HP 17 Inch Laptop Review AMD Ryzen 5 Performance and FHD Display Insights

Description

A Professional Review of the HP 2024 New 17 Inch Laptop, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U

Design and Build Quality

The sleek silver finish on this laptop caught my eye right out of the box. It has a 17.3-inch FHD (1080p) IPS display, which feels expansive without being cumbersome. The anti-glare surface is a thoughtful addition, especially since I work in a room with bright overhead lights. Weighing just over 4.6 pounds, it’s not the lightest laptop, but it strikes a balance between durability and portability. The full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad is a standout feature for someone like me who spends hours typing or crunching numbers. It adds comfort and efficiency, though the key travel could be slightly better.

Performance and Everyday Use

This machine truly shines when it comes to its AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, with 6 cores and 12 threads delivering power that rivals newer Intel Core i7 models. I pushed it hard, running multiple tabs, editing photos, and streaming videos simultaneously, and it didn’t stutter. The 32GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 1TB SSD provides ample space for files, movies, and more. I was particularly impressed by the AMD Radeon Graphics, which handled casual gaming and video rendering without missing a beat. It’s not a gaming laptop by any means, but it’s more than capable for light to moderate graphical tasks.

Display and Visual Performance

This 17.3-inch IPS display makes such a difference for productivity. The Full HD resolution delivers crisp visuals, and while the 45% NTSC color coverage is decent, it might not satisfy professionals who rely on precise color accuracy. The 250 nits brightness is adequate for indoor use, though it struggles a bit in direct sunlight. Watching movies or working on detailed spreadsheets is a pleasant experience, with the anti-glare coating reducing strain on my eyes.

Key Benefits

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor for seamless multitasking
• 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD ensure speed and storage
• Anti-glare 17.3-inch display is easy on the eyes during long sessions
• Thoughtfully placed ports including USB Type-C and HDMI
• Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security and smooth multitasking

Connectivity and Ports

Modern laptops should cater to both traditional and cutting-edge needs, and this one does a good job. The USB Type-C port is excellent for rapid data transfer, although I was disappointed to find it doesn’t support charging or external monitors. The dual USB Type-A ports are handy for connecting peripherals, and the HDMI 1.4b port worked flawlessly when I connected it to my external monitor. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi connectivity ensures stable wireless performance. However, I’d say that an additional Thunderbolt port would have been the cherry on top.

Caveats

• The brightness level of the screen could be higher for outdoor use
• Color accuracy at 45% NTSC may not suffice for professional designers
• USB Type-C limitations (no charging or monitor support) are a missed opportunity

Audio and Webcam

Dual speakers on this laptop are decent but not groundbreaking. The sound is clear, though it lacks the depth and richness expected from more premium models. The 720p HD camera with temporal noise reduction is good enough for video calls, but I wouldn’t rely on it for recording high-quality videos. The integrated dual-array microphones, however, picked up my voice clearly during meetings, even when I moved around the room.

Competing Products

When comparing this laptop to other options like the Dell Inspiron 17 or Lenovo IdeaPad 3, it holds its ground in several areas. The Dell Inspiron 17 offers a similar screen size but tends to lag in multitasking performance due to its lower RAM options. Meanwhile, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes at a more budget-friendly price but sacrifices the robust processing power and storage capacity found here. What sets this machine apart is the WOWPC Recovery USB accessory, which simplifies troubleshooting in ways competitors don’t.

Value for Money

Judging by its feature-rich configuration, this laptop offers excellent value for money. The combination of a powerful processor, ample RAM, and substantial SSD storage justifies its price point. While it’s not as budget-friendly as some alternatives, it’s a solid investment for users who need a reliable and efficient machine for professional or personal use. Upgrading to something with similar specs from other brands would likely cost significantly more.

Final Thoughts

This laptop is a strong contender for anyone seeking a 17-inch powerhouse. It excels in multitasking, storage, and ease of use, though it isn’t without a few quirks. If you’re not overly reliant on color-accurate displays or advanced USB Type-C functionalities, it’s a smart choice. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves a big screen, this device is likely to meet most of your needs.

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