HP 14 Chromebook Unboxing: My Photos and 2026 Advice

In January 2014 I finally bought an HP 14 Chromebook, and here are my unboxing photos, what the first boot was like, and what I would tell anyone looking at an old HP 14 Chromebook (or a new Chromebook) in 2026.

Quick answer: The HP 14 Chromebook was a 2013 ChromeOS laptop with a 14-inch screen, available in colours like the turquoise one I got. It is long past its ChromeOS update support, so it no longer gets security fixes. Use an old one only for light, low-risk tasks, check the update schedule before buying any used Chromebook, and pick a current model if you need a daily laptop.

Why I bought the HP 14 Chromebook

I decided to buy a Chromebook in India soon after it became available, and my visit to the Chromebook store gave me some hands-on time to see whether it could handle my blogging work.

I was torn between the 11-inch Acer and the 14-inch HP. The larger, brighter screen, 4GB of RAM and HP’s build quality decided it for the HP 14 Chromebook. (I later added a Chromebox too: see my Asus Chromebox unboxing.)

HP 14 Chromebook unboxing photos

The Chromebook arrived in a plain cardboard box with a large HP logo. Honestly, the colourful Acer Chromebook boxes looked nicer.

Open the seal on top and the setup instructions are the first thing you see.

Lift out the neatly folded instructions and you get the first look at the Chromebook itself.

Surprise: it was the turquoise version, which I liked much more than the white one. Underneath were the power cable, the charger and a warranty booklet.

With the plastic wrap off, the lid had a smooth, rubbery feel.

A Chrome logo sits in one corner of the lid and a shiny HP logo in the centre (which I suspected would get scratched soon).

Open the lid and the Chromebook starts in a few seconds. A dark paper sheet protected the screen and keyboard.

Remove it and you see the silver keyboard and a smooth touchpad, with the usual Intel, Energy Star and HP stickers.

First boot: sign in with a Google account

A Chromebook has no separate user accounts to set up the Windows way. You sign in with your Google account, and that creates your user on the device. There is also a guest mode for other people. The desktop was minimal: a row of app icons at the bottom, apps stacked neatly in the launcher, and nothing pinned to the desktop. It also shut down in about two seconds.

Is the HP 14 Chromebook still worth using in 2026?

Only for light use. Every Chromebook gets ChromeOS updates for a fixed period, and models from the HP 14 Chromebook’s generation passed that date years ago. Without updates it gets no security fixes and newer websites and apps may stop working on it.

How to check a Chromebook’s update schedule

1. Open Settings.
2. Click About ChromeOS, then Additional details.
3. Look at Update schedule. It shows the month the Chromebook stops getting updates, or that it has already stopped.

Do this before buying any used Chromebook. A cheap one that has already stopped updating is rarely a bargain.

What to do with an old Chromebook

• Keep it for low-risk tasks such as reading, video or a kitchen recipe screen, and avoid banking or work accounts on it.
• Install Linux (advanced): many older Chromebooks can run a full Linux system with replacement firmware from MrChromebox. Back up first and read the supported-devices list carefully.
• Recycle it responsibly through an e-waste program once you replace it.

Buying a Chromebook in 2026

• Check the update schedule first. Google gives Chromebooks released from 2019 onward up to 10 years of automatic updates, so newer models last far longer than my HP did.
• Look at the Chromebook Plus label if you want a faster machine; it marks models that meet Google’s higher minimum specifications.
• Get enough RAM and storage for many tabs and Android apps, and a Full HD screen for comfortable reading.

You can browse current models in Chromebooks on Amazon. Once you have one, learn the shortcuts in how to screenshot on a Chromebook.

FAQ

When did the HP 14 Chromebook come out?

It came out in late 2013. I bought mine in India in January 2014.

Does the HP 14 Chromebook still get updates?

No. Its ChromeOS update support ended years ago, so it no longer gets security fixes or new features.

Can I install ChromeOS Flex on an old Chromebook?

No. ChromeOS Flex is meant for Windows PCs and Macs, not for Chromebooks.

How many years of updates do new Chromebooks get?

Chromebooks released from 2019 onward get up to 10 years of automatic updates. Check the exact date under About ChromeOS before you buy.

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