Chromebook vs. HP Stream Price & Specs Comparison 2014: Microsoft Adds Afforadable Laptop to Compete
Microsoft is trying to compete with Google's Chromebook by introducing another ultra-affordable laptop, this time from HP. The HP Stream will cost $199 and will run a version of Windows 8.1.
Microsoft first announced that HP would be creating this laptop back in July, but no details were released. Thanks to leaked reports from German-language website Mobile Geeks, potential buyers can see the details and specs on the laptop.
Mobile Geeks was somehow able to get a service manual for the HP Stream 14. In the manual, the details and specs were detailed.
The screen on the HP Stream 14 will be the exact same as the Chromebook 14, also made by HP. It will have the same amount of RAM (2 gigabytes) and same amount of ports for plugins as well.
The Stream 14 will have a better processor, though. It will be a 1.6GHz AMD A4 Micro-6400T quad-core SoC instead of an Intel "Bay Trail" Atom chip. These micro processors are designed for these low-end laptops.
The Stream 14 won't need a fan because it will be low-powered.
Another advantage over the Chromebook is the extra onboard storage room. There will be a 32 GB and 64 GB option. That's more than the Chromebook 14's 16 GB of storage.
The big difference though is going to be the operating system. Chromebooks run Chrome OS, Google's version of an extremely stripped down operating system. With the Stream 14, you'll get a "lite" version of Windows 8.1.
Chrome's OS boots quickly, and it's a no-frills OS. But it gets the job done. Whether or not this Windows 8.1 lite version can replicate that remains to be seen.
You'll need to make sure to keep your Stream 14 protected with a virus program and firewall. Chrome OS doesn't need much protection because of its built in web security features.
The $199 price is going to lure those looking for an ultra-affordable laptop that will get basic web browsing, email and word processing documents done. If that's all you need, this may be a potential laptop for you.
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