HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Review: HP’s Best Ultrabook in Years

HP’s latest offering in the ultraportable market has been making waves, thanks to its impressive array of features. The OmniBook Ultra boasts a durable and lightweight design, as well as a powerful Intel Core i9 processor.

The laptop’s forged stamped aluminum build is both sturdy and sleek, with a MIL-STD 810H certification that suggests HP is targeting business users who need ruggedized laptops. However, this emphasis on durability may come across as overkill to some consumers, particularly at the OmniBook Ultra’s high price point of $4,000 for configurations with 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.

HP does offer more affordable options starting at $2,600, but it’s clear that the company is targeting a specific demographic. The laptop’s design may be too extreme for some users who don’t require such high levels of durability.

The OmniBook Ultra’s display is one of its strongest suits, featuring a 14-inch 3K touchscreen OLED panel with excellent brightness and color accuracy. HP has opted for a single display option on Intel-based models, which may be a disappointment for those who prefer more flexibility.

However, the laptop’s webcam is a welcome addition, especially given the growing trend towards remote work and video conferencing. The 5-megapixel camera with IR support features a physical shutter, demonstrating HP’s commitment to user experience.

In terms of performance, the OmniBook Ultra’s Intel Core i9 processor handled tasks with ease in our testing. It even impressed in gaming benchmarks, achieving 56 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and medium graphics settings.

Battery life is also impressive, with HP claiming up to 19 hours and 14 minutes on PCMark 10’s Modern Office rundown test. While the OmniBook Ultra may have a slight edge over some competitors, it’s clear that HP is playing catch-up in this area.

Ultimately, the OmniBook Ultra is a solid choice for those who need a powerful and durable ultrabook. However, its high price point may be a barrier for some users. As HP continues to iterate on this design, it remains to be seen whether the company will be able to maintain its position as a leader in the ultraportable market.

Reader Views

RJ
Reporter J. Avery · staff reporter
While HP's OmniBook Ultra 14 is undoubtedly a powerhouse, its high price point and lack of display options may limit its appeal to budget-conscious buyers. What's more concerning is that HP's emphasis on durability may be at odds with the needs of the very professionals who might value ruggedized laptops - workers in hazardous environments, for instance, often require custom-built or specialized gear, not mass-market devices like this one.
CS
Correspondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The OmniBook Ultra's price tag is certainly steep, but what about the value proposition for business users? The MIL-STD 810H certification is indeed a game-changer in ruggedized laptops, and HP should be commended for targeting this specific market. However, it's worth noting that businesses often have purchasing agreements with manufacturers, which can make these high-end specs more accessible to enterprises than individual consumers might expect.
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Analyst D. Park · policy analyst
The OmniBook Ultra 14's impressive specs and features are undeniable, but HP is clearly positioning this laptop as a high-end workstation rather than a mainstream consumer product. What's concerning is that the company may be alienating potential customers with its emphasis on ruggedization and limited display options. Businesses that require extreme durability will likely appreciate the MIL-STD 810H certification, but for those who don't need it, the high price point will be a significant barrier to entry.

HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Review

HP OmniBook Ultra 14 Review: HP’s Best Ultrabook in Years

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