HP Dragonfly Pro Review: The Best Chromebook of 2023
Every year, the tech world eagerly awaits the latest releases from Apple and other industry giants. However, in 2023, HP’s Dragonfly Pro Chromebook has emerged as a strong contender, possibly setting the bar for Chromebooks. This review delves into the exciting features of the Dragonfly Pro, its potential areas of improvement, and why it could be the best Chromebook you can buy right now.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 3.33 lbs
- Display: 14-inch, 16:10 LCD with 1,200 nits brightness
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U
- Memory: 256GB storage with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM
- Battery: Up to 11.5 hours of battery life
- Camera: 8MP user-facing camera
- Connectivity: 4x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (available in the summer)
- Colors: Ceramic White, Sparkling Black
What’s New with this Model
The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook introduces several features that set it apart from its predecessors and other Chromebooks:
1. An RGB Keyboard with a Haptic Trackpad
The most eye-catching feature is the RGB keyboard, a colorful touch that adds a fun element to your typing experience. While it might seem like a gimmick, it serves as a unique personalization tool. The keyboard defaults to white backlighting but offers two standout modes: Rainbow, with a spread of RGB colors, and Wallpaper mode, which adapts the keyboard colors to your screen’s background. This feature adds a touch of personalization and function to the laptop, helping you distinguish work from leisure.
Complementing the vibrant keyboard is an exceptional haptic trackpad, providing a MacBook Pro-level touchpad experience. The Dragonfly Pro’s trackpad reproduces a realistic sensation, making it a joy to use.
2. Need a Bright Touchscreen? This One’s Got It
Designed for those who work in various lighting conditions, the Dragonfly Pro boasts a stunning 14-inch touchscreen display that reaches an impressive 1,200 nits brightness. This makes it the brightest touchscreen on any Chromebook to date, ensuring visibility even in outdoor or well-lit environments. The display excels in video playback, photo editing, and everyday browsing, offering versatility for different tasks.
3. That 8MP User-Facing Camera is Legit
Video conferencing has become integral to remote work, and the Dragonfly Pro rises to the occasion with its 8MP user-facing camera. HP co-engineered this camera with Google to deliver natural skin tones and optimal lighting, resulting in impressive video quality. The camera excels in reproducing details, accurate colors, and minimizing shadows, ensuring a top-notch video conferencing experience.
What I’d Like to See in the Next Model
While the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook impresses in many aspects, there are a few areas for improvement:
1. Improved Battery Life
Despite its efficient ChromeOS, the laptop’s battery life falls short of expectations. Under regular usage patterns, it offers around five hours of power, considerably less than the marketed 11.5 hours. Enhancing battery life for better longevity should be a priority in the next iteration.
2. A Lighter Build
Considering its 14-inch form factor and target audience of digital nomads, a lighter weight would be more ideal. The laptop currently weighs 3.36 pounds, which might not be the sweet spot for users constantly on the move. Utilizing lighter materials without compromising durability could make it more portable.
3. Include HDMI and USB-A Ports
The absence of an HDMI port and USB-A ports is a notable drawback. The inclusion of these widely-used ports would enhance connectivity options and elevate the laptop’s usability.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is a compelling choice, particularly if you are already invested in the ChromeOS ecosystem. Boasting 16GB of RAM and a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, it excels in performance for everyday tasks. The consistent improvements in ChromeOS have made it a robust and competitive operating system.
Should You Buy One?
While it may not be the most affordable Chromebook, the Dragonfly Pro’s hardware enhancements justify its $999 price tag. If you have a budget of $1,000 and prioritize performance and features, this is arguably the best Chromebook available. Consider alternatives only if specific requirements necessitate it.
Alternatives to Consider
- HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
- Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
- Acer Chromebook 516 GE
In a year that’s shaping up to be a significant one for laptops, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook stands out as a strong contender and an excellent choice for those seeking a premium Chromebook experience.
