HP unveils Intel Haswell-powered 4G Chromebook

Acer, Asus and Toshiba also confirmed to release devices running Chrome OS

HP has unveiled a new Chromebook powered by Intel's latest Haswell chip architecture.

Named the Chromebook 14, the laptop runs using Google's cloud-based Chrome operating system. Google claims the OS helps radically improve running speeds by offloading a lot of the work traditionally tasked to a device's processor onto the cloud. It also runs all programs and applications off the cloud, meaning users do not have to download files to the machine to run them. HP claims that this, with the use of the Chromebook 14's 16GB solid-state drive, means the device can boot in seconds.

The Chrome OS can run native applications offline, though users looking to get the most out of it will need a constant internet or data connection. HP is offering a more expensive 4G version of the Chromebook 14 in the US. The 4G-enabled Chromebook will come bundled with 200MB of free data per month on T-Mobile's 4G network for the first two years after purchase. There is currently no word if HP plans to offer a similar data deal in the UK.

Buyers will also receive 100GB of free storage on Google Drive for the first two years. Other key specifications include a 14in diagonal HD display and HDMI, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.

New Chromebooks from Acer and Toshiba, as well as a new Chromebox from Asus, were also confirmed at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) this week, though further details about the new Chrome OS devices remain unknown.

The Chromebook 14 is the second Chromebook released by HP, following on from the Pavilion 14. HP senior vice president Ron Coughlin said the company expects the use of Chrome OS to be a key selling point for the device. "There are customers telling us they are interested in new operating systems and in particular Chromebooks. We built the HP Chromebook to offer a great experience, choice and affordability, with a design that is truly unique," he said

The HP Chromebook 14 is listed for release in the the UK in November, starting at £249.00.