Giving a child a computer is basically putting it through a torture test. That’s why HP is launching its new line of rugged Fortis laptops designed to withstand student abuse.
Comprised of a line of laptops and 2-in-1s starting as low as $349, each Fortis notebook offers an extra level of durability over typical notebooks, including spill resistance (up to 11.8 ounces of liquid ), reinforced connectors and rubber lining to protect against drops and bumps. HP even added a textured finish to make the laptops grippier to prevent them from falling in the first place, while a new metal shield protects the laptop’s battery if the device is dropped.
To prevent kids from constantly fidgeting, HP installed a new anchored keyboard with full rims and harder-to-remove keys. And because schools are breeding grounds for bacteria, HP designed its Fortis laptops to be wiped down with standard household cleaners.
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As for the devices themselves, the cheapest of the bunch is the HP Fortis 14-inch G10 Chromebook, starting at just $349 (available now). It comes with either a 1366 x 768 or Full HD 1920 x 1080 display (touchscreen is optional), a range of Intel Celeron and Pentium processors, up to 8GB RAM and 128GB eMMC storage, Wi -Fi 6 and a Google equipped Titan C security chips built in. Connectivity includes a USB-C port for charging and data, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a headphone/mic combo jack, and a microSD card reader.
If you want a slightly smaller Chromebook for education, there’s also the HP Fortis 11-inch Chromebook G9 Q, but it won’t be available until June. Instead of a chip from Intel, it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c along with a slightly slower Wi-Fi 5 modem, 4GB/8GB RAM and 32GB/64GB eMMC storage. And whichever you choose, both the Fortis 14 G10 and Fortis 11 G9 Q can be configured with an optional 4G LTE connection.
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Among the Windows-based systems, there is the clamshell HP ProBook Fortis 14-inch G9 and the HP ProBook Fortis 14-inch G10, which have almost identical specs apart from their processors. The ProBook Fortis 14 G9 comes with a choice of Intel Celeron and Pentium chips running on Windows 11 SE, while the ProBook Fortis 14 G10 features newer 12th Gen Intel Core i3 and Core i5 CPUs that run on standard Windows 11. Both systems support up to 8GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard eMMC storage in addition to a 128GB or 256 BM.2 SSD.
The HP ProBook Fortis 14 G9 is available now starting at $369, while the ProBook Fortis 14 G10 will ship later in April (price still in TBA).
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And as if that wasn’t enough, HP has developed some robust 2-in-1s for education with the HP Pro x360 Fortis 11-inch G9 and the HP Pro x360 Fortis 11-inch G10. Much like its clamshell siblings, the Pro x360 Fortis 11 G9 is powered by a range of Intel Celeron and Pentium processors and comes with Windows 11 SE preinstalled, while the Pro x360 Fortis 11 G10 gets more powerful 12th Gen Core i3 and i5 Chips and full Windows 11. Notably, both HP’s Fortis 2-in-1s come with stylus support (although HP’s rechargeable pen is an optional extra) and support for an optional 5MP rear camera.
The Pro x360 11 G9 is available now starting at $399, with the Pro x360 Fortis 11 G10 expected to arrive sometime in April (price still in TBA).
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