Sometimes, the basic option just doesn’t cut it. If you live in a mountain town, for example, you’ll need a car with enough power to make it up those steep inclines. If you’re playing music during a party, you need something more powerful than just your phone speakers to really get the volume and sound quality you want. The common thread? Some situations require more than a minimum amount of power to get the job done.
This same idea goes for computers. There are certain PC users who need a little more oomph behind their technology because they run memory-intensive applications, play processor-taxing PC games, or simply need a capable all-around computer they can rely on for all of their entertainment and work needs.
Users who want an impressive computing experience every single time they boot up require robust RAM, large internal storage amounts, and capable processing power. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide to the most powerful laptops from HP® and the specs you should consider when shopping.
What should I look for if I want a powerful laptop?
If you’re looking for a premium laptop choice that will enhance your lifestyle instead of limit it, there are a few specs you should pay attention to as you start shopping around.
Screen size
The display size that’s ideal for you will depend on personal preference, but looking for at least 15 inches of diagonal screen space is a good place to start. This is an especially important spec to consider if you regularly have multiple windows open side-by-side on your display. More screen real estate also means you’ll enjoy a more immersive experience whether you’re gaming, creating, or streaming your favorite TV show.
CPU
If you’re trying to balance the overall cost of your laptop with more robust features, an Intel® Core™ i5 is a good choice for the majority of computer users. However, if you work with 3D rendering or play triple-A (AAA) PC games, you’ll want to opt for an i7 or i9 processor instead which offers users faster performance and more power.
RAM and storage
Choose at least 8GB of RAM so you can run applications on your computer and surf the web without any delays. If your budget allows for it, 16GB is even better. As for storage, you should aim to invest in a laptop with a
solid state drive (SSD) instead of a hard drive. SSDs are up to three times faster compared to traditional hard drives.
Ports
Planning on adding to your laptop with a full suite of peripherals? Maybe you’ve chosen a wireless mouse and external speakers to make your laptop more useful for your home office, for example. If so, make sure that the laptop you want has enough
ports and connections to support all of your external devices.
Battery life
Look for laptops that have
at least 8 hours of battery life. Anything less and you risk losing out on an uninterrupted, productive workday. A minimum of 8 hours of battery life also supports those who are on-the-go and don’t want to be tethered to spaces with ample outlets. Confidently walk into your favorite coffee shop knowing that you don’t need to find a source of power to get your work done.
These are some of the main components for your laptop you should think about when you’re shopping. But your specific needs could be different depending on how you use your laptop. If you typically only use your laptop for browsing the web and streaming, you can get away with less powerful features, for example.
For those who play PC games, render 3D models, or otherwise tax their computer’s system with more intense applications and web activities, it makes sense to choose components that offer more impressive, capable specs.
What are the overall most powerful laptops from HP?
Shopping for all-around workhorse computers with awesome features? Keep reading for our top picks for powerful laptops from HP®.
1. HP Spectre x360 15t touch laptop
If you’re looking for a flexible option that you can use in a variety of contexts, the
HP Spectre x360 15t touch laptop is a great choice. You can use this device in traditional laptop mode, presentation mode, or tablet mode. Grab a stylus so you can take notes or create your next masterpiece using natural movements - it’s a convenient alternative to traditional art mediums for digital artists.
You don’t have to worry about your laptop slowing down when you’re in the middle of your next big work project. This laptop boasts an 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor to help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
A full-sized island-style backlit keyboard gives you the full functionality of a regular keyboard so you’ll never feel cramped during work or play.
If you need to connect with others, the HP Spectre x360 comes replete with the collaborative tools you want to make your ideas seen and heard. An HP TrueVision FHD IR camera with a dual array digital microphone provides users with incredible audio and visual quality.
Key specifications:
- Processor: 8th General Intel Core i7 processor
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050Ti (4GB)
- Display: 15.6-inch diagonal Ultra High Definition (UHD) touch screen
- Memory: 8GB of memory
- Storage: 512GB of SSD storage
2. HP EliteBook 1050 G1 notebook PC
The
HP EliteBook 1050 G1 notebook PC can handle it all: your workday, entertainment needs, and anything else on your daily agenda. This laptop is full of innovative and industry-leading security features like HP Sure View Gen2 which protects against visual hacking and the optional HP privacy camera which closes the webcam shutter with a simple swipe of a finger. You’ll be in complete control of what you share with the world.
Enjoy the power and speed of your 8th Generation hexa-core Intel Core processor which processes data so your computer stays lag-free.
HP Sure Click helps to protect your PC from malicious websites, ransomware, and other cybersecurity issues. Plus, you can fortify your computer’s defenses even more by opting to use up to
three authentication factors including fingerprints and facial recognition.
An ambient light sensor keeps your display brightness at the perfect level, even if you’re changing things up and working outside. Plus, with up to 16 hours and 30 minutes of battery life, you can stay outside all day without worrying about your laptop dying in the middle of an important work session.
Key specifications:
- Processor: 8th Generation hexa-core Intel Core i7 processor
- Graphics
- Integrated: Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Discrete: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (4GB DDR5 dedicated)
- Display: HP Sure View Integrated Privacy Screen 15.6-inch diagonal Full High Definition (FHD) IPS eDP + PSR anti-glare LED-backlit
- Memory: 16GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM
- Storage: 512GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
What are the most powerful budget-friendly laptops?
If you’re on a budget, you can still find machines capable of helping you power through your day. HP® has plenty of options for users looking to stretch their dollar without sacrificing on the features they want and need.
3. HP 15z touch optional laptop
If you’re looking for a capable device that won’t take a huge bite out of your bank account, the
HP 15z touch optional laptop is a great option. It’s built to last your entire day with a powerful AMD processor so you can get through all the items on your daily agenda with total ease.
Surf, stream, and play with this capable and economically-priced laptop. With up to 9 hours of battery life, you can stay connected all day long. When your battery does need to be topped up, you’ll enjoy your HP Fast Charge battery that gets you back to a full battery quickly so your computing tasks remain uninterrupted.
Want a device that’ll match your personality? This HP laptop model comes in six different colors including Jet Black, Natural Silver, Pale Gold, Scarlet Red, Lumiere Blue, and Berry Mauve. You’ll never have to choose between form and function again - simply choose the hue that best reflects your personal aesthetic.
Plus, as an ENERGY STAR® certified and EPEAT® Silver registered device, you can be confident you’re making a greener laptop choice that won’t unnecessarily use electricity.
Key specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 3
- Graphics: AMD Radeon™ Vega 3 graphics
- Display: 12.6-inch diagonal HD SVA anti-glare WLED (1366 x 768)
- Memory: 12GB of DDR4-2400 SDRAM
- Storage: 256GB of PCle NVMe M.2 SSD
4. HP 15t best value laptop
Looking to take your home office to the next level? The
HP 15t best value laptop is a feature-rich machine filled with the right specs to help accomplish all your daily tasks.
The base model boasts 8GB of memory and 128GB of SSD storage so you’ll have plenty of breathing room when it comes to keeping multiple tabs open and local storage for important files you need close at hand. You won’t have to worry about your multi-tasking requirements with an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor which contributes to a smooth, interruption-free operation experience.
This sleek and portable HP laptop is the perfect unobtrusive device is great for users who are constantly on-the-go. It easily slips into a briefcase, purse, or backpack for the nomadic user who doesn’t stay in one place for long. Why not invest in technology that can support your mobile lifestyle?
Key specifications:
- Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- Graphics: Intel Ultra High Definition (UHD) Graphics 620
- Display: 15.6-inch diagonal High Definition (HD) display
- Memory: 8GB of memory
- Storage: 128GB of SSD storage
5. HP Chromebook x360 14-inch notebook
If you do lighter computing and you’re
curious about HP Chromebooks, you might be surprised that some models offer impressive features. The
HP Chromebook x360 14-inch notebook, for example, is a capable model for discerning users who want the flexibility of cloud computing and don’t need loads of internal storage.
This is one of the most powerful HP Chromebooks available and it’s perfect for those looking for an enhanced Chrome browser experience. It’s a great option for students or home users who can comfortably rely on cloud storage and web connectivity. Thanks to Google Play apps, you add useful applications to your laptop for even more user-friendly functionality.
Key specifications:
- Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i3 processor
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Display: 14-inch diagonal HD touch display
- Memory: 8GB of memory
- Storage: 64GB of eMMC storage
What are the most powerful gaming laptops from HP?
Gaming laptops are in a league of their own. Fast processing speeds, incredible graphics, and responsive keyboards are all important features of a great gaming laptop.
6. HP OMEN X 2S 15 laptop
The
HP OMEN X 2S 15 laptop isn’t just any gaming laptop, it’s the first of its kind to boast the convenience of dual-screen gameplay. That’s right, two screens are already built into your laptop. There’s a traditional laptop screen as well as an industry-first 1080p touch screen mounted directly above the keyboard.
This secondary display allows you to access other applications like Twitch, Spotify, and your HP OMEN Command Center without interrupting your gameplay.
Want to play your PC game with all the highest settings turned on? A capable 9th Generation Intel Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics means you can enjoy optimized gameplay with even the most data-intense PC games.
Key specifications:
- Processor: 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070
- Display: 15.6-inch diagonal FHD display
- Memory: 16GB of memory
- Storage: 256GB of SSD storage
7. HP OMEN 17t laptop
If you like a ton of screen real estate to get a more immersive experience during your game, you’ll love the
best value HP OMEN laptop 17t. A Dragon Red backlit keyboard features highlighted WASD keys, customizable macros, and anti-ghosting so every keystroke is accurately registered. And with a 1080p and 120 Hz refresh rate display, your gaming laptop will stand up to any AAA titles.
Thanks to Intel Optane™ memory and near-SSD storage performance, your everyday performance will be smooth and fast on days when you have to briefly shelve your gaming.
Key specifications:
- Processor: 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070
- Display: 17.3-inch diagonal Full High Definition (FHD) 144 Hz display
- Memory: 16GB of memory
- Storage: 1TB of HDD
Power for what you need
HP laptops come in a wide variety of builds and configurations for every type of user whether you’re an entrepreneur focused on clients and closing deals or a college student trying to make sense of your calculus class. Find one with the power for your daily to-do lists.
About the Author: Michelle Wilson is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Michelle is a content creation specialist writing for a variety of industries, including tech trends and media news.