HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch Review: Solid Yet Flawed Buy
Starting at under $500 in refurbished markets yet climbing to $699+ for new units, the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) earns a solid 7.8/10 from cross-platform user feedback. It’s celebrated for its roomy display, strong daily performance, and reliable battery, but the picture isn’t entirely rosy—resolution downgrades on certain models, flex-prone keyboards, and mid-tier build materials have left some owners conflicted.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth daily performance with Intel i5 + Iris Xe | Some models stuck at 1600x900 TN panel resolution |
| Comfortable large keyboard with numeric keypad | Keyboard flex and cheaper touchpad |
| Strong battery life for size (7–8 hours mixed use) | No SD card slot, some configs lack backlit keys |
| Plenty of RAM/storage upgrade potential | Plastic build less durable for frequent travel |
| Versatile port selection (USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6) | Certain versions ship with Wi-Fi 5/Bluetooth 4.2 |
Claims vs Reality
HP promotes this 17.3-inch laptop as “thoughtfully designed” with a large Full HD display, fast Wi-Fi 6, and sleek professional styling. On paper, its 13th Gen Intel Core i5 should meet the promise of smooth multi-tasking and light gaming, while the integrated Iris Xe graphics add creative capability.
Digging deeper into user reports, the display claim is where marketing and experience diverge most. Several Reddit and Trustpilot entries highlight that “the TN panel’s resolution is only 1600x900 pixels, not even full HD,” despite official listings touting 1920x1080 IPS in some versions. This isn’t just semantics—graphic designers and binge-watchers will feel the difference. A Reddit user summed it up: “It’s fine for browsing and spreadsheets, but if I edit photos, I immediately notice color accuracy is off.”
Battery life marketing claims are largely legitimate, though real-world numbers vary by type of use. While HP cites competitive uptime, Consumer Reports quantified 8 hours in web browsing and 6 hours in 4K playback. Reddit and Best Buy reviewers even clocked nearly 10 hours streaming Netflix, though gaming shaved endurance down to 3 hours.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Performance ranks among the top talking points. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The Core i5-1335U with 16 GB RAM flies through my teaching prep and Zoom calls,” and Reddit feedback confirms “smooth workflow and gaming capabilities for medium titles.” Even with integrated graphics, HP 17 models handle coding, office apps, and light creative work without major throttling.
Battery longevity wins applause across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Consumer Reports tests. For students and remote workers, that translates to untethered productivity. One Best Buy customer lauded: “It’s the first laptop I’ve used that makes it through the day without hunting for an outlet.”
Keyboard layout—a full-size unit with numeric pad—has also earned consistent praise. Best Buy reviewers appreciate it for data entry, and HP’s backlit option in certain trims enhances low-light usability, though not every SKU includes it.
Common Complaints
Display quality remains the Achilles’ heel. Models with TN 1600x900 screens feel dated, with muted colors and lower sharpness. “Not as crisp as desired,” wrote one Reddit user, though they conceded lower resolution can mean smoother play in lightweight gaming.
Build quality concerns revolve around flex and materials. Reddit commentary calls the chassis “sleek” but admits “the keyboard bends slightly when typing… plastic may not be as durable as expected.” Best Buy buyers echo similar caution, avoiding travel use to reduce wear.
Connectivity omissions are another sticking point: absence of an SD card slot and wired Ethernet frustrate photographers and IT professionals. While USB-C and HDMI ports are versatile, older configurations even lack backlit keyboards—a deterrent for nighttime users.
Divisive Features
The large 17.3-inch footprint splits opinion. Stationary users enjoy the “breathing space” for spreadsheets and entertainment, as highlighted in HP Tech Takes. But travelers find the size, while portable for its category, cumbersome compared to ultrabooks. Consumer Reports calls it “lightweight for this size,” yet some Best Buy customers simply wouldn’t risk the bulk on the road.
Battery charging speed—fast-charging to 50% in 30 minutes—is a hit with power users but less relevant for those near outlets. Similarly, the plastic build divides buyers between those who see it as “pleasantly professional” and those expecting a more premium feel given price.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit discussions reveal few outright “scam” concerns—most purchases met spec—but configuration confusion has led to mismatched expectations on display type and features like backlit keys. This underscores the need to check exact model codes before buying.
Durability in the medium term appears acceptable. One Reddit poster reported using their HP 17 for over six months “without performance drop,” though travel wear could accelerate chassis flex, especially around the keyboard area. Refurbished models from eBay and Newegg, professionally inspected and warrantied, carry good resale confidence, but buyers still worry about stock panel lifespan.
Alternatives
Within the HP family, the HP ProBook 455 G7 surfaces in Reddit comparisons for superior build quality and performance tuning. For sharper displays, the HP 470 G9 is floated as offering “latest advancements in display” with improved color and resolution.
Outside HP, LibraSpecs ranks Dell Inspiron 15 3510 and Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 higher in certain metrics within a similar price bracket, though both sacrifice the 17.3-inch form factor.
Price & Value
Pricing varies dramatically: refurbished models dip to $358.90–$499 on eBay, while new configurations at Best Buy and Amazon often hit $599–$699. The substantial price drop in refurbished units offers strong value if warranty-backed, but prospective owners must weigh potential TN panel limitations.
Community tips emphasize buying from transparent sellers, scrutinizing the exact display spec, and ensuring Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth 5+ in the SKU. Resale value remains moderate—particularly for FHD versions—which retain desirability among budget-conscious large-screen hunters.
FAQ
Q: Is the HP 17 Laptop suitable for gaming?
A: Light to medium gaming is fine, thanks to Intel Iris Xe graphics and decent CPU performance. Expect playable frame rates in older or less demanding titles, but not high-end AAA experiences.
Q: Can I upgrade RAM and storage?
A: Yes. Reddit reports two RAM slots and room for a 2.5-inch drive in some configurations. This extends useful life for heavier workloads.
Q: Does every HP 17 model have a Full HD screen?
A: No. Certain models use 1600x900 TN panels with lower color accuracy. Always verify resolution in the product listing.
Q: How good is the battery life?
A: Mixed-use results range from 7–8 hours, with Netflix viewing possibly stretching to 10. Gaming or heavy tasks reduce it to around 3 hours.
Q: Is the keyboard backlit?
A: Not on all versions. Check SKU details—lack of backlighting is a frequent complaint among night-time workers.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a home-based worker, student, or casual user seeking a large-screen laptop with solid everyday performance and battery stamina. Avoid if you need high-resolution color-critical work or rugged portability; TN panel models and plastic chassis will disappoint in those scenarios. Pro tip from the community: “Always match the exact model number to the spec sheet—HP 17 naming covers wildly different builds.”
