HP has recently introduced the HP Omnibook X, a laptop powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, boasting an NPU capable of 45 TOPS. Priced just over $1,000, the Omnibook X aims to compete in the market against other Snapdragon-powered laptops like the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge and Ryzen-powered Asus Zenbook 14 OLED.
Specs and Features of the HP Omnibook X
The HP Omnibook X comes with limited configuration options starting at $1,149, offering a Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 CPU, 16GB of fast LPDDR5x memory, and 512GB of storage. Upgrades include doubling the storage for $100 or bumping it to 2TB for $200. It features a 14-inch 2240×1400 IPS touchscreen display, 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, 5MP webcam, and connectivity options like USB4, USB-C, USB-A, and more. The laptop runs on Windows 11 Pro and weighs just under 3 pounds.
Design and Build Quality of the HP Omnibook X
The HP Omnibook X sports an aluminum enclosure in a dusky gray or white colorway, resembling HP’s Envy x360 14. The keyboard and trackpad are satisfactory, with a decent layout and sufficient space for comfortable typing and navigation. The laptop is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. However, the display features sizeable bezels, and the glossy, touchscreen can be hard to see in bright environments.
Keyboard and Trackpad Performance
The keyboard on the HP Omnibook X is good but not exceptional, with flat keycaps and respectable stabilization. However, the keys are somewhat stiff, making it easy to miss strokes. The trackpad is decently sized and responsive, suitable for multi-finger gestures. While the keyboard layout may not be perfect for everyone, it provides a reasonable typing experience for everyday use.
Display and Audio Quality
The display on the HP Omnibook X offers a sharp resolution but falls short in color accuracy and brightness. With glossy and touchscreen features, the display may suffer from smears and glare in bright settings. The speaker system is modest, with average volume and lack of bass. Overall, the display and audio quality of the laptop may not meet expectations for a device priced over $1,000.
Webcam, Microphone, and Biometrics
The webcam on the HP Omnibook X provides sharp visuals but may have issues with recording and audio quality. The microphone picks up voice well but includes background noise. The laptop also features Windows Hello facial recognition for biometric security, offering a convenient and secure sign-in method. However, some users may experience glitches with camera recording and audio playback.
Connectivity Options of the HP Omnibook X
Despite its slim design, the HP Omnibook X includes a USB-A port, two USB-C ports, and a 3.5mm headset jack for versatile connectivity. The system offers Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity, ensuring seamless communication with other devices. While the laptop lacks extensive port options, it provides essential connectivity features for everyday use.
Performance and Battery Life of the HP Omnibook X
In terms of performance, the HP Omnibook X may not be a top performer compared to other Snapdragon-powered laptops. The laptop’s Snapdragon X Elite chip delivers decent multi-core speeds but falls behind competitors in graphics performance. Users may encounter performance issues while multitasking, such as graphical hitches and stuttering during video playback.
On the bright side, the HP Omnibook X excels in battery life, offering an impressive runtime for video playback and active workloads. The laptop can last up to 18 hours on average, outperforming some of its competitors in this aspect. However, users may experience issues with power management, such as unexpected wake-ups and battery drainage during sleep mode.
Conclusion: Is the HP Omnibook X Worth It?
Overall, the HP Omnibook X is a decent laptop with respectable performance and excellent battery life. While it falls short in certain areas like display quality and performance consistency, it offers a slim and lightweight design suitable for on-the-go use. Priced over $1,000, the Omnibook X faces tough competition from other laptops in its class, such as the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED, which offers better value at a lower price point. Ultimately, the HP Omnibook X may not stand out dramatically among its competitors but provides a reliable option for users seeking a portable and efficient laptop.
