Introduction
The HP Stream Laptop is a budget-friendly, ultra-portable device designed to cater to users with basic computing needs. This 11.6-inch laptop comes equipped with an Intel Celeron N4120 processor, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 64GB eMMC storage, and Intel Graphics. It runs on Windows 11 S-Mode and includes a QWERTZ keyboard, with a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 bundled in. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the HP Stream Laptop, covering aspects from design and display quality to performance, software, and user experience, followed by a balanced look at its pros and cons.
Design and Build Quality
The HP Stream Laptop stands out with its sleek and lightweight design, making it a highly portable device suitable for students, professionals on the go, and casual users alike. The laptop’s dimensions, at 11.08 x 7.59 x 0.66 inches, and a weight of just 2.37 pounds, ensure that it can be easily slipped into a backpack or carried around without much hassle. The white plastic chassis, while not premium, offers a sturdy build that can withstand daily use. The design is minimalistic, with clean lines and a simple aesthetic that appeals to users who appreciate a straightforward look.
The build quality of the HP Stream Laptop is commendable for its price range. The plastic construction feels robust and resistant to flex, though it does not match the premium feel of metal-bodied laptops. The hinges are stable and allow for smooth opening and closing of the lid, though they lack the ability to lay flat at 180 degrees, a feature seen in some of its competitors. The overall durability of the laptop is adequate for everyday use, though it may not withstand rough handling.
Display Quality
The HP Stream Laptop features an 11.6-inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. This resolution, while not Full HD, is adequate for the laptop’s screen size, providing a decent level of detail for web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The display offers good brightness levels, though it may struggle in very bright environments or direct sunlight. Color reproduction is satisfactory, making the screen suitable for general use, but it falls short for tasks that require high color accuracy, such as photo editing.
The viewing angles of the HP Stream Laptop’s display are somewhat limited. This means that the screen’s visibility and color accuracy can diminish when viewed from sharp angles, which can be a drawback when sharing the screen with others or using the laptop in varied lighting conditions. The matte finish on the display helps to reduce glare, improving visibility in bright environments, but it also slightly dulls the vibrancy of colors. Overall, the display quality is acceptable for the laptop’s intended use cases but does not excel in any specific area.
Performance
Under the hood, the HP Stream Laptop is powered by the Intel Celeron N4120 processor. This quad-core CPU is designed for basic computing tasks and provides enough power for everyday activities such as web browsing, word processing, and video streaming. Paired with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, the laptop can handle light multitasking, though users may notice slowdowns when running multiple applications simultaneously or working with more demanding software.
The 64GB eMMC storage provides limited space for files and applications. While this storage type is faster than traditional hard drives, it is significantly slower than SSDs. Users will need to manage their storage carefully, relying on cloud storage solutions or external drives for additional space. The inclusion of a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 helps mitigate this issue, as users can store documents and files in OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service.
Intel Graphics integrated into the HP Stream Laptop offer basic graphical performance suitable for everyday tasks and casual gaming. However, this laptop is not intended for graphic-intensive applications or modern gaming. It can handle older or less demanding games at low settings but will struggle with more recent titles or high-resolution media editing software.
Software and Usability
The HP Stream Laptop runs on Windows 11 S-Mode, a streamlined version of Windows 11 designed for security and performance. S-Mode restricts installations to apps from the Microsoft Store, which helps maintain system performance and reduces the risk of malware. For users who need to install third-party applications not available in the Microsoft Store, it is possible to switch out of S-Mode to the full version of Windows 11, though this action is irreversible.
Windows 11 S-Mode offers a user-friendly interface with features tailored for productivity and ease of use. The Start menu is centered, providing quick access to frequently used apps and settings. Microsoft Edge, the default web browser, is optimized for performance in S-Mode, ensuring smooth browsing experiences. The inclusion of a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 is a significant advantage, providing access to essential productivity tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The QWERTZ keyboard layout on the HP Stream Laptop is tailored for users in regions where this layout is standard. The keys are well-spaced and offer a comfortable typing experience, though the key travel is shallow compared to more premium laptops. The keyboard is not backlit, which can be a drawback for users who often work in low-light environments. However, the overall typing experience is satisfactory for basic tasks and extended typing sessions.
The touchpad is adequately sized and responsive, supporting multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolling. It provides a smooth and precise tracking experience, though it may not match the accuracy and feel of higher-end laptops. The integrated mouse buttons are functional but can feel a bit stiff, requiring more pressure to click. Despite these minor issues, the touchpad performs well for general use.
Connectivity
The HP Stream Laptop offers a range of connectivity options suitable for a budget device. It includes one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, an HDMI 1.4b port, and a microSD card reader. These ports provide enough flexibility for connecting peripherals, external displays, and additional storage. The laptop also features a headphone/microphone combo jack, allowing for easy connection of audio devices.
Wireless connectivity is supported through 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. The Wi-Fi performance is stable and provides sufficient speed for everyday internet use, though it may not be the fastest compared to newer Wi-Fi standards. Bluetooth 4.2 is adequate for connecting wireless peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, and headphones, though it lacks the enhanced features and speed of Bluetooth 5.0.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical aspect of any portable device, and the HP Stream Laptop performs admirably in this regard. It is equipped with a 2-cell, 37.69 Wh Li-ion battery, which provides up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the workload. For basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video playback, users can expect the battery to last through a typical work or school day without needing to recharge.
Charging the HP Stream Laptop is done through a standard 45W AC adapter, which is compact and portable. The laptop supports relatively fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up the battery when needed. However, heavy usage or running more demanding applications can significantly reduce battery life, requiring more frequent charging sessions.
Audio Quality
Audio quality on the HP Stream Laptop is serviceable for its price range. The built-in stereo speakers provide clear sound output, though they lack depth and bass. The audio is sufficient for video calls, casual media consumption, and basic audio tasks. For an improved audio experience, users may want to connect external speakers or headphones.
The laptop includes a built-in microphone, which is suitable for voice calls and video conferencing. While it does not offer noise-canceling features, the microphone captures sound clearly enough for most purposes. Combined with the integrated webcam, the HP Stream Laptop is well-equipped for online communication, though the overall audio and video quality is basic.
User Experience
The user experience on the HP Stream Laptop is generally positive, especially considering its budget-friendly nature. The combination of Windows 11 S-Mode and Microsoft Office 365 creates a productive environment for users who need a reliable and straightforward computing experience. The laptop’s lightweight and compact design enhances its portability, making it an excellent choice for students and professionals who need to work on the go.
However, users with more demanding needs may find the HP Stream Laptop’s limitations restrictive. The modest hardware specifications can struggle with intensive multitasking, and the limited storage capacity requires careful management of files and applications. Additionally, the S-Mode restriction, while beneficial for security, can be a hindrance for those who need to install a broader range of software.
Value for Money
One of the most compelling aspects of the HP Stream Laptop is its value for money. Priced competitively in the budget laptop market, it offers a range of features that cater to basic computing needs. The inclusion of a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 adds significant value, providing access to essential productivity tools that would otherwise require an additional purchase.
For users seeking a low-cost laptop for everyday tasks, the HP Stream Laptop delivers a solid performance at an affordable price. It is an excellent option for students, casual users, and professionals who require a secondary device for light computing activities. However, those with more advanced needs may need to consider investing in a higher-end model with more robust specifications.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordability: The HP Stream Laptop is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
- Portability: Its lightweight and compact design enhances its portability, ideal for on-the-go use.
- Microsoft Office 365: The inclusion of a one-year subscription to Microsoft Office 365 adds significant value.
- Battery Life: The laptop offers good battery life, capable of lasting through a typical work or school day.
- Windows 11 S-Mode: Provides a streamlined and secure operating environment with optimized performance.
Cons
- Performance Limitations: The Intel Celeron N4120 processor and 4GB of RAM may struggle with intensive multitasking and demanding applications.
- Limited Storage: The 64GB eMMC storage is limited, requiring careful management and reliance on cloud storage or external drives.
- Display Quality: The HD display resolution and limited viewing angles may not satisfy users seeking higher-quality visuals.
- Non-backlit Keyboard: The lack of a backlit keyboard can be a drawback for users who work in low-light environments.
- S-Mode Restrictions: Windows 11 S-Mode’s app installation restrictions can be a hindrance for users needing broader software compatibility. Conclusion
In conclusion, the HP Stream Laptop is a budget-friendly, ultra-portable device that caters well to users with basic computing needs. Its lightweight design, decent battery life, and inclusion of Microsoft Office 365 make it a practical choice for students, professionals, and casual users. While it has limitations in performance and storage, and some drawbacks in display quality and keyboard features, it offers good value for its price.
For users seeking an affordable laptop for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, the HP Stream Laptop is a solid option. However, those with more demanding requirements or who prefer more advanced features may need to explore higher-end alternatives. Overall, the HP Stream Laptop strikes a balance between cost and functionality, making it a worthy consideration in the budget laptop market.