If you’re looking for an affordable laptop that runs on Windows 8.1 and not a version of Linux or CromeOS, the HP Stream is the perfect choice.
The upcoming HP Stream uses an AMD processor with Radeon R3 graphics and 2GB of RAM to run Windows 8.1 on a 14.0-inch display. There’s even up to 100GB of free cloud storage on Microsoft’s OneDrive.
Of course, there are disadvantages with the HP Stream. First, it only has 32GB or 64GB of onboard solid state drive (SSD) storage. You can use an SD card to add storage space or use an external hard drive. The use of an SSD instead of the usual hard drive also improves the overall performance of this laptop.
Another disadvantage is its non-touchscreen HD display. Windows 8.1 works best on a touchscreen device but the price of the HP Stream isn’t enough to have this feature.
The HP Stream is aimed at competing with Google’s Chromebooks which are becoming the best-selling low-end laptops nowadays in the US. This hasn’t gained much traction here in the Philippines because they are virtually useless without an active internet connection.
Instead of using Google’s online productivity tools like Google Docs and Sheets, HP Stream users can use Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. This is better suited to our needs.
HP Stream also has Beats Audio for sound with four speakers and an HD camera for video calls. There’s also a multi-touch trackpad that support modern Windows 8 trackpad gestures.
For connectivity, HP Stream supports wireless display via Miracast, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. It also has two USB 2.0 ports and a single high speed USB 3.0 port.
Sadly, the HP Stream will be powered by a lowly 2,960mAh Li-ion battery which will surely limit its operating time without being connected to a wall socket.
There’s a better version with a touchscreen fullHD display but it will also cost more. HP Stream has an official price of $199 which is around ₱8,800 when converted. What do you think? Is this worth it for the HP Stream Windows 8.1 laptop?
