The HP OmniBook X is making waves in the laptop market with its impressive specs and configurations. Measuring 12.32 inches by 8.8 inches and a slim profile of 0.56-0.57 inches, this laptop weighs just 2.97 pounds, making it a portable powerhouse.
Specs and Configurations
Under the hood, the OmniBook X is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 processor, paired with Qualcomm Dreno graphics. It comes with 16GB of RAM and offers storage options of either 512GB or 1TB. The 14.0-inch display boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio with a 2.2K (2240 x 1400) IPS panel, providing vibrant visuals. The touch-enabled display adds an extra layer of functionality, setting it apart from some competitors.
Connectivity is robust with ports including USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2, USB4, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless options are future-proof with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and even Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support. A 5MP webcam with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello facial recognition ensures secure and clear video calls.
The OmniBook X runs on Windows 11 on Arm and is powered by a 59 watt-hour battery, promising decent battery life for most users. Starting at $1,150, the price point is attractive, especially when compared to higher-priced competitors like the Apple MacBook Air M3 and Dell XPS 13.
Design
The design of the HP OmniBook X is sleek and modern, featuring an aluminum chassis and lid available in Meteor Silver and Ceramic White colors. While it may not be groundbreaking in aesthetics, its build quality is solid and reliable.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard on the OmniBook X is comfortable to use, with large keycaps and precise switches that make typing a breeze. The touchpad is responsive but slightly smaller than ideal for some users. The touch-enabled display offers an additional feature that enhances usability.
Connectivity and Webcam
With USB4 and advanced Wi-Fi options, the OmniBook X ensures you're well-connected. The 5MP webcam features enhanced Microsoft Studio Effects AI for better video quality. However, some issues were noted with the infrared camera during testing, which may need addressing in future updates.
Performance
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chipset delivers fast performance for productivity tasks, comparable to Intel and Apple Silicon laptops. While multi-core performance is strong, single-core tasks may lag slightly behind the MacBook Air M3. The Adreno GPU performs adequately for integrated graphics but may not excel in demanding creative tasks.
AI Performance
The Snapdragon X Elite's NPU offers fast on-device AI performance, potentially outperforming Intel and Apple chipsets in specific AI tasks. However, discrete GPUs still lead in overall performance.
Battery Life
The OmniBook X offers decent battery life, outlasting most Intel laptops but falling short of the MacBook Air M3 in web browsing and video tests. Efficiency remains a key area where Apple Silicon excels.
Display and Audio
The 14.0-inch IPS display provides good color accuracy and contrast, making it suitable for productivity tasks. Audio quality from the downward-firing speakers is adequate but lacks depth.
In summary, the HP OmniBook X presents a compelling alternative in the Windows laptop market with its solid performance, attractive price point, and decent battery life. While it may not surpass the efficiency of Apple Silicon, it stands out as a strong contender in the Windows on Arm category.