HP 17 Laptop Review Reliable Performance with Intel Celeron N4120 and 17.3 Touchscreen

Description

A Reliable Performer with a Few Caveats

Testing the HP 17 Laptop with its impressive Intel Celeron N4120 processor and a massive 32GB of DDR4 RAM felt like diving into a sea of multitasking possibilities. Equipped with a spacious 17.3-inch HD+ touchscreen display, this laptop seemed tailored for both work and casual entertainment. The Moonlight Blue finish added a stylish touch, making it stand out in a sea of mundane black laptops. But let’s talk about how it performed in real-world situations, because that’s what truly matters.

Design and Build Quality

The 17.3-inch touchscreen display immediately grabs attention. While the 1600×900 pixel resolution doesn’t quite hit Full HD, the vibrant colors and wide viewing angles were more than adequate for everyday use. Watching videos or going through spreadsheets felt smooth and immersive. However, I did notice the screen brightness could struggle in very bright environments, which might be a downside for those who frequently work outdoors or near windows.

Weighing 6.54 pounds, it’s not exactly portable-friendly. The Moonlight Blue finish, on the other hand, was sleek and modern, though it did tend to pick up smudges, meaning I had to wipe it down more often than I’d like. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard was a lifesaver during late-night working sessions, providing both comfort and style.

Performance and Multitasking Abilities

This laptop truly shines with its Intel Celeron N4120 processor and 32GB RAM, which allowed me to juggle multiple browser tabs, video editing software, and even light gaming without significant lag. While the processor isn’t designed for heavy-duty tasks, it managed day-to-day activities like a champ. The 1TB SSD ensured lightning-fast boot times and ample storage for files, photos, and videos.

What stood out to me was how responsive the system felt, especially with Windows 11 Home in S mode running out of the box. Navigating through apps and settings was a breeze, though switching out of S mode was a necessary step to install some third-party applications.

Graphics and Entertainment

The Intel UHD Graphics 600 isn’t built for hardcore gaming, but it handled casual games and streaming content without a hitch. Netflix, YouTube, and even some light photo editing felt smooth and snappy. If your needs revolve around entertainment and basic creative tasks, this laptop has you covered. However, those looking for high-end graphics capabilities might find it lacking.

Key Benefits

• Ample multitasking power with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD.
• Backlit keyboard adds convenience and style in low-light settings.
• Spacious touchscreen display, ideal for work and entertainment.
• Runs Windows 11 Home in S mode, offering better security and performance.

Areas for Improvement

• Screen resolution could be better at this price point.
• Bulky and heavy, making portability challenging.
• Graphics limitations for gaming or demanding creative software.

Competing Products

Looking at alternatives in the market, I compared this laptop to some popular models like the Acer Aspire 5 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3. While these competitors offered Full HD displays and slightly better portability, they didn’t match the 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD combination this product boasts. The backlit keyboard and Moonlight Blue finish also gave the HP model an edge in terms of aesthetics and usability. However, if you prioritize display quality or need a lighter laptop, alternatives like the Acer Aspire might be worth considering.

Price Performance

In terms of value for money, this laptop offers incredible power for multitasking and storage-heavy users. The 32GB RAM is a standout feature at this price point, and the inclusion of a backlit keyboard adds to its appeal. While the screen resolution and weight might be sticking points, the overall package delivers more than enough for casual users, students, and professionals who need reliable performance without shelling out for premium models.

Testing this product felt like discovering a dependable workhorse. It might not be the flashiest or most portable option, but its performance capabilities, storage space, and thoughtful design features make it a solid choice for anyone who values functionality above all else.

Additional information