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Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
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Two hundred quid for a 15.6-inch laptop sounds too good to be true in 2024, doesn't it? Yet here's HP's latest Chromebook doing exactly that, complete with Intel's N100 processor and an 11.5-hour battery promise. I've spent considerable time digging through the spec sheet and researching what real buyers are getting for their money.
The bottom line is straightforward: this isn't a powerhouse, but it might be exactly what many people need. Chrome OS keeps things simple, the Intel N100 handles everyday tasks without drama, and that battery life claim looks genuinely achievable. Whether £199 represents brilliant value or a false economy depends entirely on what you're planning to do with it.
Let's address the elephant in the room first. The Intel N100 is an entry-level chip designed for basic computing, not miracles. It's a quad-core processor that sips power rather than gulps it, which explains that impressive battery life figure. From the technical specifications, you're looking at base performance that'll handle web browsing, video streaming, and Google Workspace tasks without breaking a sweat.
Chrome OS helps here significantly. Unlike Windows laptops that need more grunt to run smoothly, Chromebooks are designed around lightweight cloud-based computing. The 4GB of LPDDR5 RAM works in tandem with this approach, keeping things responsive for typical Chromebook activities.
The 15.6-inch display is this laptop's defining feature, offering proper workspace real estate that smaller Chromebooks can't match. The HD resolution keeps costs down, though it means you're looking at 1366 x 768 pixels across that larger screen. Text will be perfectly readable, but don't expect the crisp detail you'd get from a Full HD panel.
That larger screen comes with obvious consequences for portability. This isn't a slip-into-your-bag-and-forget-about-it device. At 15.6 inches, it's firmly in desktop replacement territory, better suited to moving between fixed locations rather than constant travel.
HP's claim of 11 hours and 30 minutes deserves serious attention. The Intel N100's power efficiency, combined with Chrome OS's lightweight demands, makes this figure entirely plausible for typical web-based tasks. Even accounting for real-world usage patterns, you're looking at all-day computing without hunting for power outlets.
This extended battery life transforms how you can use the device. No more laptop bag tetris trying to fit a charger, no more anxiety about battery percentage during long meetings or study sessions.
Here's where things get interesting, and potentially limiting. Chrome OS excels at web-based tasks, Android app compatibility, and Google's ecosystem integration. The 128GB of flash storage provides decent space for offline files and Android apps, though you'll be living mostly in the cloud.
What you can't do is install traditional Windows software. No Photoshop, no full Office suite, no Steam games worth mentioning. If your workflow depends on specific desktop applications, this laptop simply won't work for you, regardless of the attractive price.
The dual speakers and HP True Vision HD camera suggest this laptop is designed for video calls and entertainment consumption. The camera includes a physical privacy shutter, which is a thoughtful touch that beats sticky tape solutions. Video quality should be adequate for Zoom calls and online lectures, though don't expect broadcast-quality results.
For entertainment, the combination of that larger screen and dual speakers creates a reasonable viewing experience for Netflix or YouTube, though audiophiles will want external speakers or headphones.
The HP Chromebook 15.6" succeeds as an affordable large-screen laptop for web-centric users. Buy it if you need a big screen for Google Workspace, video calls, or media consumption on a tight budget. Skip it if you need Windows software or frequently juggle dozens of browser tabs.
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