I Tested HP’s OmniBook Ultra 14, a Gorgeous Ultraportable With Potent Processing Power

In our testing, the OmniBook Ultra 14 offered up a premium experience, with a lot of strong points that worked together brilliantly. From its design to its input devices and everything in between, the system feels thoughtfully executed.

The 3K (2,880-by-1,800-pixel) display makes for one of the system’s leading features—this is the type of screen that you’ll think about long after you’ve seen it. Sharp detail, rich color, and punchy contrast bring any content to life, with touch input and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate augmenting everyday practicality. It pairs well with the quad-speaker system, which sounds closer to a small Bluetooth speaker than a typical laptop. HP’s webcam also impresses, offering a crisp, well-exposed picture that outclasses the usual laptop fare.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

The laptop’s input devices are just as impressive. The lattice-free keyboard design looks clean, and the sloped key edges help preserve a sense of spacing. You also get nice key travel and a quiet, cushioned feel. I also appreciated the status LEDs integrated into the mute, microphone, function lock, and power keys, which make it easy to confirm key system states at a glance. The white key backlighting could stand out a bit more under ordinary lighting conditions, but it’ll do in the dark.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

The system gets another usability boost from effective thermal management. The laptop runs quietly day to day and stays comfortable to the touch under heavier workloads. Though the lack of USB-C ports might force you to pack some adapters, the OmniBook Ultra 14 remains a polished, dependable premium ultraportable that nails the core experience.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)