HP Stream: Is It Good for Business?

Credit: HP

Wish there were a Windows version of the Chromebook? If you're looking for the ultra-portability and budget-friendly price of the Chromebook, but need a strictly Windows device, HP is here to deliver with the 14-inch (35.6 centimeters), cloud-based HP Stream.

Dubbed a "Chromebook killer," the HP Stream is a cloud-connected Windows PC that combines the familiarity of the Windows operating system with the convenience of cloud-based computing. Could it be the next laptop your business is looking for?

Cloud-connected Windows PC

The HP Stream runs completely on Windows 8.1, giving users the speed and productivity they are used to with Windows-powered laptops. But, like the Chromebook, everything is cloud connected, from your files to your favorite apps. This device also comes with HP Connected Drive, a cloud-storage service that stores and syncs all your documents, photos, music and other files in one place.

Design

The HP Stream is a thin, lightweight, fanless laptop that's built for on-the-go computing. It features an HD 14-inch, 1366 x 768-pixel display, and comes in at just 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) thick and weighs 3.8 pounds (1.7 kg). Ports include a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0, HDMI and a headphone jack. The HP Stream will also be available in three colors — Modern Silver, Neon Purple and Grass Green.

Power and performance

The HP Stream offers all the speed and performance a business user needs to stay productive. An AMD AR Micro-6400T Quad processor and 2GB of RAM will power the device, and it will come equipped with 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, which can be expanded using the microSD slot.

What the HP Stream lacks, however, is a long battery life. Compared to Chromebooks that can last anywhere from 8 to almost 12 hours — like the HP Chromebook 14 — the HP Stream is estimated to have a battery life of 6.5 hours.

Free cloud storage

Similar to Chromebooks, the HP Stream offers limited internal storage. But this doesn't mean your productivity is limited as well. HP currently offers two generous cloud-storage freebies: Those who purchase the HP Stream will get 100 GB of OneDrive storage for two years and 25 GB of Dropbox storage for six months — all at no cost.

Support

As an HP device, the HP Stream comes with two support services to make sure you get the help you need.

Need tech support? Contact HP Smart Friend, which provides 24/7 support by phone or remote computer access. Representatives can do everything from get rid of viruses to fix errors and troubleshoot other problems.

Another type of support is the HP Care Pack Services, an optional addition to protect your device from the unexpected. It extends the warranties already offered by HP and covers things like accidental damage and theft.

Cost and availability

The HP Stream costs $299 and is expected to hit the stores on Sept. 24.