HP 17 Laptop Review: Strong Performance, Mixed Build Quality
A verified buyer on Best Buy summed up their experience with a blunt statement: “Great economical HP product option. Good internals, but plastic shell.” That sentiment wraps up the HP 17 Laptop 17.3-inch (13th Gen Intel i5) pretty well—capable performance with a few material compromises. Across hundreds of data points, this machine scored a solid 7.8/10, offering an appealing balance for home and office users, though not without its flaws.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy – Strong daily performance but mixed portability and build.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large 17.3" FHD screen with good viewing angles | Plastic shell feels less durable |
| Smooth multitasking with Intel Core i5 & Iris Xe graphics | Keyboard can get warm during use |
| Comfortable typing experience with numeric keypad | Battery life averages 4–7 hours depending on load |
| Lightweight for size category (4.6 lbs) | No SD card slot, optical drive missing |
| Versatile connectivity with USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6 | Touchpad feels cheap to some users |
| Good value at current prices | Screen brightness and color accuracy lag behind rivals |
Claims vs Reality
HP’s marketing promises “reliable performance” from the 13th Gen Intel Core i5 and a vibrant FHD display. On performance, that claim is largely validated. Consumer Reports testing found it “among the fastest with common tasks such as web browsing and video conferencing,” and Reddit user u/*** added, “Fan noise is quite quiet, but the battery life is pretty minimal—maybe 4 hours of use.” That battery life is notably shorter than advertised in heavy workloads, but sufficient for lighter tasks.
As for the display, HP touts “anti-glare, narrow bezel,” promising immersive visuals. Reality is more nuanced. In hands-on tests, colors were “in the ballpark, though not completely accurate,” and Reddit reports echoed a lack of vibrancy. Trustpilot’s LibraSpecs ranking pointed to only 60% sRGB color accuracy, making it less ideal for professional editing—though still serviceable for streaming and casual use.
HP’s push on “modern features” like a fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard lands unevenly. While the security touch is appreciated, not all configurations include the backlight; Trustpilot reviewers flagged the absence in their units as a notable omission.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Users consistently praise the large screen’s comfort for work and entertainment. Best Buy reviewers loved the “nice big screen with good graphics and large icons for lower vision,” and many older users found this size alleviated eye strain during prolonged sessions. Office workers benefit from the spacious numeric keypad—Consumer Reports highlighted its “dedicated number pad for faster data entry,” a boon for data-heavy tasks.
Performance for everyday computing is another win. The Intel Core i5-1335U paired with 16GB RAM breezes through multitasking. A verified buyer on Amazon.fr noted the “ultra-performant” nature for general productivity, and Newegg’s description of “no noise, reduced heat production” aligns with Reddit reports of quiet fan operation.
Battery life, while divisive, earns praise in light usage scenarios. Consumer Reports recorded up to 7.75 hours in web-only workloads. Trustpilot’s review mentioned “watching Netflix online stretched the battery to almost 10 hours,” showing strong endurance for video playback—a plus for students on long commutes or travelers in transit.
Common Complaints
Build quality remains a sticking point. While some appreciate the lightweight chassis, the plastic shell feels “less durable compared to high-end models,” as one Best Buy customer put it. LibraSpecs reviewers described “keyboard bend when typing,” sometimes affecting comfort for fast typists. This flex, combined with a “cheap” touchpad noted on Trustpilot, makes the laptop less attractive for premium-focused buyers.
Heat dispersion under sustained workloads also raises concerns. On Reddit, one user shared, “Only thing I don't love is how warm the keyboard gets and that it gets warm overnight,” implying that thermals may bother those in warmer climates or extensive work sessions.
Feature omissions frustrate media-heavy users. Lacking an SD card slot and optical drive means extra accessories for photo imports or media playback. Consumer Reports flagged this as a “downside” for creatives, requiring workarounds like external card readers.
Divisive Features
The display quality splits opinion. For casual users, the anti-glare properties and wide viewing angles make shared viewing enjoyable; Consumer Reports noted minimal glare even in bright rooms. Yet color-critical work is hindered by underwhelming accuracy, with some reviewers stating it’s “not completely accurate” for editing.
Battery life perception swings widely depending on use. Reddit’s 4-hour report contrasts with Consumer Reports’ near-8-hour figure, reflecting workload sensitivity—gamers and intensive multitaskers see fast drain, while document-heavy users enjoy longer runtimes.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot records suggest HP 17 owners generally feel they get good value at the $600–$700 range, but with tempered expectations on longevity. Minor durability concerns—keyboard flex, touchpad wear—are consistent across six-month anecdotes on Reddit. The heat retention complaint, while not widespread, could indicate long-term component stress.
HP’s brand reliability ranking from Consumer Reports places it mid-pack; no glaring systemic issues emerged, but experienced buyers caution against hard travel use. A Best Buy reviewer admitted, “Not a model I would travel with, due to less durability.”
Alternatives
Within the same price range, community comparisons often mention the Dell Inspiron 15 3510 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CM5. LibraSpecs rated these higher in display and build metrics. For better color accuracy and sturdier chassis, professionals lean toward Dell; for enhanced portability and touchscreen versatility, ASUS’ Chromebook Flip edges ahead.
HP’s own Envy 17 series earns praise for premium materials, Thunderbolt connectivity, and 300-nit panels, but at a higher cost. However, several Envy models are discontinued, limiting availability.
Price & Value
Refurbished units on eBay drop as low as $358.90 for 8GB/256GB configurations, while fully spec’d retail models sit around $599–$689. Best Buy’s sale price is notably under the comparable value of $759.99. Resale holds moderately—refurbs sell at ~60% of retail within a year, suggesting stable depreciation for the category.
Buying tips from the community stress checking for backlit keyboard inclusion and confirming Wi-Fi 6 support, as some regional models differ. Refurbished factory-certified units often pack identical performance at reduced cost.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP 17’s battery last a full workday?
A: In light browsing scenarios, yes—tests show 7–8 hours is possible. Heavy tasks like gaming or video editing can cut that to around 4 hours.
Q: Is the HP 17 good for photo or video editing?
A: Casual editing is fine, but limited color accuracy (~60% sRGB) may frustrate professionals seeking precision.
Q: Can the RAM be upgraded?
A: Yes, users report installing up to 32GB DDR4, helpful for running complex apps or large datasets.
Q: How portable is this laptop?
A: At 4.6 lbs, it’s light for its size but not ideal for frequent travel—plastic build and large footprint hinder mobility.
Q: Does it have a backlit keyboard?
A: Some configurations do, but not all. Verify before purchase to avoid disappointment in low-light use.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a home or office user needing a large screen, solid performance, and value pricing. Avoid if you require premium build, top-tier color accuracy, or ultra-long battery for travel. Pro tip from the community: refurbished certified units can halve your cost without performance sacrifice.
