HP Chromebook 11 quietly slips back on Google Play shelves... but where's the FIRE?

Chrome OS computer returns after sales bar

HP and Google have returned their long-absent Chromebook 11 to the Play Store. The £229 cloud-centric notebook is in stock and ready to be “dispatched from warehouse in 1 - 2 business days”, the site says.

HP launched the Chromebook 11 back in October 2013, in particular pitching the laptop’s ability to be charged from an AC transformer with USB output - just like you might use for a phone or tablet.

Nice idea, shame about the implementation: a month after the machine was released, a spate of overheating chargers leading to potentially incendiary outcomes prompted HP and Google to withdraw the Chromebook 11 from sale.

They also began a replacement adaptor programme to help keep existing users safe.

And now it’s back - hopefully fire-free - and once more available from the Google Play Store, though as yet not from HP’s UK website - it’s available from HP’s US online outlet - or from previous Chromebook 11 retail partners Currys, PCWorld and Amazon.

In the States, the white laptop can be bought with any of a number of highlight colours. But Brits have to put up with blue.

The 1kg notebook comes with 2GB of RAM, a 16GB SSD, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two full-sized USB 2.0 ports and a 0.3Mp webcam. Still no sign of 3G or 4G connectivity, mind. Battery life is said to be around six hours. ®