HP Stream 11 - Signature Edition

I'm currently taking a closer look at the new lightweight HP Stream 11 laptop computer as an updated technology travel companion. My current travel computer is a two year old HP Pavilion DM1 laptop with an 11 inch screen that weighs about 3.5 pounds.

I look for several characteristics when choosing a travel computer, including (in no specific order):

• A weight less than three pounds, but closer to two pounds is better as I try to keep my carry-on luggage weight to a minimum. The Stream 11 is about 2.75 pounds.
• 2GB minimum memory but 4GB is better for faster processing. The Stream has 2GB of memory soldered into the motherboard.
• A screen size between 11 and 13 inches (30 to 33cm) for reasonable viewing via aging vision. This laptop has an 11.6 screen and there is a Stream with a 13 inch screen available from HP.
• A battery that will last at least six hours, under typical web browsing and editing demands and perhaps watching at least one movie length video.
• A cost that is less than $350 as theft or loss is always a concern during travel.
• Sufficient computing power and memory for web browsing and video watching - gaming is not a requirement for my travel computer,
• Capability to read a high capacity (128GB-256GB) SDXC card or resident hard drive of at least a similar size. Cloud storage is fine, but I prefer to have some local storage for times that I'm not Internet connected.
• Compatibility with a MS-Office Word/Excel/Powerpoint applications and datafiles.
• Keyboard feel that is similar to a desktop keyboard
• At least two USB ports, with one being a higher data transfer rate USB3 port. The Stream has one 2.0 USB port and a 3.0 USB port.
• A reasonably responsive mouse trackpad 
• An external video/monitor port
• Wireless connectivity is a must and an Ethernet port is a plus. No Ethernet connection is provided by the Stream.
• No manufacturer supplied bloatware apps or at least the capability to identify and remove the bloatware.
• Runs a manufacturer supported operating system that is compatible with my Virtual Private Network (VPN) app.

My initial impression of the Stream 11 is that it meets just about all of the above specifications. That said, the computer only has 32GB of on-board storage, so you really need additional storage in the form of an SD card, flash drive or external SSD or hard drive or rely on the 1TB One-drive cloud storage provided with the computer.

I did have a problem with installing a client for my VPN service. After reporting the problem to the support staff at VyprVPN, an updated installation program was provided a couple of days later. The VyprVPN support staff were fast and attentive to solving the problem. If you're traveling, the use of a VPN is highly recommended - especially when using open wireless connections.

The Stream 11 computer I'm evaluating is slightly different than the version sold by HP. The Microsoft Signature Edition laptop is an HP manufactured computer that is directly sold by Microsoft. Microsoft loads a software image on this Stream that lacks the bloatware (miscellaneous unessential programs and utilities) software typically installed by HP. This makes the computer a bit more nimble without the additional software. Lacking these programs is also useful as the 32GB local storage isn't that large and you'll want to use this limited space wisely. The computer cost was $179 and included a one-year subscription to MS Office ($69 value) and a $25 gift certificate for the Microsoft Store. Thus, if you consider the MS Office license and gift certificate, the computer cost was about $85. Quite an amazing price point.

I will admit that the royal blue color of this laptop computer and the turquoise colored polka dot keyboard are both somewhat odd - and the magenta/pink version is probably equally unusual. Either computer color would not be a personal preference, but the functionality and price outweigh the color distraction. Perhaps like luggage, a laptop computer that is not silver or black may be easier to notice if it is moved.