The education sector constantly needs durable and affordable laptops. While the best Chromebooks often cater to a broader consumer base, schools frequently rely on older, budget-friendly models. HP aims to address this gap with its new Fortis series, featuring robust Chromebooks and a Windows 11 variant designed specifically for educational environments.
The Fortis series comprises five new laptops. Three premium models, the HP Fortis G1i 14-inch Chromebook, HP Fortis G1i 11-inch Chromebook, and the HP Fortis Flip G1i 11-inch Chromebook and Notebook PC, offer Intel N150 and N250 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 128GB of UFS storage. The HP Fortis Flip G1i 11-inch features a 360-degree hinge and touchscreen, enabling versatile use in tent or presentation modes.
A press photo of the HP Fortis Chromebook.
Two more affordable options, the HP Fortis G1m 11-inch Chromebook and HP Fortis Flip G1m 11-inch Chromebook, are powered by a MediaTek Kompanio 520 Arm processor, with a maximum of 8GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. HP also offers a Windows 11 version, the HP Fortis G1i Notebook PC, mirroring the 11-inch Chromebook’s specifications.
HP emphasizes the series’ long-lasting battery life and fast charging capabilities, stating that students can power through a school day without frequent charging. This feature ensures uninterrupted productivity and learning.
The lid of the HP Fortis Chromebook.
Beyond performance, durability is a key focus. The Fortis laptops feature co-molded rubber edges, spill-resistant keyboards, and meet MIL-STD specifications. While thicker than standard laptops (0.87 inches for the 14-inch model and 0.82 inches for the 11-inch), this added thickness contributes to their ruggedness. The laptops also boast a large trackpad and numerous ports, including two USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a headphone jack.
Display specifications vary. The 11-inch model and the base 14-inch model have a 1366 x 768 resolution screen. However, the 14-inch model can be configured with a 1080p screen.
HP has not yet announced pricing for the Fortis G1i series, expected to launch in January 2025. Pricing details will be released closer to availability. The HP Fortis G1m series, however, will be available on HP.com later this month.
