HP has introduced the OmniBook 5 14, a new Windows laptop aimed at the same affordable premium market as Apple’s entry-level MacBook Neo. Starting at US$699.99 in the US, the new HP model combines a slim aluminium design with an OLED display, modern Intel processors, and features typically found in more expensive laptops.
The OmniBook 5 14 is expected to go on sale through HP.com and Best Buy in October. HP’s pricing places the machine directly alongside Apple’s cheapest MacBook, giving shoppers another option in the growing market for relatively affordable laptops with premium hardware. The company is also preparing additional configurations, including a higher-resolution OLED touchscreen expected to arrive in March 2027.
HP focuses on display quality and a slim design
The standard OmniBook 5 14 will feature a 2K OLED display with a brightness rating of up to 300 nits. HP is also planning a more advanced version with a 2.5K OLED touchscreen that can reach up to 620 nits. That model is scheduled for March 2027, giving customers the option to choose a more capable display later.
Apple’s MacBook Neo takes a different approach to its display. It has a smaller 13-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2408 x 1506 pixels and a brightness rating of 500 nits. While the two laptops use different display technologies and sizes, HP’s inclusion of an OLED panel at the US$699.99 starting price gives the OmniBook 5 a notable hardware feature for its price category.
The laptop is also designed to remain portable. The OmniBook 5 14 measures just 11.77mm thick and weighs 1.16kg. Despite its compact dimensions, HP has included a 180-degree hinge and two full-function USB-C ports. The company also supplies a compact 65W GaN charger, offering a smaller charging accessory for users who regularly carry the laptop between locations.
HP will offer the machine in Smoke Silver, Starlit Blue, Peony Pink and Soft Honeydew. The colour range gives the aluminium laptop a more distinctive look while maintaining its thin design.
Intel processors and modern features round out the package
Performance will come from Intel processors, with configurations reaching up to an Intel Core 7 chip with integrated NPU hardware. However, higher-end Core 7 versions are not expected until mid-October. HP has yet to provide complete memory and storage specifications for every configuration, so it is not yet possible to say exactly how the US$699.99 model compares with the entry-level MacBook Neo.
Apple’s MacBook Neo starts with 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD, providing a useful reference point for the HP machine. HP’s final memory and storage configurations will therefore matter for customers comparing the two laptops on value rather than design alone.
The OmniBook 5 14 also includes several features aimed at video calls and everyday communication. An FHD infrared camera supports Windows Hello for biometric login, while dual microphones improve voice capture. Poly Studio tunes the audio, supported by DTS:X Ultra, giving the laptop a range of features for both work and entertainment.
The combination of an NPU-equipped processor, infrared camera and modern connectivity also positions the OmniBook 5 within the broader shift towards laptops designed to handle AI-related workloads locally. However, HP has not yet provided full details about which AI features will be available on the different configurations.
HP’s 42-hour battery claim comes with conditions
Battery life is another major part of HP’s pitch for the OmniBook 5 14. The company claims the laptop can deliver up to 42 hours of battery life, although that figure comes from a specific testing scenario rather than typical everyday use.
HP measured the claimed endurance using continuous 1080p local video playback at 200 nits of screen brightness. Wireless connectivity was enabled but disconnected during the test. Under normal use, which can involve web browsing, applications, video calls, background processes and different screen brightness levels, battery life is expected to be lower.
The testing conditions also mean the 42-hour figure should not be directly compared with battery-life figures published by Apple. Different manufacturers use different testing methods, workloads and settings, so headline battery estimates do not necessarily represent equivalent real-world performance.
Even with those limitations, the combination of a lightweight chassis, OLED display options, USB-C connectivity and a compact charger makes the OmniBook 5 14 a notable addition to HP’s laptop range. The first models are expected to arrive at HP.com and Best Buy in October, starting at US$699.99, while the higher-specification 2.5K OLED touchscreen version is planned for March 2027.
