HP 17 Laptop 17.3" Review – Solid Desk Workhorse Verdict
A Best Buy buyer summed up the experience neatly: “Great economical HP product option. Good internals, but plastic shell.” That blend of performance and compromise defines the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5)—a big-screen machine delivering comfort and capability at a mid-range price point. Scoring an 8/10 in aggregate user sentiment, it’s praised for its multitasking muscle yet flagged for display and build concessions.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3" screen ideal for work and entertainment | Plastic build feels less durable |
| Strong Intel Core i5-1335U performance with Iris Xe graphics | TN panel variants with sub-FHD resolution on some models |
| Comfortable full-size keyboard with numeric pad | Some models lack backlight, affecting night use |
| Generous storage (up to 1TB SSD) and RAM options | Short battery life for heavy users (~4 hours reported) |
| Good port selection with HDMI, USB-C, USB-A | Touchpad quality questioned by multiple users |
| Upgradeable RAM and storage | Warm keyboard after prolonged use |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 17t-cn series as offering “comfortable viewing with narrow bezels” and “reliable performance” for everyday computing, emphasizing 250-nit brightness and anti-glare IPS panels. While that’s true for specific configurations, not all units match the brochure. The Consumer Reports evaluation found “colors were in the ballpark, though not completely accurate” and noted that the display “produces a smaller array of colors than on most other tested laptops.” This makes it adequate for office work but less ideal for content creators who need precision.
Another bold claim is battery longevity—up to 7.5 hours in mixed use according to reviews cited by LibraSpecs. However, Reddit user feedback paints a tighter window: “Fan noise is quite quiet, but the battery life is pretty minimal. Maybe 4 hours of use.” Those putting the machine through heavy spreadsheet crunching or keeping multiple Chrome tabs active will find endurance stretched thin.
HP’s promise of build quality through lift-hinge design and enlarged clickpad has traction among casual users, but pros note the compromise. A verified Best Buy buyer called it “great for home use” yet warned it’s “not a model I would travel with, due to less durability, compared to high-end models.” For stationary work setups, the plastic housing is less problematic.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit threads, the Intel Core i5-1335U paired with Iris Xe graphics draws applause for snappy multitasking and smooth performance in productivity apps. Best Buy reviewers mention using it for teaching and streaming without lag, with one noting: “I did more RAM so if I wanted to watch a movie it wouldn’t freeze.” For data analysts and professionals in statistical programming, this CPU/GPU combo handles large datasets and parallel browser activity without choking.
The full-size keyboard with numeric keypad stands out for spreadsheet-heavy work and accounts management tasks, reducing reliance on external numpads. Even without a backlight on certain trims, typing comfort earns positive marks—large keys and balanced spacing ease long typing sessions.
Storage configurations also please buyers. Reddit user experience with a 512GB SSD was seamless, and the Newegg listing’s option to scale up to 1TB SSD reassures users who keep bulky project files locally. The absence of moving parts means quieter operation and faster boot times.
Connectivity is another area of consensus. HDMI for external displays, multiple USB-A, and USB-C with 5Gbps signaling rates make docking and device sync straightforward. For home educators or remote workers, pairing with projectors or secondary monitors is frictionless. Wi-Fi 6 support appears on newer models, offering stable multi-device connections—vital in households with shared broadband.
Common Complaints
Display quality is the recurring thorn. While IPS panels with FHD resolution are available, several HP 17 variants ship with TN panels capped at 1600x900. LibraSpecs users lamented “the resolution is not even full HD, making it not as crisp as desired,” especially for those editing visuals or consuming HD content.
Battery performance divergence troubles mobile users most. Reports from Reddit peg real-world heavy-use endurance at ~4 hours, contrasting with Consumer Reports’ lighter-load results of 8 hours. This gap affects students and consultants working offsite without reliable charging.
Build flex and thermals crop up across platforms. Reddit user noted, “Only thing I don’t love is how warm the keyboard gets,” especially after overnight idle. LibraSpecs added the “keyboard does bend a little when typing,” signaling potential longevity concerns for high-frequency typers.
Touchpad dissatisfaction pushes some to invest in external mice. The “cheap feel” comment appears multiple times, making precision tasks like graphic manipulation more cumbersome without a peripheral.
Divisive Features
Screen size sparks opposing camps. For vision-impaired users, Best Buy feedback celebrates “nice large touch screen with good graphics and large icons for lower vision.” Yet for portability advocates, 17.3" feels unwieldy, reinforced by the 4.5–5.9lb weight depending on configuration.
Backlit keyboard availability divides opinion—those with it appreciate night-time usability; those without deem it a glaring omission in 2024 laptops. As Reddit threads highlight, lack of backlight “makes it difficult to work at night,” pushing some toward higher trims or different models.
Trust & Reliability
Durability perceptions hinge on use environment. Desk-bound professionals rarely report catastrophic wear within a year, but traveling owners flag flex and scuffs faster. No significant scam concerns emerge; eBay’s refurbished listings clarify condition and warranties, with sellers rated above 98% positive.
Long-term Reddit anecdotes remain sparse, but early six-month impressions suggest consistent CPU/GPU performance without throttling. The warm keyboard and modest battery retention over time are the only trending degradations.
Alternatives
Within HP’s ecosystem, LibraSpecs pointed to the HP ProBook 455 G7 for stronger build quality and the HP 470 G9 for superior display specs. Budget watchers might consider Dell Inspiron 15 3510 or Asus Chromebook Flip CM5, which ranked higher in certain comparative scores while keeping near the same price band. These alternatives trade the expansive screen for more portable frames or improved panels.
Price & Value
Pricing varies from $439 for certified-refurbished eBay units to around $690 for new Newegg listings, with higher-spec builds crossing $759 at retail. Amazon lists new configurations near $599–$689 depending on RAM and SSD size. Resale holds modestly—refurbished recertified models hover at ~75% of original list after a year, making it a fair buy for those planning multi-year retention.
Community buying tips favor grabbing mid-tier configs with FHD IPS display, Wi-Fi 6, and 16GB RAM, skipping the cheapest TN panel spec. As one Best Buy reviewer advised, “I intentionally got a larger screen… did more RAM so if I wanted to watch a movie it wouldn’t freeze.”
FAQ
Q: Is the HP 17 suitable for gaming?
A: Light gaming is fine; Iris Xe graphics handle medium settings on popular titles. For AAA high-end games, expect compromises in resolution or frame rate.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM?
A: Yes, most HP 17 models feature two slots, with user reports installing up to 32GB. Upgrading benefits heavy multitaskers and creative app users.
Q: How’s the battery life in real-world use?
A: Mixed reports—light browsing can stretch 7–8 hours, but heavy workloads or streaming average 4–5 hours, per Reddit and Consumer Reports.
Q: Is the display full HD on all models?
A: No, some come with TN panels at 1600x900, while others use IPS with 1920x1080. Check specs closely before purchase.
Q: Does it have a backlit keyboard?
A: Select trims include it; others don’t. If night typing matters, confirm before buying.
Final Verdict: Buy if you prioritize a big-screen workhorse for desk setups, multitasking, and moderate mobility. Avoid if precise color work, long unplugged sessions, or night-time typing without backlight are deal-breakers. Pro tip from community: aim for the FHD IPS/16GB RAM/Wi-Fi 6 configuration—it maximizes comfort and performance without overspending.
