A seemingly improved design, and a $25 gift card for your trouble
Following worry of faulty chargers that shipped with the HP Chromebook 11, Google has started sending out free replacements. Although under the crunch of the holiday season deliveries may be a bit delayed, Google managed to get the charger out to us in pretty short order.
The charger, to our surprise, is physically smaller than the original — we somewhat expected a larger casing to provide for better heat dissipation and circuitry. It is close in size to the charger brick that shipped with the original Nexus 7, actually, but is sleeker and flat on the sides. Labeled "Chrome" on either side, the charger is tiny and generally simple.
Hit the break for some side-by-side comparison shots of the old and new chargers, and see where the differences have been made.
Just like the original, this replacement charger has a USB cable that's built into the brick — don't want to mess around with non-approved cables on this high-output charger — that's about six feet long. The power prongs on the new version flip in and out for travel and use like many other modern laptop chargers, which is a nice touch.
We're looking at the same 3A at 5.25V output here, so you shouldn't see any noticeable differences in charging times between the two. The main differences you'll notice here are a higher quality and more attractive build, a smaller footprint and presumably lower chance of catching on fire while in use.
The replacement charger also includes a sincere note from "The Chromebook Team" apologizing for the inconvenience of having your charger recalled, along with a hefty $25 Google Play gift card. Hard to shake a stick at that.
We'll be boxing up our original charger to send back to Google as part of the recall, and be sure to chime in with any other noticeable changes with this new charger. We're sure more than a few people will be happy to get back to normal usage of their HP Chromebook 11.
Reader comments
This is the HP Chromebook 11 replacement charger
Wow, this is how to handle a recall. Great job Google!
Posted via Android Central App
The $25 gift card was a nice touch.
Posted via Android Central App
Great customer service from Google. I was only expecting a new charger that says chrome but now I'm looking forward to getting my giftcard even if I never actually purchased the Chromebook.
I'm waiting for my replacement to turn up. I put the form in a week ago and not heard anything back after I got an email to say it was been processed.
Posted via Android Central App
Weird. I got a second email 3 days later on the 20th that said it was shipped. It had a fedex tracking number and should be here tomorrow.
I'm in the UK if that means anything.
Posted via Android Central App
I'm in the UK and in exactly the same situation.
Posted via Android Central App
Ok so we have to wait. :-(
Posted via Android Central App
Did you ever receive the charger?
I ordered the replacement charger more than three weeks ago and hadn't gotten any response or confirmation until eventually the Chromebook just stopped working (wouldn't turn on or charge at all!). After calling Google, I was offered a replacement Chromebook that would arrive in 7 days. After 7 days of not hearing anything, I was told Google doesn't have any in stock and can't say when it will arrive.
The process has taken forever and I have nothing but a totally useless computer and a headache.
Hi Beth,
Thanks for getting back to me. I've looked into this for you and found that the HP Chromebook 11 is currently out of stock. Once additional devices are received, your replacement HP Chromebook 11 will be processed for shipping and you'll receive your confirmation email with tracking information.
I understand your urgency of having a replacement device as soon as possible and will continue to keep your case open; I definitely want to make sure you receive your replacement. Please let me know if you need anything else. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Thanks again,
Jason W.
The Chrome Ninja Team
When do you expect more in stock?
Hello?????
Hi Beth,
Thanks for getting back to me. I've looked into this for you and found that the HP Chromebook 11 is currently out of stock. Once additional devices are received, your replacement HP Chromebook 11 will be processed for shipping and you'll receive your confirmation email with tracking information.
I understand your urgency of having a replacement device as soon as possible and will continue to keep your case open; I definitely want to make sure you receive your replacement. Please let me know if you need anything else. I apologize for the inconvenience.
Thanks again,
Jason W.
The Chrome Ninja Team
Way to go Google! That's excellent CS and $25 bucks is a nice way to make up for any inconvenience.
Sent via the DeathStar with my CM 10.2 S3
I'll raise this comment by 9000 Internetz.
Posted via my "Gift from God" Nexus 5
I love the looks and screen of the HP Chromebook but I'm just not sure I'd be able to deal with the underpowered processor inside. Hmmmm...I'll probably wait for the Asus Chromebook. Either way, this is a good way to make up for a mistake.
Posted via Android Central App
Since chromebooks run a very lightweight operating system, the lower end chip (I presume it's a celeron) will work just fine
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The HP has a dual-core Exynos 5 processor.
Posted via Android Central App
Yes. And it's been shown in videos to underperform against the Acer Chromebook. Sadly, the Acer has many things to be desired too such as a "meh" screen and uninspiring design. I'd probably be completely happy with the current Samsung Chromebook but with a Haswell Celeron.
Posted via Android Central App
Not only did they do this, but there's an update to Chrome OS which will check if you're still using the old charger when you plug in.
http://www.reddit.com/r/chromeos/comments/1th7yc/latest_chromeos_hp11_up...
I think this is to insulate themselves from any lawsuits as it effectively forces the user to tell ChromeOS which charger they are using. If you are using the old one, it brings up the recall registration page. If you're using the new, a cheerful green checkmark appears and you are free to Chrome away. Nicely done overall.
Google Play gift card to use for a Chrome book. OK..
Posted via Android Central App
Why not? Google Play Movies, Books, Music... All happen to be part of a Chromebook...
Posted via Android Central App
You would also be supporting a lot of devs.
Posted via Android Central App
Well done... enough said
The new charger looks much nicer, but a 6 foot cord would drive me crazy... I live in an older house, the nearest outlet to my usual seat is about 7 feet away.
Looks like you'll need to invest in an extension cord :P . Unfortunately taking into account power loss on a long cable, its a tough sell to put longer than a 6 foot cable on this thing for most people.
Posted via Android Central App
I am unsure how this happened, but I got a replacement HP wall charger and I do not have HP Chromebook (I have a Pixel that I won from work) .
I called Google Support and the lady was unsure how that happened, but said she would have to research how to handle the return.
I asked about the Gift Card as I am really not entitled to it, the Google employee said she would probably have just spent it and if Google decided to debit it back, she would have dealt with it then, but she appreciated my honesty and like the return would have to get back to me with an official answer.
Dan
Posted via Android Central App
This one won't burn down your house and kill your kids
Posted via Android Central App on my Nexus 7
This one won't burn down your house and kill your kids
Posted via Android Central App on my Nexus 7
This is a load of crap. I got my new "charger" in the mail today, AND it still DOESN'T work like it should! And BTW... where is that gift card I am supposed to get??
I live in Vietnam. Can i buy HP chromebook 11 adapter? How much it costs? Please contact by email: duchoang209@hotmail.com
Thanks you