There have been a string of high-end Chromebooks launched just lately however whereas most of them are labeled as gaming Chromebooks, HP’s newest providing, the Dragonfly Professional Chromebook is targeted on professionals and freelancers.
Fortuitously, our mates over at HP had been type sufficient to ship one over so we might see simply what this $1000 Chromebook is able to.
Options
The HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook has quite a bit going for it, resembling being the world’s first Chromebook with an 8MP user-facing webcam, the world’s brightest touchscreen show in a Chromebook at 1200 nits, the world’s first customizable RGB keyboard in a non-gaming Chromebook, and the primary Chromebook to incorporate 4 Thunderbolt 4 USB4 Kind-C ports.
Moreover all the “world’s first” options, the HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook stands out with its high-quality magnesium body made with 65% recycled metals and the aluminum lid made up of 15% of recyclable supplies. The all-metal physique not solely makes it look premium, but additionally provides it a rock-solid really feel in your arms with zero flex.
Moreover, each Dragonfly Professional Chromebook comes with 12 months of 24/7 dwell assist from HP, in addition to an elective subscription service for $10.99/month for as much as 36 months providing quick repairs or machine alternative. This protects you valuable time and ensures for those who encounter any points you’ll be up and operating as rapidly as doable.
Show
The HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook encompasses a sensible 1200 nit 14-inch 16:10 show with a 2560 x 1600 decision. With 215 PPI, the display screen appears sharp whereas additionally being extremely brilliant with attractive colours and distinction.
Whether or not you’re engaged on paperwork, viewing photographs, or streaming the newest films or exhibits–the Dragonfly Professional’s display screen received’t disappoint. It’s one among my favourite options on this Chromebook. Though, it might have been even higher with assist for HDR. Contemplating the ultra-bright 1200-nit display screen, this looks as if an actual missed alternative.
In truth, the show is so brilliant that even set to the bottom degree I usually discovered it to be barely too brilliant within the evenings. The excellent news is that you simply’ll don’t have any points viewing what’s on the display screen throughout brilliant sunny days.
Efficiency
Beneath the hood of the Dragonfly Professional Chromebook is a twelfth Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor clocked at 3.67Ghz with 16GB of reminiscence, together with Intel Iris Xe graphics. That’s plenty of horsepower for a Chromebook and is leagues forward of many cheaper Chromebooks available on the market.
The Dragonfly Professional Chromebook simply handles day by day duties resembling internet browsing, doc creation, and streaming media. I used to be even capable of set up Steam for ChromeOS and run some smaller indie video games resembling Stardew Valley and Overcooked.
After all, that did make the followers run fairly arduous, when they’re usually fairly silent, however for those who’re seeking to perform a little mild gaming then relaxation assured that the Dragonfly Professional Chromebook can deal with it.
Software program
On the software program aspect, the Dragonfly Professional Chromebook presents all the pieces you’d count on from ChromeOS. It runs Chrome with all of its useful extensions, it helps quick pairing making it fast and simple to attach supported Bluetooth headphones, and you may join your cellphone or ship recordsdata utilizing Close by Share.
Moreover, Android apps will be put in from the Play Retailer, and you may allow a Linux surroundings to put in Linux apps. A phrase or warning although, simply because it really works doesn’t imply it at all times works nicely. For instance, when utilizing the Discord Android app I had points clicking on servers within the app. Android apps aren’t designed particularly for ChromeOS and it’s not unusual to expertise points like this.
Keyboard and trackpad
One of many Dragonfly Professional Chromebook’s flashiest options is its customizable RGB keyboard with a fingerprint sensor constructed into one of many keys. HP collaborated with Google on personalizing the keyboard making it doable to alter the colours manually from a curated choice, show a rainbow impact, or permitting the keys to alter relying in your wallpaper.
This can be a enjoyable means so as to add a bit of character to your machine and to specific your self which most different skilled Chromebooks and computer systems lack. Past the colourful keys, the Dragonfly Professional Chromebook has a beautiful keyboard for typing. The keys are springy with a good degree of journey and it makes typing a breeze.
The haptic trackpad is equally nice to make use of with a pleasant easy floor for utilizing gestures.
Webcam
The 8MP user-facing webcam is a standout characteristic on the HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook. At a time when video calls are the norm for many companies as of late, it’s necessary to have a high-quality webcam for all of these Zoom conferences. Google even helped HP co-engineer and tune the picture high quality for the most effective outcomes.
Audio
Whereas the HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook is primarily a piece machine, mixed with the beautiful show is a set of audio system with immersive Bang & Olufsen encompass sound. And due to the usage of two woofers and two tweeters, you find yourself with the proper stability.
Moreover, the audio system get extraordinarily loud. So, quantity is not going to be a problem. In truth, typically it’s a bit of too loud and might get distorted at increased volumes relying on the supply.
Battery life
HP charges the Dragonfly Professional Chromebook for as much as 9 hours in YouTube video playback assessments. I noticed comparable outcomes when streaming on the lowest brightness setting, however with combined utilization in numerous lighting circumstances, I noticed battery life nearer to 7-8 hours.
That’s nonetheless fairly spectacular and places the Dragonfly Professional Chromebook on par with most of its rivals. Plus, with HP Quick Cost it’s doable to go from 0 to 50% charged in solely half-hour. Which means you’ll be capable to high it off in a rush if wanted.
Last ideas
The HP Dragonfly Professional Chromebook appears and seems like a $1000 PC. It has an unbelievable show, zippy efficiency, great sound, a powerful webcam, and first rate battery life. The Dragonfly Professional Chromebook is certain to impress anybody who’s in search of a premium Chromebook.
If you happen to’re in search of a Chromebook with no compromises, then the Dragonfly Chromebook Professional from HP received’t disappoint. Nonetheless, at $1000, the Dragonfly Chromebook Professional is priced on the increased finish of the spectrum for Chromebooks. You’ll wish to ensure that a Chromebook totally serves your whole wants earlier than spending the equal of gaming laptop computer on one.
The Dragonfly Professional Chromebook is at the moment accessible from HP’s web site for $1000 in Ceramic White or Glowing Black.
