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HP OmniBook 7 Aero two-minute review
The HP OmniBook 7 Aero presents an impressive array of features that cater well to the needs of digital nomads and everyday users alike. With its lightweight design and robust performance, it stands out as a reliable option for those on the go, making it one of the best Windows laptops currently available.
Its portability is matched by a unique aesthetic, not to mention a commendable selection of ports. Many Ultrabooks restrict users to a mere couple of USB-C ports, but the OmniBook offers a more generous configuration, vital for modern users. Additionally, the high-quality webcam, complete with a physical shutter, showcases HP’s understanding of privacy and functionality. There is little compromise in its design given its thin profile and price point.
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(Image credit: Future)
Moreover, while the port selection is generally favorable, it is notable that both USB-C ports are located on one side. This can be inconvenient for users needing to charge their laptops while connecting peripherals on opposite sides, a common issue among many laptops, including certain MacBook iterations.
Despite these minor complaints, the HP OmniBook 7 Aero remains highly recommendable for those seeking a lightweight yet capable Windows laptop without attempting to mimic other brands’ designs.
HP OmniBook 7 Aero: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? Starting at $949.99 (about £710 / AU$1,420)
- When is it available? Available now
- Where can you get it? Available in the US and Australia
The pricing for the HP OmniBook 7 Aero is reasonable given its specifications, despite being slightly on the higher end. While an ideal price point might hover around the $600 mark, this laptop’s starting price of $949.99 (approximately £710 / AU$1,420) is applied to features that provide solid value. Opting for upgrades can push the total to a more staggering $1,399.99 / AU$2,998 (about £1,040).
Considering the competition, these prices align well with other comparable laptops, particularly when HP frequently offers discounts—a feature worth waiting for, as evidenced by a current 44% markdown on the base version.
The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus, starting at the same price point of $949.99 (about £760 / AU$1,470), offers superior battery life and resolution in its lowest configuration, which some may find unjustifiably priced.
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For users open to alternatives beyond the Windows ecosystem, the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) is a formidable contender. Not only does it boast exceptional performance and battery life at a similar price point, but it offers a configuration that exceeds the base version of the HP OmniBook 7 Aero. However, Apple is known for limited discounts, which might make the HP a more appealing choice during promotional periods.
HP OmniBook 7 Aero: Specs
The HP OmniBook 7 Aero offers limited options for customization with its internal components, featuring either the six-core AMD AI 5 340 CPU paired with integrated AMD Radeon 840M graphics or the eight-core AMD AI 7 350 CPU with integrated Radeon 860M graphics.
The RAM options are either 16GB or 32GB, although the latter is only available with the more powerful CPU. Storage choices are restricted to 512GB and 1TB SSD configurations, encompassing various types of SSDs.
There’s additionally an option for enhanced connectivity, providing choices between Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, with increased pricing for the latter that includes Bluetooth 5.3 instead of 5.4.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | HP OmniBook 7 Aero base configuration | HP OmniBook 7 Aero review / max configuration |
Price: | $949.99 (about £710/ AU$1,420) | $1,399.99 / AU$2,998 (about £1,040) |
CPU: | AMD AI 5 340 | AMD AI 7 350 |
Graphics: | AMD Radeon 840M Integrated graphics | AMD Radeon 860M Integrated graphics |
RAM: | 16GB | 32GB |
Screen: | 13.3-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare, 400 nits | 13.3-inch diagonal, WQXGA (2560 x 1600), IPS, micro-edge, anti-glare, 400 nits |
Storage: | 512GB M.2 SSD | 1TB M.2 SSD |
Ports: | 1 USB Type-A 10Gbps signaling rate; 1 USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 HDMI-out 2.1; 1 headphone/microphone combo; 2 USB Type-C 10Gbps signaling rate (USB Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 2.1, HP Sleep and Charge) | 1 USB Type-A 10Gbps signaling rate; 1 USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 HDMI-out 2.1; 1 headphone/microphone combo; 2 USB Type-C 10Gbps signaling rate (USB Power Delivery 3.1, DisplayPort 2.1, HP Sleep and Charge) |
Wireless: | Realtek Wi-Fi 6 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.4 | Realtek Wi-Fi 6E (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.3 |
Camera: | 5MP IR camera with temporal noise reduction and integrated dual array digital microphones | 5MP IR camera with temporal noise reduction and integrated dual array digital microphones |
Weight: | ||
Dimensions: | 11.70 x 8.31 x 0.65 in (front); 11.70 x 8.31 x 0.69 in (rear) | 11.70 x 8.31 x 0.65 in (front); 11.70 x 8.31 x 0.69 in (rear) |
Externally, users can choose between two screen options: both 13.3-inch screens possess anti-glare features, while one offers a WUXGA resolution of 1920x1200p and the other provides a WQXGA resolution of 2560x1600p. Color options include Ceramic White and Glacier Silver.
HP OmniBook 7 Aero: Design
- Attractive, light, and petite
- Keyboard has a pretty short travel
- Good port selection, though placement could be better
Visually, the HP OmniBook 7 Aero impresses with its striking aesthetics. The Ceramic White colorway of the test unit exudes a clean elegance that sets it apart from designs aiming to replicate Apple’s iconic look.
Though the material employed isn’t machined metal, the laptop feels durable and sturdy. This plastic casing likely aids in maintaining a lower price point while still delivering a high-quality user experience. The silver color variant hasn’t been elaborated upon but is expected to maintain a unique feel compared to its competitors.
Weighing in at just over two pounds with a thickness of a little over half an inch, this compact laptop can easily be tucked into a backpack without causing discomfort, making it an ideal choice for users frequently on the move.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of display performance, the screen showcases impressive accuracy with a delta E of 0.29 (with lower numbers being preferable) and 112% sRGB color coverage, though the 79% DCI-P3 color coverage indicates limitations for photo editing tasks.
While the design prioritizes mobility, the keyboard suffers from short key travel, making it less than ideal for extended typing. The trackpad, however, receives praise for its responsiveness and smooth gesture recognition.
Equipped with a 5MP IR camera, the webcam captures sharp images without lag, provided the internet connection is stable. Sophisticated features such as background blurring, eye orientation adjustments, and automatic framing enhance the video conferencing experience. The inclusion of a physical privacy shutter adds an essential layer of security.
(Image credit: Future)
Smaller laptops often compromise on port availability, typically offering limited connectivity options. Fortunately, the HP OmniBook 7 Aero bucks this trend. It boasts two USB-C ports supporting power delivery and DisplayPort 2.1, though they are positioned on a single side. Additionally, there are two USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and an HDMI port, providing commendable versatility for such a compact device.
HP OmniBook 7 Aero: Performance
- Surprisingly robust performance
- Has enough power for AI
- Audio quality is just okay
Within the realm of lightweight laptops, the HP OmniBook 7 Aero showcases surprisingly robust performance despite lacking dedicated graphics. The integrated Radeon Graphics allow for some gaming, although gaming should not be the primary expectation for this device.
For example, I successfully played “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” at low settings without any latency or stutter, and while “Cyberpunk 2077” achieved playability, the frame rates were notably low, illustrating the limitations of this laptop in terms of gaming.
Here are some benchmark results from the HP OmniBook 7 Aero:
3DMark: Fire Strike: 6078; Time Spy: 2732; Night Raid: 24031; Steel Nomad: 396
GeekBench 6.5: 2825 (single-core); 12137 (multi-core)
25GB File Copy: 13.26
Handbrake 1.9.2: 6:08
CrossMark: Overall: 1837 Productivity: 1695 Creativity: 2141 Responsiveness: 1477
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm (1080p high): 25.368 fps; (2560x1600p high) 15.895 fps; Storm (1080p medium): 42.843 fps; (2560x1600p medium): 26.997 fps
Web Surfing (Battery Informant): 8:51:07
It’s important to note that higher workloads will cause the fans to become quite active, and some warmth will transfer to the keyboard. While this laptop is impressive in its capabilities, it is primarily designed for productivity tasks. It handles multiple browser tabs and demanding applications seamlessly should you wish to open 20 tabs simultaneously, for instance.
(Image credit: Future)
When it comes to AI capabilities, the OmniBook 7 Aero proves adequate, though the usage experience may depend more on internet connection speeds than the device itself. The CPU exhibits solid performance with 50 NPU TOPS for various AI applications. In terms of audio output, while acceptable, quality is on the thinner side, lacking in the low-end spectrum. For serious listening, utilizing headphones is advisable.
HP OmniBook 7 Aero: Battery life
- Battery life is long enough for a full day’s work, but just barely
- Fast charging capabilities make up for smaller battery
The HP OmniBook 7 Aero’s battery life reaches an average of 8:51:07 based on our benchmarks, which may not impress against competing ultrabooks boasting 15+ hours but is still sufficient for most users to last through a workday without seeking an outlet.
Fast charging capabilities compensate for its relatively smaller 3-cell, 43 Wh battery. When turned off, users can expect approximately 50% battery life within half an hour, an impressive feature that adds to its merit.
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the HP OmniBook 7 Aero?
Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Value | The price is about what one would expect for this kind of laptop, though its value goes way up when on sale. | 4 / 5 |
Design | It’s thin, light, comes with a privacy shutter, and, most importantly, looks a bit unique. | 4.5 / 5 |
Performance | This lightweight laptop can somewhat overdeliver when it comes to performance. | 4.5 / 5 |
Battery | The battery life is good enough, but underwhelming when compared to the competition. | 4 / 5 |
Average rating | Its portability and performance set it apart from the more middle-of-the-road act-like-a-MacBook laptop that comprise its competition. | 4.5 / 5 |
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How I tested the HP OmniBook 7 Aero
- Tested for a couple weeks
- Used it for work, gaming, and streaming
- Messed with its AI capabilities
I utilized the HP OmniBook 7 Aero for two weeks, applying it for various tasks including work, video streaming, and even some light gaming. I also explored the device’s AI functionalities to assess performance across different uses.
After my comprehensive usage of the HP OmniBook 7 Aero, it’s evident that this laptop is designed with professionals in mind who need a strong, portable Windows device that thrives in diverse settings.
For those interested in an in-depth look into the HP OmniBook 7 Aero, you can check out the full review Here.
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