At just 1.3kg and no thicker than 14mm the HP OmniBook X 14 is a stunning example of the modern PC Laptop and how we are finally seeing Windows portable devices that can stand up to a full day’s work – plugged in, or on battery.
| HP OMNIBOOK X 14 | $2,599 (We’ve seen it for $2,099) |
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Staggering Battery life Fantastic Performance Excellent Portability Two USB-C and One USB-A Port Comfortable Keyboard | Screen Brightness Trackpad takes getting used to Copilot+ “AI Features” aren’t yet worth rushing to No SD Card Slot |
The Copilot+ era is here, and as I’ve said before you might hear Microsoft and their ads touting all the amazing AI features of Copilot+ PC’s, but at it’s core that “brand” is about labelling a minimum specification for a laptop to meet in the modern age.
That requires an all-new chipset, a Neural Processing chip and a range of side features that comes with that.
As a result, we get high performance, long battery life devices – it’s a big win.
But, in my testing, once again – and the HP OmniBook X 14 is the third Copilot+ PC I’ve used – I do think, like smartphones, the AI features here are dug deep, and don’t come to the forefront of your usage.
Sure, I can create fun images, and yes, Copilot can help me write better – either re-writing my rubbish or composing from scratch. But in day to day use I just haven’t seen it, or used it.
Now let me be clear, if you’re a creative writer, or a researcher by trade, then I can imagine for sure you’d hit that Copilot button a lot and get your day going with inspiration or assistance.
But I honestly think it’s the next iteration of AI that will be the leap forward, it will hover over our shoulders, see what we’re doing and whisper in our ears little suggestions. For me that will come most in Email – and no, that’s not Windows Mail or Outlook for most people – that’s on the web in Gmail or something. It will know I need to clear out mails, it will prompt me to get back to an email that’s been sitting for a while – it will be a personal assistant, in AI form.
HP OmniBook X 14 Performance
Leaving all that aside, the HP OmniBook X 14 benefits from being a Copilot+ PC because it has the underlying features that are required to get that stamp.
That includes the Snapdragon X Elite processor – this thing brings new levels of snappy performance to a laptop of this price. Now yes, this is a $2500 odd computer, but this is $3500+ performance now at this price.
Software is snappy, things load fast, response times are good, it really feels good in everyday day-to-day use.
Benchmark numbers are great, this had a 2322 Single Core score on Geekbench and a 12,629 multi-Core. That smashes the AMD Ryzen powered ASUS Zenbook S 16 I tested recently, though in my work day – even with some video rendering tests, it didn’t show extraordinary speed improvements.
I’d love a brighter screen
I’ve gotta say, it’s a solid mark against the HP Omnibook X 14 that the screen just feels like it’s not pushing for me. I glance at it and think ahh, I’m not worried about battery life – let’s push the brightness up!
I push that little button on the top row of keys and find out we’re already at the peak number.
Honestly, the white’s don’t even seem a full white on brightest settings. Now this isn’t an OLED screen, so perhaps I’m utterly and completely spoilt.
And, the HP OmniBook X 14 is so thin and so light, perhaps there’s a clear reason – but I’m not sure I’d choose this for my photo or video work.
However, in an office context, there’s no loss, no issue, no concern.
Even streaming Netflix or YouTube, you’d barely notice. Just an important observation on specs, that there are different screens out there to consider.
Battery Baby, Battery
They quote something like 26 hours Battery life on this puppy, and I’m sure that’s possible. In fact, I reckon you could get more with the right battery drain tests.
However, in my testing – the HP OmniBook X 14 has a staggering all-day battery by any measure, and I think capable of 20 hours in a pinch.
But with your regular battery anxiety and our thirst for a charge, I’d aim for 16-19 hours of portable use. That is, on battery, working remote, on WiFi, probably streaming a video listening while you work. Real stuff.
That. Is. Amazing.
For a thing this small, this light, this thin – come on folks.
Take me anywhere says the HP OmniBook X 14
And that’s the core benefit of the HP Omnibook X 14 – this thing is so light, so thin, so portable, it’s the ideal Laptop.
This could be in your side shoulder bag, let alone backpack and you’d forget it was there.
You can whip it out at any Cafe, Bench, Bus, Train or shared office space and just get to work.
That Battery life gives you the confidence in the device.
Plus it can handle any task.
Nailed it.
For those that hate words, what’s the lowdown on the HP OmniBook X 14?
If your corporate IT team are in the HP world, ask your friendly IT guy when your laptop is due to be replaced, then ask if the HP OmniBook X 14 is going to be an option on the corporate fleet – if it is, win, win win.
Crazy great battery life that will withstand an overnight work trip in another city without taking a charger – that’s a win.
I’m not buying this if Photography and Videography are my thing – need an SD card slot there, and I’m not buying this if I love a beacon of light from a full brightness screen.
Oh, and the AI Features are a nice to have.
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair.
Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave.
