HP Chromebook x2 11: a practical and versatile laptop/tablet hybrid

Chromebooks at keyboard detachable are not legion. It is however a relevant design and which suits Chrome OS very well. The operating system launched by Google in 2011 is also practical to use in mode Tablet only in fashion computer portable. We were able to observe this during our test of the Lenovo Chromebook IdeaPad Duet. Moreover, the latest IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook Gen 6 is so far the main competitor of the HP Chromebook x2 11 discussed in this test.

To stand out, the x2 11 can count on a good level of finish, a very enduring battery and a processor Snapdragon 7c which ensures excellent performance. Another advantage, it comes not only with its detachable keyboard but also with a stylus. In addition, its price has dropped by 100 euros since its launch to fall to 599 euros. Enough to claim a very competitive price-quality ratio in the face of a Surface Go 3 of Microsoft which is worth 409 euros without a keyboard or stylus, or a iPad sold 389 euros without accessories.

Design: elegant and functional

At first contact, the Chromebook x2 11 seduces with its slim and graceful design. The 11-inch screen is housed in a chassis made of aluminum slender at style minimalist. On the upper left edge, we find the power button which also acts as a reader.fingerprints. A nice option that you don’t often see on Chromebooks. On the left edge, two ports USB-C that can be used to recharge the battery or connect an accessory, a button of volume and a reader memory card microSD. On the right edge, a magnetic area allows you to hold the stylus while recharging it. This whole arrangement is well thought out when using the screen in landscape mode. On the other hand, reaching the volume button when holding the tablet in portrait mode requires a little more gymnastics.

Design: elegant and functional

It is almost with regret that we come to flatten our back the magnetic protective cover that acts as a kickstand. Its soft-touch matte coating ensures a good grip and provides a reassuring robustness, but it tends to mark quite easily.

A good screen

Chromebook x2 11 screen displays 2,160 x 1,440 pixel with a brightness 400 nits and 100% sRGB coverage. It delivers crisp, vibrant display quality that’s above average for a Chromebook. Pushed to the limit, the brightness allows good readability in full sun. Too bad the glass Gorilla Glass which protects the slab is also subject to reflections.

Perfect for extra productivity

the processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c, backed by 8GB of random access memory, delivers the performance needed for everyday multitasking. We were able to keep about twenty tabs open without difficulty, several of which read content in streaming on netflixDisney+, Youtube and Amazon Premium Video. The games available on Google Play run without a hitch.

The webcam 5 megapixels is not exceptional but just as effective as those found on much more expensive Windows laptops. It is more than enough to conduct video conversations, in good light conditions. The Chromebook X2 11 comes with a sensor 8 megapixel photovideo. Devoid of zoom and all the elaborate tools that smartphones accustomed to us, it takes basic quality photos and videos that will be suitable for sharing on social networks in small format. Let us point out the tool of digitization of documents present in theapplication photo (scanner) as well as the ability to create 5-second video gifs, a feature that arrived with the hundredth update of Chrome OS.

The Chromebook X2 11’s detachable keyboard is pretty decent. Despite its small size and its minimalist thickness, we manage to find our marks to write at a good pace. Enough to process emails and work on short documents in good conditions. the touchpad clickable is spacious, reagent, and as accurate as a laptop. On the other hand, it becomes very capricious as soon as the keyboard is not on a sufficiently stable surface. Therefore, the least pressure on the wrist rests triggers a click that just put panic in what we are doing. Better to forget the relaxing sessions on the couch with the Chromebook on your legs.

The kickstand integrated into the back protective cover allows the screen to be oriented at any desired angle, both in laptop and tablet mode. The firmness of its hinge is a good point to hold the screen in position, but the absence of a notch on the edge of the kickstand makes it difficult to maneuver. You have to do it with both hands to deploy it, holding the screen while tilting the stand.

The Chromebook X2 11 comes with a stylus that attaches magnetically to the right edge of the screen. It can be used to take notes or draw. It offers a fluid and precise contact. It is an interesting alternative for to take notes quickly in transport or other circumstances where the keyboard cannot be deployed. We have also used it quite a bit to make screenshot more precise than with the touchpad and cursor.

Who says Chromebook says online applications. Whether it’s work or play, the X2 11 is designed for web services, starting with those of Google. We find the whole series of tools office automation and communication of the Californian giant (gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Meet…) that can be used for free with a Google account. There is an offline mode that allows you to consult and modify documents when connected Internet lack. Of course, nothing prevents using third-party cloud services via the chrome browseras Microsoft 365 for example.

A pleasant and enduring tablet

In tablet mode, the Chromebook x2 11 is equally compelling. The display quality is impeccable, whether for web browsing, gaming or video streaming. On the other hand, the audio part clearly leaves something to be desired. The two small loudspeakers placed on either side of the top of the screen very quickly reach their limits, delivering a hollow sound, totally devoid of relief and crippled by distortion as soon as the volume is pushed beyond the 60%. Lovers of music or streaming series will have every interest in using headphones or listeners wireless.

Chromebooks are renowned for their sobriety and this model is further proof of that. HP announces up to 11 a.m.autonomy, a delay that we had no trouble obtaining during our daily use. We appreciate the fast charge via one of the USB-C ports that restores 50% battery in 45 minutes.

Conclusion

This HP 2-in-1 Chromebook is a good option for those who use both tablet mode and laptop-with-keyboard setup and want a simple and convenient machine to take anywhere with them. The Chromebook X2 11 aligns solid performance and a construction quality. It’s a great tool for managing email, accessing work documents via an online office suite, browse the Internet, chat via video and have fun with streaming VoD or small video games.

WE love

• The level of finish
• Performances
• Solid autonomy
• The versatile convertible design
• Stylus included and convenient to use

We don’t like less

• The keyboard that lacks rigidity
• Not easy to use on the knees
• The crutch not practical to maneuver with one hand
• Audio quality

Futura’s note