HP OMEN Transcend 14 review
The HP HP OMEN Transcend 14 ranks as the #124 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #215-ranked performance among 323 laptops. Consider the Dell Inspiron 16 7630 or Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus S17 GX703, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 is an expensive laptop with a price tag of $3,000 CAD. While it's a beautifully designed Creator laptop with a gorgeous OLED screen and capable CPU, its value lies in being a hybrid device that can handle both creative work and light gaming. However, for those seeking a gaming laptop, it falls short due to reduced wattage and cooling. As a Creator laptop, its price is steep, but for those who value portability and premium design, it might be worth considering. Ultimately, whether or not this laptop is worth the investment depends on individual needs and priorities.
Build
The HP Omen Transcend 14 boasts a sleek and premium design. The laptop's thin and light chassis makes it incredibly portable, perfect for creatives who are always on-the-go. The metal body exudes a sense of luxury and quality, making it feel like a high-end device. However, at $3,000 Canadian dollars, the price point is steep. While it may be suitable for occasional gamers, the laptop's performance in this department is not impressive compared to gaming laptops. The build quality is excellent, with a beautifully robust screen that features a gorgeous OLED display. The keyboard and touchpad are also well-designed, making it perfect for professionals who need to work on-the-go. Overall, the HP Omen Transcend 14's build quality is its strongest feature, but its price point may be off-putting for some users. A better alternative might be HP EliteBook 835 G9, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The display on the HP OMEN Transcend 14 is a stunning OLED screen with vibrant colors and exceptional brightness. The reflectivity is also noteworthy, making it easy to use in various lighting conditions. However, its beauty comes at a price, as it's part of an expensive package that may not justify the cost for some users. As a standalone display, it would be impressive, but within this laptop, its value feels somewhat diminished by the device's overall performance and pricing. You may find GIGABYTE AERO 16 OLED a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 is a Creator laptop masquerading as a gaming laptop. Its performance falls short in the gaming department, with a reduced wattage charger and GPU that can't keep up with more robust gaming laptops. In terms of raw performance, it's outgunned by even thinner 14-inch models like the Legion Five Slim or Asus G14. As a Creator laptop, however, it holds its own, with a capable CPU and decent Nvidia Graphics for light gaming and workflow acceleration. If you're looking for a balance between portability and power, this laptop might suffice. But as a gaming laptop, it's not the best choice. If you’re after a better performance, GIGABYTE A7 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The HP OMEN Transcend 14's battery life is a letdown, lasting only around 5-6 hours with moderate use. Charging is somewhat slow, taking about an hour to reach 80% capacity from empty. This is disappointing considering the laptop's premium price tag. If you're not tethered to your desk, this laptop may require more frequent charging sessions, which can be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Connectivity
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 has a sleek design with plenty of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an Ethernet jack, making it ideal for creators who need to connect multiple devices. However, the laptop's lack of expansion options holds it back from being truly versatile. For an improved connectivity, HP Elite Folio is worth considering.
Features
The HP OMEN Transcend 14 is a Creator laptop with a thin and premium design, featuring a gorgeous OLED screen and robust cooling system. It boasts an Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA RTX graphics, and ample storage options, making it suitable for creative tasks and light gaming. You might want to check out HP Elite c1030 Chromebook, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The HP OMEN Transcend 14's support and maintenance are disappointing. The laptop's reduced wattage and cooling system make it less suitable for gaming laptops. Instead, it's a Creator laptop that can be used for light gaming. The price of $3,000 Canadian dollars is steep considering its performance. A more modest 185h CPU, like the one in this model, would be better served in a lower-end laptop. Overall, the support and maintenance needs improvement.
Pros
1. The laptop has a beautifully robust screen with gorgeous OLED display, making it perfect for creators.
2. It is very portable and thin, making it ideal for those who need to work or game on the go.
3. The CPU in the laptop is very capable when used as a CPU alone, doing a good job of handling tasks.
4. The laptop can handle some light gaming, accelerating workflows with its Nvidia Graphics.
5. It has a nice little metal package and keyboard that's perfect for doing work.
Cons
1. The laptop is extremely expensive, priced at $3,000 Canadian dollars in Canada.
2. It cannot compete with gaming laptops, even smaller ones like the Legion 5 Slim or Asus G14, in terms of performance.
3. The GPU wattage is reduced due to the thin design, making it less powerful than other gaming laptops.
4. The charger itself only has 140 Watts, which is not a lot for a system with this CPU and GPU combination.
5. The laptop's name as a 'gaming laptop' is misleading, as it's actually more suitable for creators who want to do some light gaming.
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