HP 17 Laptop Review: Solid Budget Performance, Mixed Design
A Reddit user summed up their experience with the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) bluntly: "It's a good laptop! Only thing I don't love is how warm the keyboard gets and that it gets warm overnight." That sentiment encapsulates the trade-offs here — solid performance at an accessible price, but with compromises in design and endurance. Across multiple platforms, the laptop earns points for its roomy screen, respectable multitasking power, and comfortable size-to-weight ratio, while taking hits over screen resolution, battery life, and build material. Averaging ratings in the 3.7–4.8 range depending on configuration, it's a machine that works best in specific scenarios rather than universally.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Good for budget-conscious home and office use, less ideal for travel or graphics work.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong Intel Core i5-1335U performance with Iris Xe graphics | Many configurations use only HD+ (1600×900) display instead of FHD, leading to less crisp visuals |
| Large 17.3-inch screen with comfortable viewing angles | Battery life often underperforms marketing claims, with Reddit users reporting ~4 hours for real-world use |
| Upgradeable RAM and storage options | Plastic chassis with some keyboard flex; not as durable as higher-end models |
| Generally quiet fan noise during typical workloads | No Ethernet port or SD card reader in most builds |
| Comfortable full-size keyboard with numeric keypad | Touchpad quality feels cheap; some models lack backlighting |
| Affordable pricing, especially in refurbished market | Runs warm, especially around the keyboard area |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets this model as a workhorse for productivity with "up to 7.5 hours of battery life" and a large, anti-glare display that boosts productivity for home and business users. Consumer Reports backed up the claim in light-usage scenarios, noting battery durations of “8 hours in light load... 6 hours in a heavier load”. However, everyday users report discrepancies. One Reddit owner claimed that battery life was “pretty minimal... maybe 4 hours of use,” signalling that heavy multitaskers or Chrome-tab enthusiasts may need to stay near a power source.
The display is advertised as FHD in some specs, but multiple configurations — especially budget versions — ship with a 1600×900 TN panel. Libraspecs reviewers pointed out, “The TN panel’s resolution is... not even full HD, making it not as crisp as desired”, while others saw the lower resolution as a boon for gaming frame rates. This mismatch between marketing and actual shipped panel type can be confusing for buyers.
HP also emphasizes enhanced productivity through a “sleek and professional build,” but users consistently highlight that the plastic chassis can flex. As one Best Buy reviewer phrased it: “Good internals, but plastic shell... Not a model I would travel with, due to less durability compared to high-end models.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Performance is a consistent bright spot. With the 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U’s 10 cores and 12 threads, multitasking-heavy professionals find it keeps pace. A Best Buy customer who bumped the RAM praised, “I did more RAM so if I wanted to watch a movie it wouldn't freeze or give me any lag.” Libraspecs testing concluded the Iris Xe graphics “provide smooth workflow... even light gaming.” This makes it an appealing mid-range choice for coding, office work, and occasional games like The Sims or SimCity, according to Fakespot-aggregated reviews.
The full-size keyboard with numeric keypad is another high point for spreadsheet warriors. Consumer Reports noted the number pad boosts data entry efficiency, and even without the best tactile feel, the “comfortably sized” layout helps long work sessions.
Upgradability resonates strongly with technically inclined buyers. Libraspecs highlighted “extensive memory upgrade options... two slots for RAM and ability to add a 2.5-inch hard drive,” which is a rarity in this price segment and size.
Common Complaints
Battery endurance is the most frequent sticking point. While reviewers in controlled conditions sometimes saw 7+ hours, many real-world users fall short. The Reddit user who saw ~4 hours and Fakespot’s mentions of “battery life is utter trash” in certain configurations illustrate the unpredictability.
Display quality, particularly on HD+ TN panels, draws some of the harshest criticism. Libraspecs called it “middling” and noted only 60% sRGB color accuracy. This affects photographers, designers, or anyone who cares about display sharpness. Even Consumer Reports’ praise for “very good overall” visuals was tempered by the acknowledgement of a smaller color gamut than competitors.
Thermal comfort is a minor but repeated issue. The same Reddit user who recommended it overall warned about heat buildup during prolonged use, and this is echoed by quieter notes in aggregate reviews.
Divisive Features
The build quality divides opinion. Some, like Best Buy buyers, appreciate the “very nice... not heavy” portability, while others bemoan the plastic flex and “cheap” touchpad feel (Libraspecs). This gap often relates to expectations: those upgrading from much older or smaller machines find the design premium, while experienced pros may see it as a downgrade from aluminum or magnesium alloy builds.
The backlit keyboard story also splits users — some configurations feature it per Newegg and Amazon specs, others do not. For those who get it, night use is comfortable; for others, the absence is a dealbreaker.
Trust & Reliability
Fakespot’s analysis found “minimal deception” in the review ecosystem for this model, suggesting most feedback is genuine. However, some buyers report outliers such as one experiencing blue-screens on wake and even HDD noises, indicating early hardware failures on certain units. The warning to “make sure to buy the extended warranty” appears multiple times. Long-term indicators are sparse due to the model’s relative newness, but HP’s mixed brand perception in Reddit discussions shows that trust is not fully restored among seasoned buyers.
Alternatives
Several comparable systems surface in reviews. Libraspecs and Quora recommend the Dell Inspiron 15 3510 for a better-balanced display and Asus Chromebook Flip CM5 if you prefer ChromeOS productivity. HP’s own ProBook 455 G7 earns mentions for sturdier build and potentially better battery performance.
Price & Value
At launch, new units retail in the $639–$729 range, with Amazon upgrades pushing toward $700+. Refurbished options on eBay dip to around $500, often with upgraded RAM or storage, making them attractive for users willing to forgo full warranty coverage. Seller ratings on eBay for these refurbs are high (98–100% positive), and most come in “like-new” condition.
Buyers note value is maximized when upgrading RAM yourself and snagging a model with the FHD IPS panel rather than the HD+ TN screen. As one Best Buy customer put it: “Great economical HP product option. Good internals... Price was reasonable.”
FAQ
Q: Is the display Full HD or HD+?
A: It depends on the configuration. Some ship with a 1920×1080 IPS panel, others with a 1600×900 TN panel. Always check the seller’s detailed specs before purchase to avoid surprises.
Q: How long does the battery last in real-world use?
A: Light usage can get 6–8 hours per lab tests, but heavy multitasking often sees 3–4 hours, especially with browser-heavy workloads.
Q: Can the RAM and storage be upgraded?
A: Yes. Many models feature two RAM slots and can accept a 2.5-inch HDD/SSD in addition to the M.2 SSD, making upgrades straightforward.
Q: Is it good for gaming?
A: Suitable for light-to-medium gaming. Iris Xe graphics can handle older or less demanding games, but AAA titles will require lowered settings.
Q: How heavy is it for a 17-inch laptop?
A: At around 4.6 lbs, it’s relatively light for its class, but the size still makes it better suited for desk use than travel.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home or office user needing a big screen, comfortable keyboard, and decent multitasking power at a mid-range price, and you’re okay tethered near an outlet. Avoid if you require high color accuracy, all-day portability, or premium build materials. Pro tip: Opt for a configuration with the FHD IPS display and consider a user-installed RAM upgrade to extend its functional lifespan.
