Small, swift, and brimming with raw AI capability, HP’s latest premium productivity laptop, the OmniBook Ultra 14, is designed for those who thrive on the move. Priced around ,100 for a model equipped with a 1TB drive and 16GB of RAM, or approximately ,300 for the more robust version featuring 32GB, it stands out not only for its competitive pricing but also for its impressive performance metrics. The OmniBook’s processing power is formidable, making it a strong contender in the market, though the potential of its AI hardware remains somewhat untapped.
Performance and Design
At the core of this machine lies the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, a 12-core processor that represents the pinnacle of mobile computing within AMD’s 2024 “Strix Point” generation. This chip excels in multitasking, surpassing many of its peers in both speed and graphical prowess, making it suitable for a range of demanding tasks from 3D development to gaming. Users can expect nearly 13 hours of battery life during typical browsing and work activities, a notable advantage for professionals on the go.
The design of the OmniBook is an intriguing blend of aesthetics and functionality. Sporting a grey and baby blue color scheme, complemented by a bold keyboard, it aims for a friendly appearance. However, the industrial metal finish and angular rear corners lend it a somewhat rugged look reminiscent of gaming laptops. Weighing in at about 1.5kg and measuring 1.5cm in thickness, it remains lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry in a bag or backpack.
Port Selection and Usability
HP has made commendable efforts to include a practical selection of ports despite the laptop’s slim profile. On the right side, users will find two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 capabilities, while the left side features a traditional 3.5mm jack and a USB-A port, albeit with a slightly awkward spring-loaded hinge that ensures the port doesn’t disrupt the sleek design. While some may prefer an HDMI port, the inclusion of a USB-A is a nod to practicality for those needing to connect legacy devices.
Beyond its exterior, the OmniBook offers a solid and stable feel, with a generous and tactile keyboard and touchpad. The QHD IPS touchscreen is bright enough for indoor use, and the integrated camera and microphone are tailored for use with HP’s Poly conferencing software, ensuring a satisfactory experience for virtual meetings.
AI Capabilities and Limitations
While the laptop boasts impressive AI capabilities, the practical applications of this technology remain ambiguous. HP has introduced an AI Assistant app, which offers basic functionalities akin to a ChatGPT interface, but it requires an internet connection to operate, limiting the utility of its local NPU power. The dedicated Copilot button opens a chat window with Microsoft’s assistant, yet this feature is accessible from any web-enabled device, raising questions about its unique value.
Although Copilot+ PCs promise unique tools leveraging local AI power—such as live captions, translations, and generative features in applications—many users may find that the current suite of AI tools does not significantly enhance productivity. For professionals engaged in workflows that demand dedicated AI processing, the OmniBook delivers a noticeable performance boost. However, for the average user, the benefits may not be as pronounced.
Comparative Analysis
In comparison to other laptops in its category, the OmniBook Ultra 14 presents a compelling case. The Framework Laptop 13, known for its user-repairable design and customizable ports, would cost significantly more when configured similarly to the OmniBook. The Framework’s top AMD chip, the Ryzen 7 7840U, while competent, does not match the AI capabilities of the Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 found in the OmniBook.
Alternatives such as the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and Microsoft Surface Laptop, while aesthetically pleasing, utilize ARM-based processors, which may limit compatibility with certain applications. The Yoga Slim 7i, a non-Copilot+ variant with an Intel chip, offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much performance.
For those considering Apple’s offerings, the MacBook Air with the M3 chip presents a longer battery life but falls short in multi-core performance and graphical capabilities compared to the OmniBook. Ultimately, at ,300, the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 emerges as a strong contender in the Windows laptop market, blending power, features, and portability, even if its AI focus may not resonate with every user.
