HP is kicking things up a notch in the laptop market with a massive lineup refresh across its popular OmniBook series. This move includes a total of 18 new models and updates spanning four distinct tiers: the OmniBook 3, 5, 7, and the high-end X series. Among these offerings are some intriguing foldable two-in-one designs, along with enhanced portability and innovative keyboard layouts. While the exact chipsets powering these devices vary—ranging from AMD and Intel options, including the Strix Point and Lunar Lake processors—HP has kept pricing under wraps for now. During my early preview, I got a sneak peek at several of these new models, and while no firm price tags were disclosed, the potential range of configurations suggests HP is targeting a wide spectrum of users.
One standout model that caught my attention was the HP OmniBook 7 Aero. Weighing in at just 2.2 pounds, this 13.3-inch laptop is impressively lightweight, tipping the scales at half a pound less than Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air and nearly matching the ultra-portable Asus Zenbook A14 showcased at CES. Unlike the Zenbook, which relies on a Snapdragon X processor, the OmniBook 7 Aero is highly configurable, offering up to an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 (Krackan Point) chip, alongside storage options maxing out at 1TB SSD and 32GB of RAM.
Given its compact size, the port selection is surprisingly robust. It features dual USB-C ports supporting 10Gbps data transfer speeds, capable of handling both Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1 outputs, plus a single 10Gbps USB-A port and another slower 5Gbps USB-A port. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack and an HDMI 2.1 port, making it versatile enough for a variety of peripherals. The 13.3-inch display options include IPS panels with brightness levels reaching up to 400 nits, paired with resolutions of either 1920 x 1200 or 2560 x 1600 pixels. Powering all this is a 43Wh battery, which, while smaller than the 70Wh battery in the Zenbook A14 or the 52.6Wh cell in the MacBook Air, could be seen as a tradeoff for the device’s compact design and extensive port offerings.
The keyboard on the OmniBook 7 Aero is a traditional chiclet-style layout, featuring large keycaps that make typing comfortable and legible. What struck me most during my preview was HP’s shift toward lattice-less keyboard designs in some of its other OmniBook models. Lattice-less keyboards eliminate the gaps between keys entirely, mimicking the seamless look of Dell’s XPS 13. While I’m personally not a fan of the typing feel on lattice-less keyboards due to their cramped spacing, HP’s implementation appears to strike a balance by retaining a slight gap between the keys. This allows for slightly larger keycaps, enhancing usability. According to an HP representative, these keyboards have been well-received by EliteBook users, prompting the company to explore their integration into more models.
In addition to the consumer-focused OmniBooks, HP is also refreshing 20 of its business-oriented EliteBook models, including the popular EliteBook 8 series. These updates emphasize enterprise-grade features, such as on-device local AI capabilities. Configurations with 32GB of RAM or more enable the EliteBook 8 to handle simpler tasks requiring lower latency and enhanced privacy locally, while deferring more complex operations to cloud-based models. As HP’s flagship corporate seller, the EliteBook 8 series has always been a staple in the business world, and the emphasis on AI integration underscores HP’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of enterprise clients.
Elsewhere in the EliteBook lineup, HP is introducing a variety of commercial and enterprise-focused models, each tailored to meet specific business requirements. From enhanced security features to improved connectivity options, these updates aim to provide professionals with tools that enhance productivity without compromising on performance. Given HP’s track record with business laptops, it’s clear the company is doubling down on its enterprise offerings, positioning them as reliable partners for organizations looking to streamline workflows and protect sensitive data.
As exciting as these new offerings are, one lingering question remains: how much will they cost? Pricing details for both the consumer-focused OmniBooks and the enterprise-driven EliteBooks have yet to be revealed. While HP’s preview event showcased some impressive innovations, including foldable designs and AI-powered business laptops, the company has left room for speculation regarding the financial feasibility of these new models. Like HP’s recently announced Omen 16 Slim, which also kept its pricing under wraps, the cost of these laptops will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining their market impact.
HP’s latest lineup refresh signals a bold move into the future of laptop design. With a focus on portability, configurability, and cutting-edge features, the OmniBook series is poised to attract a diverse range of users, from casual consumers to professional creatives. Meanwhile, the EliteBook updates underscore HP’s dedication to enterprise solutions, emphasizing AI integration and robust security features. While the exact pricing remains elusive, HP’s willingness to experiment with foldable designs and lattice-less keyboards hints at a willingness to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in the laptop space. As these models hit shelves, the market will soon learn whether HP’s innovations are enough to capture the hearts—and wallets—of tech-savvy consumers and businesses alike.
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