HP launches new Fortis series of laptops

A mere two weeks after it announced a slew of new products at CES 2022, HP is back with a new lineup of Windows 11 and Chrome OS laptops. HP says this new Fortis product line is designed around durability — evident from the MIL-STD and IP41 ratings present across the board. Moreover, the laptops feature mechanically reinforced corners, hinges, keyboards, battery covers, and USB-C ports.

HP isn’t positioning the rugged design as a premium feature — much of the lineup starts around $350–400. However, don’t expect fancy materials, as these laptops sport a grippy plastic exterior. Of course, that helps with durability and weight, so it’s probably a worthwhile tradeoff. All in all, HP says these attributes make it practical for students and blended learning environments, where wear and tear is inevitable.

See also: The best laptops for students

HP Fortis Windows laptops and Chromebooks

The new Fortis laptops span various form factors, processor options, operating systems, and screen sizes. Here’s what you can expect, starting with the Windows 11 options.

• HP ProBook Fortis G9 and G10: The Fortis G9 and G10 have a traditional 14-inch, clamshell form factor. The former bundles Celeron and Pentium processors, and the higher-end G10 packs Intel’s latest 12th-generation i3 and i5 chips. The G9 features optional LTE, while the G10 gets Wi-Fi 6E support instead.
• HP Pro x360 Fortis G9 and G10: Even though HP is reusing the same G9 and G10 numbering, these convertible models actually feature a smaller 11-inch screen. The processor and connectivity options carry over from the clamshell G9 and G10, though. The convertible models only get 1,366 x 768 displays, likely owing to the smaller screen size.

Both Fortis G9 models go on sale immediately, at $369 for the clamshell model and $399 for the convertible. The Fortis G10 models arrive in April this year, with no word on pricing yet.

Also read: The best HP laptops you can buy

HP also announced two new Chromebooks in the Fortis family.

• HP Fortis G10 Chromebook: On paper, the G10 Chromebook seems positioned to compete against budget Chromebooks like the Acer Chromebook 314. It features a 14-inch clamshell design, like its Windows counterpart. In contrast, however, the processor options only go up to an Intel Pentium. On the connectivity front, HP offers the G10 Chromebook with Wi-Fi 6 and optional LTE.
• HP Fortis G9 Q Chromebook: The G9 Q is an 11-inch Chromebook that uses an unnamed Snapdragon 7c-series SoC from Qualcomm. The highlight feature here is LTE connectivity, thanks to an embedded eSIM. Additionally, it’s the thinnest and lightest Fortis offering at 1.36kg (~3lbs).

The Fortis G10 Chromebook goes on sale today at a starting price of $349. You can expect the Fortis G9 Q Chromebook to arrive in June of this year.