My latest laptop review takes a look at HP Googlebook 14, a premium laptop that runs Google’s new Android-based operating system. While there are inherent limitations to this platform that differ from a Mac or Windows PC, the hardware itself represents a high-end approach to the Google ecosystem.
Check out my video review here!
At a starting price of approximately $1,200 (compensated affiliate link), this machine positions itself alongside the MacBook Air and other premium Windows laptops. It features a 14-inch OLED display with a 3K resolution of 2880 by 1800 and a variable refresh rate. The screen reaches a brightness of 500 nits and supports touch input. Inside, it utilizes the Snapdragon X Elite processor, an ARM-based chip designed for efficiency. HP claims a battery life of roughly 19 hours, which appears achievable under light workloads with moderate brightness settings.
The physical design includes a backlit keyboard with the standard Google OS layout and a haptic trackpad that provides feedback through vibration rather than physical movement. This is an all-aluminum device that weighs 2.74 pounds, making it a portable option for those who prioritize build quality and industrial design.
Security is handled via a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button and facial recognition through the 1080p webcam. Port selection is modest, consisting of two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports and a headphone jack. It is worth noting that these ports support 10 gigabits per second but do not offer the faster Thunderbolt or USB4 standards found on many competitors at this price point.
In terms of performance, the interface feels responsive, and web browsing is efficient. On the browserbench.org speedometer test, the device scored a 37.9, which is consistent with other laptops in its price category. However, I did notice some technical inconsistencies. The system dropped frames during 4K 60fps YouTube playback in both the browser and the app, suggesting that further driver optimization for the Snapdragon processor may be required. I was impressed with the Wi-Fi 7 radio on board that reached speeds of 1.3 gigabits per second up and down.
The software experience relies heavily on the Google Play Store. While there are applications labeled as “optimized for desktop,” many remain essentially mobile versions. For example, the version of Microsoft Excel available here lacks the comprehensive feature set found on the PC or Mac. Similarly, video editing tools like LumaFusion are functional but do not yet match the professional-grade utility of desktop suites. Users should be prepared for a more restrictive environment than what is offered by traditional desktop operating systems.
Multimedia performance is generally positive. The four-way speaker system is crisp, and streaming apps like Netflix support high-definition playback and offline downloads. Gaming remains largely dependent on cloud services like GeForce Now due to the limitations of local software. While I successfully ran a PlayStation 2 emulator at full speed, popular native Android titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Fortnite are currently incompatible with the platform.
One notable regression from Google’s prior ChromeOS operating system is Googlebook’s Linux implementation. While it is possible to run Linux applications, the experience is less integrated than it was on Chrome OS. Applications like LibreOffice run within a sandbox and require navigating a less intuitive graphical interface within a terminal window, which limits the utility for those who rely on secondary operating system environments.
This hardware represents a significant step up for users coming from the Chromebook ecosystem who want a more refined, premium experience. However, for those accustomed to the robustness of Windows or macOS, the transition involves navigating several functional compromises. The HP Google Book 14 is a well-built piece of technology that offers a glimpse into a potential third competitor in the laptop space, provided the software ecosystem continues to mature.
Disclosure: The laptop was provided on loan from HP. They did not sponsor this content nor did they review or approve the review prior to upload.