HP Launches Low-Cost Windows 8.1-Based Stream Laptops and Tablets

HP on Monday has launched four new Windows 8.1 devices in its Stream portfolio, after launching the Stream 14 notebook earlier this month. The two new HP Stream laptops, the HP Stream 11 and HP Stream 13, start at $199.99 (approximately Rs. 12,300) and $229.99 (approximately Rs. 14,100) respectively. The two new Windows tablets, the HP Steam 7 and HP Stream 8 starts at $99.99 (approximately Rs. 6,100) and $149.99 (approximately Rs. 9,200) respectively. All four devices will be available in November this year.

The PC giant's Stream family of devices is meant to offer low-cost Windows options, and are part of Microsoft's move to counter the Chromebook threat. The new batch of devices was also unveiled on the Windows blog.

The HP Stream 11 features an 11.6-inch HD display and HP Stream 13 features a 13.3-inch HD display, with both laptops coming with a touch display option. Both the laptops are powered (via Engadget) by Intel Celeron N2840 SoCs that are coupled with Intel HD Graphics, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC flash memory. HP says that the two laptops feature an innovative fanless design for cool and quiet operation.

HP Stream 11's battery is rated to deliver up to 8 hours and 15 minutes of battery life and HP Stream 13 has a battery rated for up to 7 hours 45 minutes of battery life. Both laptops will be available in Orchid Magenta and Horizon Blue colour options

Additionally, HP Stream laptops come with a one year free subscription of Microsoft Office 365 Personal which includes 1TB of OneDrive storage and a $25 (approximately Rs. 1,500) gift card for apps or games purchases from the Windows Store.

The two new HP Stream tablets - HP Stream 7 and HP Stream 8 - are powered by quad-core Intel processors and runs Windows 8.1 OS. Freebies on the HP Stream 7 and HP Stream 8 include one year free subscription of Microsoft Office 365 Personal with 1TB of OneDrive storage and 60 minutes of Skype each month. The HP Stream 8 tablet also includes an optional 200MB of free 4G data each month with no annual contract for the device's life.

HP hasn't revealed the complete specifications for both the Stream tablets, but Engadget reports a few specifications gathered at an HP event in New York - including an Intel Atom Z3735G quad-core processor; 1GB of RAM; 32GB of inbuilt storage which is expandable via microSD card (unknown maximum capacity), and Bluetooth 4.0.