EssaiLabs

HP Omnibook X Review: A Refreshing Return to Form

· science

The HP Omnibook X: A Refreshing Return to Form in Laptops

The HP Omnibook X is not a revolutionary device, but it excels at being a tool. In an era where laptops are designed with social media presence in mind, the Omnibook X prioritizes substance over style.

HP aimed to create a notebook that appeals to professionals who value performance and functionality above all else. The company has succeeded admirably in this regard. The laptop’s 14-inch OLED screen, paired with Intel’s fastest mobile chips, an excellent keyboard, and trackpad, make it a powerhouse for getting work done.

The Omnibook X stands out from its competitors by embracing a straightforward approach to design. In an industry that often focuses on gimmicks – rotating screens, thin designs, and flashy color schemes – HP has opted for a more practical approach. The result is a laptop with a smooth anodized aluminum case that suggests a robust build quality.

The Omnibook X’s design may not be the most exciting, but it prioritizes functionality over form. The laptop’s starting price of $900 is reasonable, especially considering its impressive specs and features.

Performance: Where the Omnibook X Really Shines

One of the standout features of the Omnibook X is its performance. Equipped with 32GB of RAM and Intel’s Core Ultra X9 388H chip, this laptop excels at handling demanding tasks with ease. I was impressed by its ability to handle multiple browsers with dozens of tabs open, as well as large photo editing jobs and 4K movie editing.

HP’s decision to use a powerful chip like the Core Ultra X9 pays off in spades. This laptop can handle video editing, gaming, and other resource-intensive tasks with smooth performance. Its PCMark 10 benchmark score was particularly impressive, beating out every other PC we’ve seen this year.

The laptop’s ability to multitask is noteworthy. With dozens of tabs open, the Omnibook X didn’t skip a beat, handling demanding applications like video editing software and large photo editing jobs with ease.

Gaming: A Pleasant Surprise

Gaming on the Omnibook X is not what you’d expect from an Intel-based laptop. However, it managed to hold its own in our tests, delivering respectable frame rates in popular games like Cyberpunk 2077. The average 81 fps at high graphics settings was impressive, and the 45 fps with low ray tracing preset was still respectable.

While the Omnibook X isn’t a gaming laptop per se, its integrated GPU is capable of handling light gaming in 1080p. For those who need to offload AI workloads or render media, the Arc B390 GPU is more than up to the task.

A Return to Form

The HP Omnibook X may not be a revolutionary device, but it’s clear that HP has taken a step back and assessed what professionals really need from a laptop. They’ve prioritized substance over style, creating a tool that truly excels at its core function: getting work done.

In an era where laptops are increasingly designed to be social media influencers, the Omnibook X is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to focus on delivering exceptional performance and value for money rather than trying to be flashy or attention-grabbing.

HP may not have broken new ground with the Omnibook X, but they’ve certainly hit the mark in terms of creating a laptop that truly understands its audience. As technology becomes increasingly complex, it’s refreshing to see a company prioritize functionality over flashiness.

Reader Views

  • CP
    Cole P. · science writer

    While the HP Omnibook X's impressive performance and practical design are undeniably compelling, one potential drawback is its limited upgradability. With most of its components soldered into place, users may find themselves locked into a single hardware configuration from the outset. This could be a concern for professionals who require future-proofing their laptops or prefer to perform upgrades on their own terms. Despite this, HP's refreshing return to form in laptop design is still a welcome development in an industry that often prioritizes style over substance.

  • TL
    The Lab Desk · editorial

    The HP Omnibook X's understated design is a refreshing respite from the laptop market's relentless focus on flash over function. However, let's not forget that this practical approach also means sacrificing some of the sleekness and portability that has become synonymous with top-tier laptops. For those who prioritize substance over style, the Omnibook X may be an ideal choice, but for others, the lack of a 360-degree hinge or more exotic materials might feel like an old-school compromise in an era where premium notebooks are pushing the boundaries of innovation.

  • DE
    Dr. Elena M. · research scientist

    While I applaud HP's commitment to prioritizing substance over style in the Omnibook X, I worry that this straightforward approach may limit its appeal for those who value customization and upgradeability. The article highlights the laptop's impressive performance specs, but fails to mention the potential drawbacks of having a soldered-down CPU, which can make it difficult or expensive to keep up with future processor advancements.

Related articles

More from EssaiLabs

View as Web Story →