Google and HP pull Chromebook 11 as chargers overheat

The HP Chromebook 11 has been pulled from shop shelves as Google and HP admit the charger can overheat.

Google warns that anyone with an HP Chromebook 11 should not use the charger that comes with it, and instead use the micro-USB charger that comes with your phone or tablet instead.

In an official statement, Google's vice president of Product Management Caesar Sengupta says the two companies are "pausing" sales of the Chromebook 11, while they work with consumer safety watchdogs to "identify the appropriate corrective action." Whether that means a recall or replacement of the chargers remains to be seen.

Google declined to comment further than the official statement, while an HP spokesperson told me "Customer satisfaction is a top priority for both Google and HP. Our customers should always contact us if they have any concern regarding our products. Customers with questions should contact support at 855 812 4766 (US) or 0800 026 0583 (UK)."

The Chromebook 11 was released last month, but has already seen its price slashed to £200.

Chromebooks are low-cost, online-dependent laptops running Google's Chrome operating system rather than Windows or Mac OS. They rely on an online connection to do anything, which means they're squarely aimed at people who just want to browse the Web. Chromebooks are made by various manufacturers as well as HP, including Samsung and Acer.

Have you had a problem with your Chromebook? Are Chromebooks a good idea? Tell me your thoughts in the comment or on our overheated Facebook page.