HP Omnibook X review: A return to professional fundamentals
Priced from $900 on promotion, the 14-inch device features Intel Core Ultra chips and a 3K OLED display, aiming to strip back laptop design to its core essentials.
HP has released the Omnibook X, a professional ultraportable laptop that prioritises reliability and performance over aesthetic flair. According to a review published by Engadget on 17 August 2026, the device is designed to excel in fundamental tasks without the inclusion of unnecessary gimmicks. The laptop features a 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen and is powered by Intel Core Ultra chips, including the 16-core Core Ultra X9 388H processor in the reviewed model.
The device is priced at $1,400, with a promotional sale price of $900 for base models. The reviewed unit, equipped with the Core Ultra X9 chip, an Arc B390 GPU, and 32GB of RAM, represents a high-end configuration. Upgrades are available, including a $190 increase for the Core Ultra 7 chip or $360 for a configuration with 24GB of RAM. Engadget described the laptop as a "refreshing throwback" to a time before complex laptop designs, evoking a sense of buttoned-up professionalism similar to other business-focused machines.
Hardware specifications include a weight of 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg) and a thickness of 12.6mm. The 3K OLED display offers a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 colour coverage, and up to 1,100 nits of HDR brightness. The laptop emphasises robust build quality and extensive connectivity, featuring USB-C, Type-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack, though it lacks an SD card reader.
Performance benchmarks highlighted in the review showed the device achieving a PCMark 10 Modern Office score of 18 hours and 25 minutes. In gaming tests, the integrated GPU averaged 81 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with high settings. The bundled 65W GaN charger reaches 50% capacity in approximately 45 to 46 minutes, supporting extended use between charges.
The review noted that the laptop’s design focuses on getting the basics right, with a smooth anodized aluminum case and an excellent keyboard and haptic touchpad. While the audio output was deemed adequate, the overall assessment was that the Omnibook X provides a compelling, reliable option for professionals who value performance and connectivity over flashy design elements.
