HP OmniBook 3 Review: Is This 17.3" Touchscreen Laptop Worth It?

The HP OmniBook 3 targets professionals and multitaskers who need a large, responsive display and reliable performance without breaking the bank. With a 17.3-inch FHD touchscreen, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD, this laptop promises to handle heavy workloads, creative tasks, and everyday computing with ease. But does it deliver on those promises, or are there better alternatives in this price range? This review breaks down the key features, performance benchmarks, and real-world usability to help buyers make an informed decision. The OmniBook 3 features a sleek, modern design with a 17.3-inch FHD touchscreen that supports 10-point multi-touch, making it ideal for note-taking, drawing, or navigating through documents. The build quality feels sturdy, with a matte black finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. The laptop measures 16.1 x 10.2 x 0.8 inches and weighs around 5.5 pounds, making it portable enough for commutes but not as lightweight as ultrabooks. The keyboard includes a numeric keypad and backlighting, which is a rare find in larger laptops and a major plus for data entry tasks. The touchpad is smooth and responsive, though some users report occasional lag with multi-finger gestures. Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 5 130 processor (6 cores, up to 4.55 GHz boost clock) paired with AMD Radeon 660M graphics delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, light video editing, and even some gaming. The 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD ensure smooth multitasking and ample storage for large files. The laptop runs Windows 11 out of the box, which is optimized for touch and pen input, though some users may prefer a more streamlined interface. Battery life is rated for up to 10 hours, which is decent for a 17-inch laptop but falls short compared to ultraportables. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, HDMI, and a headphone jack, covering most peripheral needs. For those considering alternatives, the HP OmniBook 3 competes with the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 17 and Dell Inspiron 17 7730. The Lenovo model offers a similar touchscreen and 16GB RAM but lacks the numeric keypad and has a smaller SSD. The Dell Inspiron provides a more premium build and longer battery life but at a higher price point. The OmniBook 3 stands out for its balance of performance, storage, and affordability, making it a strong contender for students, professionals, and home users who need a large, versatile laptop. The HP OmniBook 3 is a solid choice for buyers who prioritize screen size, storage, and affordability over ultraportability. It’s ideal for those who need a numeric keypad, touchscreen functionality, and enough power to handle daily tasks without lag. However, if battery life or weight is a concern, alternatives like the Dell Inspiron may be worth considering. For the price, this laptop offers excellent value, especially for users who need a spacious display and high storage capacity.