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| HP OmniBook 3 17 Laptop Review: A bargain or smelly leftovers depending on how you see it |
Is that "new" laptop smell, or do we detect something a little... stale? That’s the question facing anyone looking at HP’s latest budget 17-inch offering, the OmniBook 3 17. On paper, a large-screen laptop for around €550 seems like a no-brainer for students or home offices. But a deep dive into the specs reveals a processor that’s more "milk left out overnight" than "fresh off the farm."
Let’s be honest: the term "budget laptop" usually comes with a list of compromises. But you don’t expect the main ingredient—the processor—to be several generations old in disguise. That’s the core controversy with the HP OmniBook 3 17-dp0451ng, and it makes recommending this machine a bit of a paradox.
The Core Problem: A CPU From a Bygone Era
The headline feature (or flaw, depending on your perspective) is the AMD Ryzen 5 40. It sounds modern, right? Well, as our detailed review explains, it’s essentially a rebadged Ryzen 5 7520U, which itself is built on the ancient Zen 2 architecture. We’re talking technology that’s been eclipsed by two or three newer generations.
In benchmarks, the gap is a chasm. The Ryzen 5 40 in this HP is a staggering 60% to 70% slower than current budget-friendly chips like the AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 or 430. Intel’s Core Ultra 7 255U is nearly 90% faster. For a 2026 laptop, that’s not just a step behind; it’s a full-on sprint in the wrong direction.
In everyday use, this translates to sluggishness. Websites take a moment longer to load, apps feel a bit laggy, and the system’s overall response time is disappointing. If you’re the type of user who keeps 20 Chrome tabs open while streaming music and editing a document, you’ll feel the strain.
More Than Just an Old Brain: The Other Compromises
The outdated processor isn’t the only corner HP cut to hit that €549 price point. The input experience is a mixed bag. The keyboard lacks a backlight (annoying for night owls) and has a strange layout, while the touchpad feels "rickety" and cheap when clicked.
The display is another area of cost-cutting. On the plus side, it’s a matte IPS panel that gets surprisingly bright (over 374 nits, beating HP’s own specs). However, the color coverage is dismal, hitting only 62% of sRGB. This means images and videos will look pale and washed out. It’s fine for spreadsheets, but movie nights or photo editing are out of the question.
Even the SSD is sluggish. The Western Digital drive is one of the slower models on the market, contributing to that overall "pokey" feel. And once you buy it, you’re stuck—the RAM is soldered to the motherboard and not upgradeable.
The Silver Linings: Where It Gets Things Right
So, is the OmniBook 3 17 a complete write-off? Not entirely. Its saving grace is its efficiency. Because the old processor sips power, the laptop stays cool and quiet. The fan is rarely intrusive, and the 41 Wh battery delivers solid runtimes for a 17-inch machine. You could easily get through a full workday of typing and light browsing.
The chassis, while made of plastic, looks stylish with a bright, metal-like finish. And at just under 2 kg (4.3 lbs), it’s pleasantly portable for a 17-incher. The speakers are also surprisingly good for this price range, offering clear sound with decent volume.
The Verdict: Who Is This For?
As the original reviewer put it, your opinion of the HP OmniBook 3 17 depends entirely on how you see it.
- As a pure office machine for basic web browsing, email, and word processing? The large screen, low price, and excellent battery life give it a real purpose. If you can forgive the mediocre keyboard and dull display, it’s a bargain.
- As a general-purpose or multimedia laptop for students or casual gaming? It’s a hard pass. The sluggish CPU, poor color gamut, and almost useless iGPU (the Radeon 610M can barely handle GTA V on low settings, let alone anything modern) make it feel like smelly leftovers.
Where to Find (or Avoid) the HP OmniBook 3 17
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided this budget beast (or beastly budget laptop) is for you, the specific model number reviewed (17-dp0451ng) is available through various online retailers. You can find it and check the latest pricing at Computeruniverse, a reliable source for European customers.
For those in the US or looking for wider marketplace options, it’s always worth checking major platforms. See the current listings on Amazon here for this model or similar configurations:
However, before you click "buy," consider this strong advice: Spend a little more for a much better machine.
For the same budget or just a small step up, you can find laptops with the far superior AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 or 430 processors, or an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 series. These chips will offer double the performance, better integrated graphics for light gaming, and often come with better displays and build quality.
That small price increase moves you from "compromised leftovers" to a genuinely good laptop that will feel fast and modern for years to come. You can see a selection of better-equipped alternatives on Amazon here:
The Bottom Line: The HP OmniBook 3 17 is a testament to the saying "you get what you pay for." Its large screen and impressive battery life are tempting, but the ancient processor and myriad of small compromises make it a difficult recommendation for anyone but the most basic of users. In 2026, you can (and should) do better for your hard-earned money.
