HP 17 Laptop Review: Large Screen Performance Verdict
A Reddit user summed it up succinctly: “It’s a good laptop! Only thing I don’t love is how warm the keyboard gets and that it gets warm overnight.” That pretty much captures the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) — capable, large-screen, yet with some quirks that matter depending on your usage habits. Across platforms, it scores a conditional 7.8/10 in user sentiment, with performance and screen size praised but build quality and battery life drawing mixed reactions.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Best for home or office users who value a large screen and solid performance, less ideal for frequent travelers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3" display with decent brightness | Lower resolution variants (1600x900) disappoint some buyers |
| Strong performance with 13th Gen Intel Core i5 | Gets warm near keyboard during extended use |
| Comfortable typing experience with numeric keypad | Plastic shell feels less durable |
| Good battery life for a 17-inch model (6–8 hours in mixed use) | No backlit keyboard on several configurations |
| Upgradeable RAM and storage | Lacks SD card reader and optical drive |
| Competitive pricing, especially refurbished | Touchpad feels cheap to some users |
| Anti-glare screen minimizes reflections | Model variants cause confusion in specs |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing materials tout “smooth and fast operation” from the 13th Gen Intel Core i5 and “crisp, clear visuals” on a Full HD IPS display. Yet digging deeper into user reports reveals inconsistencies. While some configurations indeed ship with a 1920x1080 IPS panel, a verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Max resolution is only 1600x900 — not full HD.” Consumer Reports tests confirmed multiple configurations at 1600x900, meaning potential buyers should verify the exact model before purchase.
Battery life is marketed as “ample for productivity anywhere.” Reddit user feedback paints a more nuanced picture: “Battery life is pretty minimal. Maybe 4 hours of use,” voiced one, while Best Buy buyers countered with claims of “fair battery life” and Consumer Reports measurements of 6–8 hours depending on workload. The discrepancy likely stems from varying brightness, workloads, and resolution.
On durability, HP presents a “sleek, professional” build, but Reddit users flagged heat and keyboard flex. A LibraSpecs reviewer wrote: “The keyboard does bend a little when typing text, although the experience is still pleasant overall.” This bend is common in plastic-bodied large laptops and contrasts with HP’s more premium lines.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For users who spend hours in spreadsheets, coding, or browsing with many tabs, performance is a key win. The combination of 10-core Intel i5 CPU and Iris Xe graphics was celebrated in multiple reviews. A Best Buy customer wrote: “I did more RAM so if I wanted to watch a movie it wouldn't freeze or give me any lag.” Reddit reports confirm stable fan noise and quick responsiveness for demanding workloads. The presence of a numeric keypad drew praise from accountants and teachers: “Dedicated number pad makes data entry faster,” noted one Consumer Reports tester.
Display size is consistently appreciated. Even critics of its resolution admitted the sheer screen real estate improves productivity for multitasking or teaching. Anti-glare coating gets positive marks for reducing reflections in bright rooms — “little or no glare when viewing outdoors,” according to Consumer Reports.
Battery life performance impressed several reviewers for a large-format machine. Trustpilot’s LibraSpecs test cited “up to 7.5 hours from a single charge in mixed usage,” with Netflix streaming stretching close to 10 hours — a rare feat in this category.
Common Complaints
Heat build-up during prolonged use, especially near the keyboard, was the most reported issue. For users gaming or compiling code, palm rest warmth could be distracting. Port limitations — notably, no SD card reader — frustrated photographers who rely on quick transfers. The lack of backlit keys on certain trims made nighttime work cumbersome: “Difficult to work at night,” states LibraSpecs.
Inconsistent display resolution emerged as a significant point of dissatisfaction. Buyers expecting Full HD sometimes ended up with HD+ panels. This affects clarity in movie playback and editing tasks, with color accuracy also noted at just ~60% sRGB in reviews.
Connectivity omissions such as Ethernet ports meant reliance on Wi-Fi, which was fine for casual users but not for those needing stable wired connections.
Divisive Features
Build quality split opinion. Some enjoy the professional aesthetic and lightweight for the size, but Best Buy reviewers acknowledged the “plastic shell” feels less robust than aluminum. Consumer Reports usability scores for the keyboard were strong, yet flex remained a point of contention. Performance for creative work was debated — while everyday tasks flew, heavy video editing showed slowdowns.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit discussions indicate confusion about the HP 17 lineup naming. A Reddit thread labeled the model “like a ghost” due to no clear association with premium HP sub-brands such as Envy or Omen. This lack of lineage worried buyers about long-term support.
However, refurbished units sold via authorized HP channels and certain eBay certified sellers consistently arrived “pristine, like-new” with warranties from manufacturers or providers like Allstate. Reports over six months of use didn’t surface major component failures, though wear from portable use could affect the plastic body.
Alternatives
The LibraSpecs comparison pointed readers toward Dell Inspiron 15 3510 and Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 for higher aggregate scores in similar price ranges. For better build, HP ProBook 455 G7 was suggested, and HP 470 G9 recommended for superior display color accuracy and resolution.
Alternatives tend to sacrifice screen size for portability or ramp up the price for premium metal builds, so the HP 17’s niche appeal remains for those prioritizing workspace over mobility.
Price & Value
In current markets, refurbished HP 17-cn3033cl units list around $499.99 on eBay, sometimes down from $599.99. New configurations with higher RAM and SSD capacity reach $686–$759 at mainstream retailers. Value perception is high among Best Buy reviewers calling it a “great economical option.”
Resale trends show refurbished large laptops maintaining decent value if kept in good condition, especially with upgraded RAM or storage. Community advice emphasizes confirming screen specs before purchase and considering authorized refurbishers for budget savings without major risk.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP 17 always come with a Full HD display?
A: No. Some variants have 1600x900 HD+ resolution, which is lower than Full HD and less crisp. Buyers should confirm the exact model’s specs before purchasing.
Q: Can this laptop handle gaming?
A: Light to medium gaming is possible with Iris Xe graphics. Users reported decent frame rates at lower resolutions, but it’s not a dedicated gaming machine.
Q: Is the keyboard backlit?
A: Not on all configurations. Several reviews note non-backlit keyboards, which can hinder low-light use. Check specs before buying if this feature is important.
Q: How easy is it to upgrade the RAM?
A: The laptop has two RAM slots and can be upgraded beyond stock memory, with some users installing up to 32GB for heavy workloads.
Q: Does it have an SD card reader?
A: No built-in SD card reader; users needing this feature will have to use an external adapter.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home or office user who values a large anti-glare screen, solid performance for multitasking, and good battery life in a 17-inch form factor. Avoid if you need a portable, travel-friendly machine or require precise color accuracy. Pro tip from the community: verify resolution and backlit keyboard availability before ordering, as specs vary widely across HP 17 trims.
