HP 17 Laptop Review: Big Screen, Mixed Verdict
Bold claims about battery life have often been met with skepticism, but the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) manages to surprise some users with figures beyond expectations, while still frustrating others with overheating and build concerns. Overall score from aggregated feedback: 7.9/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3-inch FHD display with decent brightness | Some models use lower-resolution TN panels (1600x900) |
| Solid everyday performance with Intel i5-1335U and Iris Xe Graphics | Plastic build and keyboard flex under pressure |
| Strong multitasking due to up to 16GB RAM | Keyboard heat buildup during long use |
| Long battery life in light/mixed workloads | Poor color accuracy for creative work |
| Lightweight for its size | No SD card reader or optical drive |
| Versatile ports including HDMI and USB-C | Variance in battery performance between 4–8 hours depending on use |
| Affordable compared to similar 17-inch laptops | Touchpad feels cheap to many users |
Claims vs Reality
HP promotes this laptop as a “budget-friendly workhorse” with a reliable Intel i5 processor and vibrant display. Official listings boast a Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare panel, yet LibraSpecs reviewers point out that “the TN panel’s resolution is only at 1600x900 pixels, not even full HD.” This discrepancy comes from multiple variants — some retail units match the spec sheet, but others ship with lower resolution, confusing buyers.
Battery life marketing aligns moderately well with real-world use. HP states up to 6–8 hours, but Reddit user feedback suggests more varied results. One owner reported: “Maybe 4 hours of use” in heavy multitasking, while Consumer Reports tests achieved “7.75 hours in a light load web browsing test” and nearly 10 hours streaming video.
Another bold claim is “seamless multitasking” with Intel Iris Xe graphics. While most users agree that everyday tasks, streaming, and even light gaming are smooth, back-end performance for photo or video editing falters. Consumer Reports found it “slow for manipulating images, editing videos, and calculating simulations,” meaning creators may not find it sufficient for heavy workloads.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy, Amazon, and Reddit, the large display size is a recurring benefit for those with vision impairments or who simply prefer more screen real estate. A verified Best Buy buyer shared: “Nice large touch screen with good graphics and large icons for lower vision.” Students, data analysts, and general home users appreciate the extra space for spreadsheets and multitasking windows.
Performance consistently earns praise in its category. Reddit user feedback confirms “fan noise is quite quiet” and the machine handles “large Excel spreadsheets, statistical programming in R, a million Chrome tabs” without severe throttling. Best Buy reviews frequently highlight "excellent functionality" and the ability to watch movies without freezing due to adequate RAM.
Battery endurance, despite mixed reports, is another highlight under light usage. Trustpilot aggregation from LibraSpecs notes up to 7.5 hours of mixed tasks, with extended streaming surpassing 9 hours. This benefits lecturers, students, and professionals who use the laptop unplugged during day-long events.
Common Complaints
Build quality draws criticism — especially the flex in the keyboard deck. LibraSpecs’ review mentions “the keyboard does bend a little when typing text,” echoing Reddit posts about heat buildup on the key surface. Plastic materials make the shell feel less premium, and some buyers worry about long-term durability.
Display quality is divisive when TN panels are involved. While IPS variants match the promise of sharp, anti-glare visuals, TN configurations deliver “subpar resolution and color accuracy” according to Trustpilot summaries. Color reproduction, often around 60% sRGB, is unsuitable for professional creatives.
Connectivity limitations irritate some experienced users. Absence of an SD card slot and Ethernet port means adapters are necessary. For photographers or wired internet setups, this becomes an inconvenience, though others simply don’t miss them.
Divisive Features
The backlit keyboard appears in some configurations but not others, leading to confusion. LibraSpecs lists lack of backlight as a con, yet multiple Amazon and Newegg listings clearly include it. For late-night workers, this difference is crucial.
Battery life disparity divides opinion — Consumer Reports ratings praise endurance, while Reddit activity suggests heavier workflows cut it down to 4 hours. This makes it conditional: great for casual browsing, less so for intensive multitasking on battery alone.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns over HP’s reputation surface in Reddit discussions, with one buyer nervously commenting, “HP doesn’t have a great reputation.” However, eBay-certified refurbished listings and HP’s 1-year manufacturer warranty provide some reassurance. Repairs and support are backed by HP, but the plastic chassis is consistently noted as less durable for travel; Best Buy customers advise against it for frequent portable use.
Long-term durability stories are mixed. While no major failure trends emerged within 6–12 months of ownership in community forums, repeated mentions of cheap-feeling touchpads and bending keyboards suggest susceptibility to wear over years. No widespread battery degradation issues were reported yet.
Alternatives
Reviewer comparisons often mention Dell Inspiron 15 3510 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5 as higher-ranking in LibraSpecs scoring. HP’s own ProBook 455 G7 is recommended for “upgraded performance” in the same price range, while the HP 470 G9 offers superior displays and build. These alternatives are better suited for users prioritizing display color accuracy or robust chassis durability over screen size value.
Price & Value
Prices vary widely by source and configuration. Amazon FHD IPS 16GB/512GB models list at $599–$690, while eBay refurbished TN panel units can dip to $358.90–$499.99. Given the variation in resolution, buyers should confirm specs before purchase to avoid lower-quality panels.
Resale value remains modest, with refurbished units holding ~70–75% of current retail if in excellent shape. Community advice stresses checking seller specs, especially for panel type and backlit keyboard inclusion, before investing. For budget-minded buyers needing ample screen space, this remains a strong deal against similarly specced 17-inch laptops.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP 17 Laptop always come with a Full HD display?
A: No. While some models are equipped with 1920x1080 IPS panels, others ship with 1600x900 TN screens, which have lower sharpness and color accuracy. Always check the specific listing before purchase.
Q: How long does the battery last in realistic usage?
A: In light browsing and streaming, reports show up to 7.5–10 hours. Heavy multitasking or gaming can reduce this to 3–4 hours, according to Reddit and Consumer Reports tests.
Q: Is the keyboard backlit on all configurations?
A: No. Some variants include backlit keyboards, while others omit them, as noted in LibraSpecs data and customer reviews. This impacts night usability.
Q: Can the RAM and storage be upgraded?
A: Yes. Users report two RAM slots and the ability to add a 2.5-inch drive, making upgrades possible for heavy workloads.
Q: Is it suitable for gaming?
A: Light to moderate gaming works fine with Iris Xe Graphics. However, demanding titles will require lowered settings or resolutions to maintain smooth play.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home or office user needing a large display, solid multitasking, and light-weight build at a reasonable price. Avoid if color accuracy, premium materials, or guaranteed long battery under heavy load are priorities. Pro tip from the community: always double-check resolution and keyboard specs before ordering — HP’s model variability can change your user experience drastically.
