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Today I'm going to do something I never thought I'd do.

I'm going to let AI write my review.

Don't worry... it hasn't started yet. I'll let you know when.

The HP OmniBook Ultra Laptop is all about AI. So much so it comes with two different AI apps installed by default. As one of the new breed of Microsoft Copilot PC's, it has a dedicated Copilot button to launch Microsoft's latest attempt at an all-encompassing AI helper.

The OmniBook Ultra also features HP's own AI Companion. With a device-specific shortcut to tweak the settings and performance of the laptop itself, this AI appears to be a natural evolution of the previous HP Support Assistant app. Although, that comes installed too. In fact, there are a lot of pre-installed apps, many of them doubling up on certain tasks.

It's confusing and certainly feels like AI overkill.

Anyway, I decided to put it all to the test. First, I asked HP AI Companion to write my review. It refused but then went on to summarise all the features pretty well anyway.

Microsoft Copilot was much more accommodating - although I couldn't get it to insert photos so the ones below I took myself. Have a read and see what you think...

The HP OmniBook Ultra is a sleek and powerful ultraportable laptop that has garnered attention for its impressive performance and design. Here’s a detailed review of this device, covering various aspects such as design, performance, battery life, and more.

Design and Build Quality

The HP OmniBook Ultra boasts a minimalist design that is both elegant and functional. The laptop features an aluminum chassis with a polished HP logo on the lid, giving it a premium look. The lid is simple and finished in aluminum, while the keyboard deck is dark gray with a lighter shade of gray for the top function row. The only design embellishment is the pale blue power button, which doubles as a fingerprint reader. The display is covered in glossy glass, which enhances color fidelity but can amplify reflections. The bezels are minimal along the sides, but more sizable at the top and bottom.

Display

The HP OmniBook Ultra comes with a 14-inch IPS touch screen with a resolution of 2240 by 1400 pixels. While the display offers good color accuracy and brightness, it falls short compared to OLED rivals. The glossy glass covering the display can be a double-edged sword, as it improves color fidelity but also increases reflections. The bezels are minimal along the sides, but more sizable at the top and bottom.

Performance

Under the hood, the HP OmniBook Ultra is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 processor, which delivers class-leading performance. The laptop also features AMD Radeon 890M integrated graphics, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and fast performance, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. The OmniBook Ultra proved to be a swift performer in benchmark tests, putting it in contention among the best ultrabooks.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the HP OmniBook Ultra is its impressive battery life. The laptop can last up to 21 hours and 28 minutes on a single charge, making it ideal for users who need a reliable device for long workdays or travel. The efficient AMD Ryzen AI chipset plays a significant role in extending the battery life.

Connectivity

The HP OmniBook Ultra offers a decent range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are a great addition for an AMD-powered device. However, the laptop falls short in terms of connectivity compared to some competitors, as it only has one USB-A port and lacks HDMI and Ethernet ports. This limitation might be a drawback for users who require multiple connectivity options.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard on the HP OmniBook Ultra is functional but not exceptional. The keys are well-spaced and offer a decent typing experience, but the overall feel is somewhat disappointing compared to other premium laptops. The touchpad is responsive and accurate, making it easy to navigate through tasks.

Software and Security

The HP OmniBook Ultra comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience. Additionally, the laptop features HP’s Wolf Security suite, which provides enhanced security features to protect user data. This makes the OmniBook Ultra a secure choice for both personal and professional use.

Pricing and Value

The HP OmniBook Ultra is priced competitively, starting at $1,349.99. While it offers excellent performance and battery life, the laptop’s design and display quality might not justify the premium price for some users. However, the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports and HP’s Wolf Security suite adds value to the device.

Conclusion

In summary, the HP OmniBook Ultra is a solid ultraportable laptop that excels in performance and battery life. Its minimalist design and premium build quality make it an attractive choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and functionality. However, the laptop’s connectivity options and display quality might be a drawback for some users. Overall, the HP OmniBook Ultra is a reliable and powerful device that offers great value for its price.

Right, back to me. To be honest, this is a pretty good roundup of the device although, to be really honest, when I formatted it, I took out the links to the source material. And that's the thing with AI... it doesn't have its own opinion, it just "borrows" other people's.

Although what it has regurgitated here is largely accurate, my review device only has a 1TB SSD, not 2TB as stated above. It talks about HP's Wolf Security suite but that's nowhere to be found on my device. (To be fair, the New Zealand HP website promises this software too, so I'm confused).

The battery life claims are outrageous of course and it's this kind of lack of insight that makes me feel pretty secure as a tech reviewer, if not a human being. Nobody sets a video going on their laptop without being connected to Wi-Fi, with the brightness turned down and with no other apps working in the background. If you did, you might get double-digit battery life. On the other hand, I was playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on battery the other day and I could literally see the battery level draining before my eyes.

Oh, and the price is totally wrong - sorry if I got your hopes up. Here in New Zealand the OmniBook Ultra Laptop starts at NZ$3,439.00 - and that's on special. 

If you thought AI was smart enough to figure out what country it's in, I've got bad news for you.

Look, obviously what it gave me was a great starting point and I actually totally agree with a lot of the other points; there aren't enough ports, the keyboard and trackpad are fabulous, the display is top notch although is a bit too reflecty and the graphics, neural processing and sheer grunt of this machine are truly awesome. Just don't expect AI to put it quite that way... Unless it's read this review.