$469 HP Chromebook x360 13b runs on a MediaTek ARM processor

Less than a handful of HP Chromebooks over the past decade have used ARM processors inside. Instead, most of the company’s many Chromebooks have used x86 chips from Intel. But HP is back on board with ARM. The new HP Chromebook X360 13b runs on a MediaTek K1200 ARM processor.

The HP Chromebook X360 13b appeared on HP’s site just today and starts at $469. There’s only one other configuration option available: You can double the local storage for an extra $30. Aside from that, both models are the same. Each uses the MediaTek K1200, which is a new name for the old MT8195 that I’ve reported on for some time now. Indeed it’s the same silicon in the prior Acer Chromebook Spin 513 when this chip was called the MediaTek 828.

I actually didn’t find out about this new HP Chromebook x360 13b from HP. I’ve been chatting with the MediaTek folks lately and they alerted me to the new 13.3-inch ChromeOS laptop. I have one on the way to review as MediaTek offered me a choice between the HP and the latest Acer Chromebook Spin 514.

While the latter may offer better performance, and I’m interested in testing it, I chose the HP mainly because HP typically doesn’t use ARM processors.

Aside from the chipset inside, here’s what the HP Chromebook x360 13b offers for the price:

Although the HP Chromebook x360 13b is meant for people on a budget, there are some interesting features and aspects to the device.

First, this laptop is fanless, which has a definite appeal for many. Second is the generously large multi-touch trackpad. I often find smaller trackpads on lower-priced Chromebooks. Third, there appear to be enough top-row keys to support a wider range of Function keys, such as the addition of F11 and F12. When I explained how to use function keys on a Chromebook, many commenters noted that they didn’t have the range of keys my device did. And lastly, HP is paring that MediaTek processor with speedy a NVMe SSD for local storage. And 128 GB is a nice touch too.

Obviously, I have no experience with this device yet as I haven’t received the review unit. I’m looking forward to taking this MediaTek-powered Chromebook for a test run though based on the range of specs and features.