HP’s first crack at a Googlebook laptop is a winner, or at least as much of one as the platform allows. While Googlebook as an operating system leaves a lot to be desired, the HP Googlebook 14 checks every single box for a fantastic laptop.
Kicking things off with the hardware, HP really has built a very good laptop here.
The design is subtle at a glance, but I appreciate the sharp corners of the underside where the feet hold the laptop up for air circulation. There’s a decent-sized gap in the back for airflow as well which almost feels like a handle when you’re carrying the closed laptop. It’s a far cry from something as flat and edgeless as a MacBook Air, but I’ve really come to like it while using the HP Googlebook 14.
The machine is just 10.9mm thick, and weighs in at 2.74lbs (despite an error that doubles the weight on HP’s website). The aluminum build is sturdy with minimal flex in the deck, and it mostly passes the one-handed opening test.
The keyboard has been a tremendous highlight. Despite the thin design, there’s a ton of travel in this keyboard and it’s wildly comfortable to type on. The keys have a satisfying clack without being too loud to be used in public spaces, and the spacing is great, while the backlight is also perfectly pleasant. It took just a few minutes to feel completely at home typing, though Googlebook’s keyboard shortcuts do take a moment to settle into.
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