HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch Review: Reliable But Not Flawless
Bold reports from owners set a clear tone for the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) — dependable for work and entertainment, but not without flaws. Averaging ratings between 4.8/5 and 5/5 across major retail sites and solid scores from lab testers, it earns an 8.4/10 overall.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — ideal for budget-conscious users needing large-screen multitasking, less suited for high-end creative work or heavy portability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3-inch display suitable for spreadsheets and movies | Lower resolution (1600x900 on some models) disappoints detail-oriented users |
| Strong multitasking via 13th Gen Intel i5 with Iris Xe graphics | Keyboard flex and non-backlit versions hinder typing comfort |
| Solid battery life for size, up to 7.5 hours mixed use | Heat buildup on keyboard noted during prolonged sessions |
| Upgradeable RAM and storage | No SD card reader or optical drive |
| Balanced weight and sleek styling | Fan noise acceptable but battery drains faster under load |
Claims vs Reality
HP’s own marketing touts “Full HD clarity” and “fluid designing for creators” — but while some configurations match 1920x1080 resolution, several popular models ship with 1600x900 TN panels. Reddit user u/*** recounted: “Bought thinking it was FHD, turns out mine’s HD+, decent brightness but not as crisp for photo editing.” This mismatch is critical for content creators relying on pixel precision.
The advertised “superior battery life” is nuanced. Official specs quote fast charging and multi-hour runtime, and lab tests from Consumer Reports confirmed up to 8 hours in web browsing. Yet a Reddit buyer admitted, “Battery life is pretty minimal… maybe four hours of use,” revealing variance based on workload.
Finally, HP promises top-tier multitasking from the 13th Gen i5 and Iris Xe graphics. Verified buyers back this up for everyday tasks — Best Buy reviewers praised smooth streaming, large spreadsheets, and lag-free movie playback — but heavy video editing or simulation work felt slower, per Consumer Reports tests.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The expansive 17.3-inch screen consistently ranks as a top benefit. For data analysts and teachers, the extra space accommodates complex layouts. A verified Best Buy buyer wrote: “Nice large touch screen with good graphics and large icons for lower vision.” Even non-touch models get praise for visibility.
Performance delivers for productivity users. LibraSpecs’ scoring noted “smooth workflow and fantastic experience during work multitasking, coding and compiling,” making it a fit for students juggling research, writes, and light creative duties.
Battery life surprises given the screen size. Trustpilot-linked reviews describe Netflix sessions nearing 10 hours and full mixed-use days without a charger in reach. For commuters, this means reliable unplugged meetings and presentations.
Common Complaints
Keyboard flex divides opinion. While day-to-day typing remains pleasant, those accustomed to rigid builds may dislike the subtle bend. Reddit user u/*** found another concern: “Only thing I don't love is how warm the keyboard gets,” echoing comfort concerns.
The absence of modern convenience ports frustrates some. No memory card reader forces workarounds for photographers, and one Consumer Reports tester noted Bluetooth 4.2 or Wi-Fi 5 on certain SKUs limits speed compared to Wi-Fi 6 marketing.
Screen resolution clearly drags scores. For casual streamers, HD+ suffices, but for graphic work, the reduced sharpness is a bottleneck. Color accuracy near 60% sRGB was measured — viable for occasional editing, subpar for professionals.
Divisive Features
Not all models sport a backlit keyboard, and opinions polarize. Evening typists without ambient light find it a dealbreaker, while daytime-only users rarely miss it. Likewise, the TN vs IPS panel debate runs deep: IPS configurations satisfy with anti-glare FHD, TN owners cite smoother gaming at lower resolutions.
Fan noise perception varies — “quite quiet” per one Reddit poster, but others note a hum under load. Heat dispersion across the keyboard is mild for office use yet noticeable during long gaming or compile sessions.
Trust & Reliability
Despite market confusion over lineup naming (some units labeled generically as “17-cn” without branding like Envy or Omen), no widespread scam flags appear. Reddit discussions reveal initial hesitance — “this laptop seems like a ghost”— but continued daily operation for work with no failures builds user confidence.
Consumer Reports ownership data suggest the brand sits mid-tier for reliability among laptops but shows strong user satisfaction. Refurbished units on eBay, especially factory-certified, see high ratings and warranties up to two years, extending trust for budget shoppers.
Alternatives
Mentioned by performance reviewers, the Dell Inspiron 15 and Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 score higher in certain metrics while staying close in price — smaller displays but better portability. HP’s own Envy 17t-cr100 offered FHD IPS at 300 nits with richer features but has been discontinued, which pushes the 17-cn series as the available large-screen workhorse. For build upgrades, HP ProBook 455 G7 offers firmer keyboards and higher resolution screens.
Price & Value
Current listings range from $499.99 for refurbished eBay units to $689.99 new at Best Buy. Amazon configurations with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD sit near $599. The resale market remains active due to upgradeable RAM/storage and versatile ports, though HD+ configurations may depreciate faster with shifting screen standards. Community buying tip: verify resolution and panel before purchase — IPS FHD versions command higher resale and satisfaction.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP 17 Laptop have a backlit keyboard?
A: Some configurations include a backlit keyboard, but others don’t. Users relying on low-light typing should confirm specs before buying.
Q: How long can the battery last?
A: Lab tests report 7.5–8 hours for mixed browsing, with video playback hitting 10 hours. Reddit reports show as low as 4 hours under heavy workloads.
Q: Is the screen full HD?
A: Certain models feature 1920x1080 IPS, while others use 1600x900 TN panels. Double-check model specs; creator work benefits from FHD.
Q: Can RAM be upgraded?
A: Yes. There are two RAM slots supporting upgrades beyond 16GB — some users installed 32GB or more without issue.
Q: Is it good for gaming?
A: Integrated Iris Xe graphics handle light gaming well, running medium settings smoothly. Lower resolution panels may give better frame rates but sacrifice sharpness.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a home or office user craving a large screen and dependable multitasking without paying for high-end ultrabooks. Avoid if pixel precision or rugged build is critical for your workflow. Pro tip from the community: seek the IPS Full HD version with backlit keyboard — it lifts both day-to-day usability and long-term value.
