Google and HP have temporarily stopped the sale of the Chromebook 11 after multiple customers reported that the device’s charger was overheating. HP confirmed that it had requested US stores to stop selling the Chromebook 11 after The Verge reported that Best Buy was no longer offering the device.
According to HP, the overheating issue has only affected a small number of Chromebook users, but there are enough reports to suggest that there may have been a defective batch of Chromebook 11 units that went out to customers.
Both Google and HP are working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission in order to figure out what caused the issue and what should now happen. Until the companies complete their investigation into the overheating issue, the Chromebook 11 will likely remain unavailable in the United States.
“Google and HP are pausing sales of the HP Chromebook 11 after receiving a small number of user reports that some chargers included with the device have been damaged due to over-heating during use. We are working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to identify the appropriate corrective action, and will provide additional information and instructions as soon as we can.”
– HP Spokesperson
Along with taking the product out of brick and mortar stores, Best Buy has also removed the Chromebook 11 from its website. The Chromebook 11 was first made available last month and while it received mediocre reviews, it was available for just $279 at Best Buy and Amazon.
For people that have already purchased the Chromebook 11 and are using it, HP and Google are urging users to not plug-in the included charger.
“In the meantime, customers who have purchased an HP Chromebook 11 should not use the original charger provided with the product. In the interim they may continue using their HP Chromebook 11 with any other Underwriters Laboratories-listed micro-USB charger, for example one provided with a tablet or smartphone. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
– HP Representative
Chromebooks have continued to be “odd” devices as most users do not understand why they would be better off with one instead of a cheap Windows laptop. Even though the Chromebook 11 borrows some cues from the high-end Chromebook Pixel, it is significantly cheaper, with a less impressive screen and a slower processor.
Many users have already been annoyed with the Chromebook 11 due to its relatively slow performance, and reports of the overheating simply provide another reason to steer clear of the device. Based upon the reviews of previous Chromebooks, it seems as though every one has at least one major issue.
