The Chromebook family is extending, as Google just launched the new HP Chromebook 11, which is already available for purchase for $279.

The new HP Chromebook 11 sports a white plastic case reminiscent of the white Apple MacBook, but it also comes in other models with colorful hues borrowed from the Google Chrome logo.

The new Chromebook is closer to Samsung- and Acer-made Google laptops than the top-end Chromebook Pixel flagship, which costs a hefty $1,600. On the other hand, the HP Chromebook 11 is also targeting a different market than the Pixel, although it offers many of the same benefits and value as the flagship Chromebook.

Moreover, the new Google laptop from HP is also surprisingly light, weighing only 2.4 pounds, and it charges via micro-USB. This means that owners will be able to use the Chromebook 11 charger for their Nexus 4 as well, for instance. The new laptop reportedly lasts for roughly six hours on a single charge, which is pretty decent.

"Your Chromebook is probably easier than any computer you've ever used - there's no clutter, no waiting, and no hagging," touts Google. "It uses the same charger as most Android phones, starts up in seconds, and automatically stays up-to-date (and resists viruses) without interrupting you."

"Relax with your favorite music, write a report in Google Docs or put the finishing touches to a family video. Your Chromebook has 6 hours of battery life, slips easily into a backpack or handbag, and weighs just over 1kg - so it's equally comfortable at home or keeping up with the things you do every day."

The HP-made Google Chromebook 11 comes with an 11.6-inch IPS display, a magnesium frame and it houses the speakers under the keyboard in order to deliver a better audio experience. Under the hood, the laptop packs a Samsung Exynos 5250 processor running Chrome OS, as expected.

According to Google, the new HP Chomebook 11 is now on sale at Best Buy, Amazon, Google Play, and HP's online store in the U.S. In the UK, meanwhile, the new Chromebook is available from Currys, PC World and other retailers.