HP 17 Laptop Review: Big Screen Performance Verdict
A Reddit user summed up the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) in one line: "It’s a good laptop! Only thing I don’t love is how warm the keyboard gets and that it gets warm overnight." That balance of praise and caution is echoed across multiple platforms, reflecting a machine that delivers strong performance and generous screen real estate while carrying a few quirks. With scores ranging from 4.8/5 on Best Buy to a Librascore of 60/100, the verdict swings between satisfied everyday users and more demanding reviewers who see limits in the display and ergonomics.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth multitasking via 13th Gen Intel i5 & Iris Xe graphics | Some models limited to 1600x900 resolution |
| Large 17.3-inch screen with decent brightness | Keyboard can bend and get warm |
| Solid battery life (4–7.5 hrs mixed use) | No backlit keyboard on some configs |
| Good value for price | Cheap-feeling touchpad |
| Upgrade-friendly RAM & storage | No SD card slot or optical drive |
| Lightweight for its size category | Display color accuracy ~60% sRGB |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the 17.3-inch laptop as “ideal for business and everyday computing” with crisp visuals, multitasking-friendly RAM, and smooth graphics performance. On paper, configurations range from HD+ 1600x900 panels to FHD 1920x1080 IPS displays, with up to 64GB RAM and massive SSD options.
Digging deeper into user reports, display clarity isn't always as marketed. The Libraspecs review emphasizes: "The TN panel’s resolution is only at 1600x900 pixels, not even full HD, making it not as crisp as desired." This contradicts listings that tout full HD in some configurations. Buyers who choose the lower-res screen find it adequate for office work but lacking for detail-oriented creative tasks.
HP’s battery life claim leans toward all-day usability. While Consumer Reports found light browsing could hit 8 hours, Reddit feedback suggested “maybe 4 hours of use” in real-world heavy workloads. This means road warriors or students without frequent access to outlets should double-check configuration choices.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One constant across Best Buy, Reddit, and Consumer Reports feedback is performance in multitasking situations. A verified Best Buy buyer noted: "I did more RAM so if I wanted to watch a movie it wouldn’t freeze or give me any lag." Reddit posts describe “a million Chrome tabs open at once” without slowdowns—benefiting researchers, programmers, and data analysts.
The generous screen size is appreciated by those with vision challenges. Another Best Buy reviewer explained: "Nice large touch screen with good graphics and large icons for lower vision." For work applications like large Excel sheets or statistical programming in R, this window real estate reduces scrolling and switching.
Battery life also earns praise in lighter use cases. Libraspecs cited up to 7.5 hours for mixed tasks and nearly 10 hours of video streaming—making it suitable for teachers and presenters who need a machine to last through long sessions without tethering to a charger.
Common Complaints
The biggest ergonomic gripe is the keyboard. Multiple reports mention it bending slightly under typing pressure. This affects heavy typists or those in data entry jobs, who depend on consistent feedback from keys. Reddit adds the temperature issue: warm keyboards during prolonged use or even overnight while idle.
Display criticism is specific: configurations with TN panels and 1600x900 resolution suffer from lower crispness and color accuracy around 60% sRGB. Photo editors and designers find this limiting. Consumer Reports also notes “colors were in the ballpark, though not completely accurate.”
Physical design trade-offs appear in missing features—no SD card slot or optical drive. For photographers or archivists digitizing CD/DVD libraries, this means relying on external devices.
Divisive Features
Weight and portability split opinions. At 4.6 lbs, Consumer Reports calls it “lightweight for a laptop of this size,” but some Best Buy reviews caution against frequent travel due to the plastic shell’s durability limits compared to premium models.
The fan noise earns mixed feedback: Reddit says “quite quiet,” while others report warmth buildup without loud cooling—a balance that may please gamers but concern those worried about long-term heat impact.
Trust & Reliability
While the “ghost” nature of certain model numbers raised suspicion on Reddit (“no identified lineup name”), verification across Amazon, HP Store, and eBay listings confirms legitimate specs and manufacturer refurbishments. Certified refurbished units often come with 2-year Allstate warranties, which buyers see as reassurance.
Durability over time is more nuanced. Reports don’t show systemic failures, but keyboard flex and display limitations are tied to design choices rather than wear. Consumer Reports found performance “among the fastest” for common tasks, suggesting the internals hold up, though not ideal for heavy creative workloads.
Alternatives
Among mentioned comparisons, Libraspecs points to the Dell Inspiron 15 3510 and Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 as higher-scoring in metrics for similar price ranges. For better build quality, HP’s own 470 G9 and ProBook 455 G7 were recommended for sturdier materials and enhanced performance.
These alternatives would suit users focused on durability or specialized tasks requiring more color-accurate screens. However, for buyers prioritizing screen size, multitasking capability, and value, the HP 17 remains competitive.
Price & Value
Prices vary widely—Best Buy listed it at $689.99 before selling out, while eBay certified-refurbished deals run from $358.90 to around $499.45. Amazon configurations escalate into higher RAM/SSD territory, pushing values above $1,000 for maxed-out builds.
Community buying tips stress matching configuration to needs. Reddit users upgrading RAM found performance leaps without needing premium models. Buyers on eBay often note that refurbished units “work like new” and meet manufacturer specs, making them compelling for budget-conscious professionals.
FAQ
Q: Is the HP 17 laptop good for gaming?
A: Suitable for light to medium gaming thanks to Intel Iris Xe graphics and lower resolution on some models, which aids frame rates. Not a fit for high-end AAA titles at ultra settings.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM?
A: Yes, with two memory slots allowing up to 64GB in certain builds. This benefits programmers, researchers, and content creators handling heavy multitasking.
Q: How accurate are the display colors?
A: TN panel builds offer around 60% sRGB color accuracy, fine for occasional photo/video editing but inadequate for professional color work.
Q: Does it have a backlit keyboard?
A: Some configurations include it, notably those sold via Newegg, but many budget models omit this feature—affecting nighttime usability.
Q: What’s the battery life like?
A: Under light loads, up to 8–10 hours is possible; heavier multitasking may cut it to 4–6 hours.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a business professional, student, or casual gamer needing a big screen and strong multitasking on a budget. Avoid if you require professional-grade display accuracy or plan to travel frequently with it. Pro tip from the community: target configurations with FHD IPS panels and backlit keyboards for the best balance of usability and comfort.
