HP’s Omen gaming lineup gets a refresh, and the latest Omen 17 stands out with some intriguing AI features. This isn’t just about gaming – HP is betting this laptop can double as a serious work machine, thanks to a few productivity-focused tricks up its sleeve.
AI Assistant on Board
Let’s start with the most eye-catching addition: a dedicated key for Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant. This marks the first Omen device to feature it, and hints at HP’s desire to make the Omen 17 more than just a gaming rig. The AI-enhanced meeting features are particularly appealing, promising better video calls with enhanced webcam and microphone quality. Plus, Otter.ai integration means AI-powered meeting notes – a boon for productivity, though it begs the question of how much this adds beyond existing transcription services.
That Understated Design
While the Omen brand screams “gaming,” the Omen 17’s design remains thankfully low-key. This makes it surprisingly well-suited for those wanting a powerful laptop that can blend into professional settings.
Gaming Chops: Promising, But…
On paper, the Omen 17 should handle modern games with ease. Options up to a Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics are a solid combo, while upgraded cooling aims to keep things from overheating. Customizable RGB lighting is present, of course, letting you add some gaming flair if desired. However, this is all based on HP’s claims – independent testing will be needed to see how it holds up to the hype.
Display: A Mixed Bag
The 17.3-inch display gets a welcome upgrade. The Full HD IPS panel offers a variable refresh rate for smoother visuals, while the quad-HD option ups the ante with an even faster refresh rate and response time. However, don’t expect the dazzling visuals of the OLED display seen on the Omen Transcend 14. Considering the Omen 17’s starting price, this tradeoff feels fair, but it’s important for buyers to manage expectations.
The Rest of the Package
The Omen 17 ticks the necessary boxes for a modern laptop: dual SSD slots, up to 32GB of RAM, and a 1080p webcam. The port selection offers decent variety, but it’s a shame to see just a single USB-C port.
New HyperX Accessories
HP isn’t neglecting its gaming accessories, either. The Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless Mouse focuses on lightweight performance, while the Cloud Mix Buds 2 wireless earbuds aim for low-latency gaming and feature handy ANC to block distractions.
The Price and Availability
The big question now is whether the Omen 17’s blend of gaming power and productivity features justify its $1,350 starting price. The HyperX accessories arrive later, with the mouse launching in May and the earbuds in the summer.
