Upon first glance, Windows on ARM with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite processor is the same experience as anywhere else, except it’s noticeably faster, snappier, and more responsive. Such is the case with the OmniBook X 14, HP’s first generation of consumer-facing laptops with the Snapdragon chip: a mid-range Copilot+ PC without any earthshaking features but an impressive battery and improved performance in an ultraportable form factor.
First Impressions
First impressions of the OmniBook reveal a well-optimized laptop that boots up quickly, awakens from sleep almost immediately, multitasks well, and is totally silent. It also runs cool, has a fantastic battery, and is thin and light, making it ideal for digital nomads or professionals with a hybrid work format.
However, I used the OmniBook X 14 as my main driver for two weeks during the testing process, and the closer I looked at it, the more complicated the picture became. More on that in a bit. Let’s break down the specs first.
Specifications
The OmniBook X 14 comes with 512GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD but can be upgraded to 1TB of storage, bringing the price up to $1,250. The Snapdragon X Elite’s strong performance is evident in ways consumers will care about: apps open and close quickly, webpages spring to life instantly, and the device has no problem switching between different tasks without missing a beat.
During benchmarking in Cinebench 24, I got a single core score of 2326, and a multicore score of 13160, placing it right around the likes of fellow Snapdragon-equipped Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, and the Dell XPS 14 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. Both of those machines have OLED displays, however, with the former being less slightly expensive.
Additionally, the OmniBook X comes with the XIE-78-100 model of the Snapdragon Elite chip, which, at 3.4GHz, is the slowest configuration, essentially the same as the Snapdragon X Plus (the lower-tier model) with no dual-core boost.
Performance and Usability
The OmniBook X 14 stands out for its battery life and portability. It’s extremely portable and has perhaps one of the longest-lasting batteries on the market right now. This makes it a solid choice for remote workers, digital nomads, and professionals who need a powerful laptop with a marathon battery.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The mediocre display and modest hardware configuration may leave this laptop overshadowed by other Snapdragon PCs. If you’re looking for a Copilot+ PC with a better display, you might want to check out the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. If you’re looking for an HP laptop with an Intel chip, take a look at the HP Envy x360 2-in-1.
In conclusion, while the OmniBook X 14 may not be perfect, it offers a compelling package for those who prioritize battery life and portability. It’s a solid choice for anyone engaged with AI-related tasks and all in with its future applications.
