We didn’t need more evidence that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 compute platform is superior to anything in the x86 world. But here it is, regardless: The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is yet another nearly-perfect laptop running Windows 11 on Arm, an ideal combination of hardware and software that delivers a superior overall experience.
The OmniBook Ultra 14 is a handsome, premium laptop aimed at creators and other consumers–what I would call prosumers–with a three-piece matte aluminum body that was sandblasted on the edges for a shiny, polished look. Few Windows laptops are head-turners, but through a combination of design, colors, and materials, HP landed on something special here.
In Snapdragon X2 guise, the laptop comes in a unique blue-gray Stone Blue color that’s nicely complemented by the darker gray of the keyboard keycaps. But if you get an Intel model, oh the horror, you can choose between Eclipse Gray and Silk Sand colors instead. Either way, the branding is minimal and classy and premium all the way.
As good, the outside of the display lid and the top of the keyboard deck are both coated in an anti-fingerprint finish that mostly works. I can turn the laptop in the light and catch some visible skin oils on the touchpad, but the wrist rests and display lid are notably clean despite the regular usage.
