HP 17 Laptop Review: Big Screen, Solid Performance Verdict
A Reddit user captured the sentiment perfectly: “It’s a good laptop! Only thing I don’t love is how warm the keyboard gets and that it gets warm overnight.” That neatly sums up the experience with the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) — a roomy, capable machine that scores a solid 8.3/10 for work-focused buyers who value screen size and multitasking but can live with modest battery life and some thermal quirks.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for productivity-heavy, mostly stationary use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3-inch display offers comfortable multitasking space | Keyboard can heat up noticeably |
| Smooth performance with Intel Core i5-1335U and Iris Xe graphics | Battery life often capped at ~4 hours under real use |
| Plenty of RAM and upgrade potential (up to 32GB) | Some models ship with lower-resolution 1600×900 screens |
| Solid port selection including USB-C and HDMI | Plastic build less durable than premium laptops |
| Affordable price point compared to similar specs | Touchpad quality underwhelms |
| Backlit keyboard and numeric keypad on certain configurations | No SD card reader |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets this series as a “thoughtfully designed” productivity powerhouse with “plenty of storage, fast Wi-Fi, and a large display with narrow bezels.” On paper, configurations boasting 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and the 13th Gen Core i5 seem like a robust fit for office and creative workloads.
Digging deeper into user feedback, real-world multitasking lives up to that promise. A verified buyer on Amazon wrote: “Runs multiple applications and browser tabs all at once without slowing down.” Reddit user experience echoed this, particularly for “large Excel spreadsheets, statistical programming in R, a million Chrome tabs.”
However, battery performance doesn’t always align with marketing optimism. While Consumer Reports measured up to 8 hours in light browsing, multiple community members report closer to 4 hours during typical workflows. A Reddit comment confirmed: “Battery life is pretty minimal… maybe 4 hours of use.” That shift matters for mobile workers, less so for home or desk-bound use.
Display claims are another mixed bag. HP touts Full HD IPS panels with anti-glare technology on some SKUs, yet several value models ship with HD+ (1600×900) TN panels. On Digital Trends, reviewers noted, “It may not be the brightest of screens” — a view angle and color accuracy limitation that impacts creators more than spreadsheet warriors.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Performance gains from the Intel i5-1335U CPU and Iris Xe graphics repeatedly impressed. Consumer Reports found application start-up “almost instant” and multitasking “smooth.” Best Buy shoppers valued the extra RAM for media playback — “if I wanted to watch a movie it wouldn’t freeze or give me lag,” one wrote. Even light gaming holds up; LibraSpecs testing reported medium to high-end games at “decent frame rates,” making the laptop a versatile home-office machine.
The expansive 17.3-inch workspace draws consistent praise from professionals needing simultaneous windows open. Best Buy reviews highlight the “nice big screen” and Geek Squad setup ease, while Newegg buyers benefit from anti-glare for outdoor use. For teaching, one Best Buy customer said, “Excellent functionality. Great value! Use for work and teaching classes.”
Common Complaints
Thermals emerged as the most repeated flaw. Reddit and forum discussions detail noticeable warmth at the keyboard — sometimes even overnight when plugged in. While this doesn’t seem to cause throttling, it can bother those sensitive to heat.
Battery longevity stirs frustration. Reddit estimates of 4 hours sharply undercut Consumer Reports’ 8-hour light load testing, suggesting variability based on load and brightness. For heavy Chrome/browsing users, expectations should be tempered.
Build quality divides opinion: while HP’s marketing emphasizes sleekness, several owners flag “plastic shell” (Best Buy) and slight keyboard flex (LibraSpecs). Port omission like no SD card reader or Ethernet port also draws gripes from photographers and network-dependent users.
Divisive Features
Display resolution is a big split. Those with FHD IPS panels report clear visuals and vibrant colors, while others with HD+ TN versions cite weaker color accuracy (~60% sRGB) and modest brightness (250 nits). Reddit users focusing on code or spreadsheets often dismiss this as non-issue, but designers are more critical.
Upgradability is a plus for power users — two RAM slots and option for 2.5-inch HDD expansion give longevity. But some entry units ship with just 8GB installed, and casual buyers often don’t tap into that potential.
Trust & Reliability
Skepticism around generic “17” naming surfaced on Reddit: “It’s not an Omen or an Envy… I’m feeling nervous about opening the box.” Yet across Consumer Reports and Amazon Renewed certification, the model tested met advertised specs consistently. Verified refurb sellers on eBay stress manufacturer inspection and warranties, with Allstate offering two-year protection.
Long-term wear anecdotes are limited, but concerns focus more on environmental heat and the touchpad's subpar feel than catastrophic failures. Owners working plugged-in most of the day generally report steady reliability after months, aided by straightforward maintenance and upgrade paths.
Alternatives
For buyers craving higher build quality, reviewers suggest the HP 470 G9 or HP ProBook 455 G7 — both offering sturdier materials, better keyboard feedback, and improved display specs. LibraSpecs ranks these above the HP 17 for those willing to pay more. Meanwhile, Dell Inspiron 15 3510 and Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 score higher in comparable price ranges for portability and panel quality.
Price & Value
Prices vary steeply by configuration and point of sale. Amazon listings hit $599 for 16GB/512GB SSD units, while Digital Trends spotted HD+ versions at $420 during sales, down from $850 MSRP. Newegg’s upgraded builds with 1TB SSDs and FHD panels push toward $686. Community buying tips lean toward watching seasonal HP Store discounts or certified refurb deals on eBay under $500. Resale value is moderate — large-screen laptops hold appeal for niche audiences like educators and home offices.
FAQ
Q: Can the HP 17’s RAM be upgraded?
A: Yes. The machine supports up to 32GB DDR4 across two slots, making it easy to expand for power users managing heavy datasets or creative projects.
Q: Is it suitable for gaming?
A: For light gaming, yes. Intel Iris Xe graphics handle medium-grade titles respectably, though the TN HD+ panel on some units limits visual quality for immersive experiences.
Q: What’s the real-world battery life?
A: Mixed reports. Consumer Reports achieved up to 8 hours light use, but many users see closer to 4 hours under typical workloads.
Q: Does it have a backlit keyboard?
A: Select configurations do. Buyers should confirm panel and keyboard specs before purchase, as entry-level models may lack backlighting.
Q: How heavy is it?
A: At roughly 4.6 lbs, it’s lighter than many 17-inch laptops, manageable for occasional travel but better suited to static setups.
Final Verdict: Buy if your work benefits from a large display, solid multitasking, and stationary setup with reliable wired power. Avoid if you need all-day battery away from outlets or top-tier screen accuracy. Pro tip from the community: check model codes for FHD IPS variants and backlit keyboard before committing — “You’ll thank yourself later,” advises one Best Buy customer.
