HP Stream 14: At First Glance
When it comes to laptops, prices are a significant concern. This HP Stream 14 proves just how much bargain you can get out of an entry-level laptop.
However, it doesn’t seem to be very versatile. But it looks fit to be a good companion for completing projects on the go.
Finally, it seems to be a good bargain for its price. After all, you can bear with a budget laptop’s few shortcomings.
HP Stream 14: Design, Dimension, and Weight
There’s no indication of the price point on the outside build of this laptop. However, it’s clear that it isn’t a high-end aluminum built laptop.
Its plastic, natural blue color casing is elegant and straightforward. However, it is also available in purple.
Furthermore, the HP Stream 14 is neither too thick nor too heavy. It measures 337 x 226 x 17.9 mm and weighs 1440 g.
In addition, the left side houses an HDMI port, 2 USB 3 ports, 1 USB 2 port, a headphone jack, and an SD card slot. The right side of the laptop has a charging port.
Also, the white-colored keyboard is quite comfortable for typing. Moreover, the trackpad below it is not solidly built but okay.
However, its display is not so great – it is what you should expect for the price. Nevertheless, it scores eight for its excellent build.
HP Stream 14: Processor (CPU) Performance
This laptop has a dual-core Intel Celeron N3060 with a 2MB cache. It has a base frequency of 1.6GHz and can boost up to 2.48GHz.
However, it’s not going to be the best CPU performance you have seen on a laptop. It is relatively slow and not the fastest at running computing tasks effortlessly.
On basic CPU performance tests like running light software programs, it lagged occasionally. Also, its performance tends to stutter with just eight tabs opened.
However, it still does a pretty good job at light browsing and typing documents. But then, it isn’t always snappy, like I stated earlier.
Finally, the laptop scores a 7 point in this CPU review because its performance isn’t very excellent.
HP Stream 14: Memory (RAM) Performance
The HP Stream 14 is equipped with a 4GB DDRSL 1600 SDRAM. However, this is not enough to drive anything too demanding.
Its RAM performance is neither the best nor the worst, but it is a little below average. Multitasking isn’t very good with the 4 GB of RAM.
Moreover, you cant multitask between programs and games. Also, you cant enjoy browsing and running several programs at the same time.
Nevertheless, it manages to play a YouTube video while running just about two heavy programs.
My HP Stream 14 memory (RAM) review scores a seven because it is poor at multitasking.
HP Stream 14 Storage Options and Performance
The HP Stream 14 makes use of 32 GB eMMC storage. This storage, however, is barely enough.
On the bright side, you can expand your storage using options like cloud storage or flash drives.
Moreover, with only 32GB of internal storage, you will definitely want to take advantage of the included 1 terabyte of OneDrive cloud storage.
However, the storage performed well on a general test. The HP Stream 14 can transfer about 4.28GB of a mixed media file in 2 minutes 52 seconds.
Although its internal storage is insufficient, the storage options made available makes it less annoying. It scores a 7 in this review because of its good storage options.
HP Stream 14: Graphics Card Performance
This laptop features Integrated Intel HD Graphics. It does well with streaming videos from YouTube or Netflix.
However, it is not capable of running heavy games. But then, it can run light games like angry birds and other web-based games.
Moreover, its 14-inch display barely improves the gaming experience. Colors tend to wash on the bad display.
Finally, this laptop is definitely not a gaming laptop. While it runs games like candy crush or soda crush perfectly, it cant do the same with games like Asphalt 9 or The Witcher.
Its overall poor performance gives it a score of 6 in this graphics card performance review.
HP Stream 14: Battery Life and Performance
The HP Stream 14 is equipped with a 3-cell, 41Wh Li-ion battery. This battery delivers approximately 9 hours before needing a recharge.
Unarguably, while the laptop’s performance might not be impressive, this battery life is quite satisfactory. It ran for up to 7 hours 40 minutes with continuous video streaming and web browsing.
However, it can last you up to 9 hours with light computing operations. With the sound volume a little below medium and the screen brightness below halfway, you should get enough hours from it.
Moreover, the laptop’s CPU minimal power consumption helps prolong its battery life.
The HP Stream 14 scores an 8 in this aspect because of its good battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. You can use Netflix or even Hulu on this laptop.
Yes, it does. The HP Stream 14 includes one year of Office 365 with the purchase.
The HP Stream 14 is an affordable, attractive, and lightweight 14-inch Windows laptop with good battery life. Moreover, its performance is good enough for basic productivity and entertainment. I believe it is worth it.
Absolutely not. While this laptop may run lightweight games with no difficulty, it doesn’t do the same with high-end games. You will barely enjoy your gaming experience.
No, it isn’t. Its 14-inch display screen is not a touchscreen
Conclusion
The HP Stream 14 is a nice-looking functional computer with a good keyboard and a reliable battery life.
Conclusively, it’s not meant for anybody looking for gaming, video, or photo editing, and neither is it for a heavy user.
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