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HP Stream Laptop Includes 100 GB of Cloud Storage

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streamIn an effort to compete with the Google Chromebook, HP is preparing to launch the HP Stream, a laptop that connects directly to the internet. While the Stream has the form factor of a regular laptop without the hard drive. Like the Chromebook, the HP Stream’s keyboard makes it better for business users than a tablet, while still being affordable.

The Benefits

At a cost of $199, the HP Stream is priced below the Chromebook, which makes it a competitor to the similarly-priced Chromebook. But while Chromebook runs on Android, HP’s laptop operates on Windows 8.1, which takes advantage of Microsoft’s price reduction of its operating system for use on less expensive systems.

With each HP Stream purchase, customers receive 100 GB of Microsoft OneDrive storage free. Since the Stream doesn’t have a hard drive, this cloud storage is essential for storing files. All applications will need to be run directly from the cloud or office servers. This is similar to Chromebook and similar devices that are priced inexpensively due to their lack of local features.

The Specs

According to leaked information reported on a site called Mobile Geeks, the HP Stream 14 will be a beefed-up version of HP’s Chromebook 14, which has been on the market since late 2013. The RAM, ports, and display will be the same as the Chromebook 14, but the Stream will have a more impressive processor. The HP Stream is said to have a 1.6GHz AMD A4 Micro-6400T quad-core processor.

Before choosing the HP Stream for your business, do a quick inventory to determine if you can run exclusively from the cloud. As more businesses make the move toward cloud connectivity, devices like Stream and Chromebook will become viable options. The keyboard, fast processing speeds, and lightweight build make it a great option for employees who spend most of the day on the road. At a price of $199, it may be a great alternative to a tablet.

Understanding Google’s Chromebook and ChromeOS – Part 2

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This week, we continue our look at Google’s Chromebook and ChromeOS.

A Simpler, Cheaper Alternative

The Chromebook also promises big savings, with the overall cost of ownership (including hardware, software and support) coming in at about half that of a traditional PC, according to Google. The tech giant says its device costs about $1,500 all in, compared to about $3,000 for a PC.

Of course, the Chromebook isn’t for everyone. Anyone familiar with Google’s existing online office suite will know how simplistic it is. More complex tasks would still need to be performed with Microsoft Office, or something similar.

The device is also essentially useless without an Internet connection.

Still, the Chromebook’s slick simplicity will appeal to some cloud devotees. And this certainly won’t be the last we hear from Google in this space.

Here are the specs:

• 12.1 or 11.6 inch screen

• 16GB SSD storage

• 2GB RAM

• Intel Atom 1.66GHz

• 8-second boot time

• Wi-Fi/3G or Wi-Fi-only

 

Understanding Google’s Chromebook and ChromeOS – Part 1

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In a major nod to a cloud-computing future, Google has thrown its enormous weight behind a series of virtually storage-free laptops running its new Google Chrome operating system (ChromeOS).

The Chromebook, a “thin-client” laptop currently being built by Acer and Samsung, is designed as a leaner, more cost-effective alternative to the traditional laptop, which relies on a large hard drive full of software. All you need for a functional Chromebook is an internet connection.

The netbooks, which retail for between $349 and $499, shun Microsoft’s dominant Windows OS and its lucrative Office suite – including the popular Word, Powerpoint and Excel programs.  Instead, the Chromebook comes loaded with ChromeOS, which only runs a browser and associated programs – its tiny 16BG SSD storage doesn’t leave room for much else.

Cloud Capabilities

It’s designed for users to run everything through the Chrome browser, with all office work done online through existing apps such as Google Docs. Documents are then stored online, in the cloud. And that’s where you see some of the real benefits.

Cloud-based storage means you never have to worry about losing the laptop itself — it’s simply a way of accessing your information online. You could access and edit those same documents from a replacement Chromebook, or any other computer with an Internet connection. If you trust your cloud host, you never need to worry about losing data again.

Check back next week for more on Google’s Chromebook and ChromeOS.