with each Chrome OS update |
| Extended Chrome OS support through 2029 | Refurbished units now dominate the market |
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HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 (Education Edition) Comparison Chart
![]() HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 (Education Edition) | ![]() HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 (Education Edition) | |
| Price | List Price: $299.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $299.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Model number | 1A767UT#ABA | 1A783UT#ABA |
| Perfomance Rating | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020 | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N4020 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | IPS with Gorilla Glass 3 | IPS with Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.61 x 8.08 x 0.82 inches (294.89 x 205.23 x 20.83 mm) | 11.61 x 8.08 x 0.82 inches (294.89 x 205.23 x 20.83 mm) |
| Weight | 3.19 lbs (1.45 kg) | 3.19 lbs (1.45 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No |
| Webcam | 720p HD webcam; 5 MP world-facing camera | 720p HD webcam; 5 MP world-facing camera |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C | 2 USB 3, 2 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 47.3 Wh, Li-ion | 2 cell, 47.3 Wh, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 13.0 hours | 13.0 hours |
| Fanless | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2029 | June, 2029 |
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A Product of Its Time
The HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 embodied the education Chromebook philosophy that had been refined over nearly a decade since Google first entered the classroom. By 2020, manufacturers understood exactly what schools needed: devices tough enough to survive being shoved into backpacks, cheap enough to deploy by the thousands, and simple enough for IT departments to manage without specialized staff. The x360 11 G3 checked all these boxes while adding the convertible flexibility that had become increasingly popular for interactive learning applications.
Under the hood, the Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor represented the entry-level silicon that defined this market segment. Running at 1.1GHz with burst speeds up to 2.8GHz, it provided adequate performance for the Chrome OS workloads of its era: Google Workspace applications, educational web apps, and basic Android programs. The 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM handled typical student workflows, though even then, power users noticed slowdowns when juggling multiple browser tabs. The 32GB eMMC storage was already tight at launch, a compromise that became more painful as Chrome OS and Android apps grew larger. These specifications reveal the careful cost optimization that made mass educational deployments financially feasible.
The convertible form factor represented genuine innovation for its time. Students could fold the screen back completely for tablet-mode reading, prop it up tent-style for video watching, or use it traditionally as a laptop. The 360-degree hinge felt remarkably solid, maintaining position without the wobble that plagued cheaper convertibles. Students also discovered that these convertible hinges did not protect against the Chromebook magnet trick that could put the device to sleep with a small magnet placed in just the right spot. At 3.2 pounds, the x360 11 G3 struck a reasonable balance between durability and portability. These design choices influenced subsequent generations of education Chromebooks, establishing patterns still visible in today’s devices.
Contemporary Reviews: Perspectives from 2020-2021
Alvin Alexa’s Perspective
Alvin Alexa tested the HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 extensively over four months during the pandemic period, putting it through daily productivity tasks, video editing, and even gaming to understand its real-world capabilities. His testing confirmed approximately 10 hours of actual battery life under mixed-use conditions, validating HP’s marketing claims for all-day educational use. He specifically tested gaming titles like Free Fire and Asphalt 9 through the Google Play Store, finding the device playable for casual gaming despite its entry-level specifications. These tests provided valuable insight into how students might actually use the device when remote learning blurred the lines between school and personal devices.
Alvin identified several practical concerns that remained relevant throughout the device’s active lifespan. The device generated noticeable heat in the bottom-left corner during sustained workloads, and screen glare made the display difficult to use in bright environments. His assessment correctly positioned the x360 11 G3 as a solid choice for education and basic productivity rather than multimedia entertainment. Looking back, his predictions about the device’s limitations proved accurate as Chrome OS evolved to demand more from hardware.
Y.Y ELECTRONICS’ Perspective
Y.Y ELECTRONICS provided a thorough visual walkthrough of the HP Chromebook x360 11 G3, demonstrating all physical ports and the convertible functionality. Their examination revealed the full port selection that was generous for its class: two USB-C ports supporting charging and display output, two USB-A 3.0 ports for legacy peripherals, a combination headphone jack, and a microSD card slot for storage expansion. This port variety reflected HP’s understanding that school IT departments needed flexibility to connect various peripherals without adapters.
Their testing showed battery estimates somewhat below HP’s maximum rating depending on workload, a realistic assessment that helped set appropriate expectations. The close-up shots of ruggedized construction elements, including textured plastic surfaces, rubberized corner bumpers, and reinforced hinges, illustrated why these devices could survive years of student handling when consumer laptops often couldn’t.
Legacy and Current Status
The HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 Education Edition has largely completed its journey through the educational system. School districts that deployed these devices in 2020 have mostly cycled them out as newer Chromebook Plus devices and refreshed non-Plus models offered meaningful improvements in performance and display quality. The ongoing screen time debate has also prompted some schools to reconsider how these devices are used in classrooms. The refurbished market now sees steady supplies of these units, many showing the battle scars of their classroom service but still functional thanks to that MIL-STD 810G engineering.
Chrome OS support extending through June 2029 means the x360 11 G3 remains viable for basic computing tasks. Students, parents, and budget-conscious buyers can still find value in refurbished units for simple web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. However, the Celeron N4020’s performance limitations become more apparent with each Chrome OS update and the increasing complexity of modern web applications. What felt adequate in 2020 now feels distinctly sluggish when running contemporary educational platforms or productivity tools.
For those considering a used x360 11 G3 today, realistic expectations are essential. The 32GB storage practically requires cloud-first usage and careful app management. The 1366x768 display lacks the sharpness users now expect from even budget devices. Performance with many browser tabs open noticeably lags behind current entry-level Chromebooks. Yet the durability that made these devices classroom survivors means many refurbished units remain perfectly functional for light use cases. As a secondary device for kids, a simple machine for grandparents, or a beater laptop for travel, the x360 11 G3 can still serve a purpose with appropriate expectations about its capabilities and limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 still worth buying in 2026?
Only as a refurbished device for very light use. The Celeron N4020 processor struggles with modern web applications, and 32GB storage feels extremely limiting. However, if you find one cheaply for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and simple document editing, it remains functional with Chrome OS support through June 2029.
How long will the HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 receive updates?
Google’s Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date is June 2029. The device will receive Chrome OS updates and security patches until then, roughly 3 more years from 2026. After that date, the device will continue to function but won’t receive new features or security updates.
Why did schools buy so many of these Chromebooks?
The x360 11 G3 hit the market just as COVID-19 forced schools to deploy devices en masse. Its combination of durability (MIL-STD 810G rating), low cost (under $300), easy IT management through Google Admin, and all-day battery life made it ideal for large-scale educational deployments. Schools needed thousands of devices quickly, and the x360 11 G3 delivered on practical requirements.
Can the storage be expanded on the HP Chromebook x360 11 G3?
The internal 32GB eMMC cannot be upgraded, but you can add a microSD card for additional storage. Given the tight internal space, a 128GB or 256GB microSD card is practically required for any use beyond basic web browsing. Google Drive and other cloud storage services help work around this limitation.
What’s the best use for an old x360 11 G3 today?
The x360 11 G3 works well as a kids’ first computer for web browsing and educational games, a simple device for elderly family members who need email and video calling, or a beater laptop for travel where loss or damage wouldn’t be devastating. Its durability means many units still function well despite years of use.
