HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop Review: A Budget-Friendly Option for Students
Are you a student on a budget looking for a laptop with a large screen for studying, note-taking, and entertainment? The HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop offers a big display, decent performance, and long battery life at an affordable price. This review will explore the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop’s features, performance, and suitability for students.
Design and Build Quality
Sleek and Portable Design?
The HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop’s portability is further enhanced by its slim profile, measuring just 0.9 inches in thickness. This allows it to slip easily into most backpacks and laptop bags, making it convenient for students who need to carry it to and from classes or for remote workers who frequently travel.
While the 17.3-inch display is larger than many other laptops, the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop’s lightweight design makes it surprisingly manageable. This is particularly important for students who might be carrying it around campus all day or for remote workers who need to travel frequently.
The laptop’s plastic construction, while not as premium as aluminum, offers a balance of affordability and durability. It’s important to note that while the plastic casing is resistant to scratches and minor impacts, it may not be as robust as metal alternatives.
Pros:
- Lightweight design at 5.7 pounds
- Slim profile suitable for backpacks
- Plastic construction offers a balance of affordability and durability
Cons:
- Plastic build may lack the premium feel of metal alternatives
Touchscreen Functionality
The touchscreen’s responsiveness is particularly beneficial for tasks that require precise input, such as taking notes with a stylus or navigating complex software interfaces. This makes it a great option for students who need to take detailed notes in class or for creative professionals who rely on digital art or design tools.
The multi-touch gestures supported by the touchscreen allow for intuitive navigation and control, making it easy to zoom in and out of images, scroll through documents, or switch between applications. This intuitive interface enhances the overall user experience and can increase productivity.
To address the issue of fingerprints, HP has incorporated a special anti-smudge coating on the screen. This coating helps to minimize fingerprints and smudges, keeping the display clean and clear for longer periods.
Pros:
- Excellent display quality with full HD resolution
- Responsive multi-touch functionality
- Anti-smudge coating helps maintain screen clarity
Cons:
- Screen can become smudged, requiring frequent cleaning
Performance and Features
Processor and RAM
The AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor is a popular choice for budget-friendly laptops, offering a balance of performance and power efficiency. It is designed to handle everyday tasks with ease, making it suitable for students who need to run multiple applications simultaneously or for remote workers who require a reliable machine for video conferencing and document editing.
The 8GB of DDR4 RAM is sufficient for most everyday tasks, such as web browsing, streaming videos, and basic productivity applications. However, if you plan to run more demanding applications, such as video editing or graphic design software, you may want to consider a model with 12GB or 16GB of RAM for optimal performance.
Pros:
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Efficient multitasking capabilities
Cons:
- Integrated graphics may limit performance for gaming or intensive applications
Storage and Graphics
The 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD provides fast boot times and quick application loading, significantly enhancing the overall user experience. This is particularly beneficial for students who need to quickly access their notes or for remote workers who require fast file transfer speeds.
While the 256GB storage capacity is sufficient for basic needs, users who work with large files, such as video editors or graphic designers, may find it necessary to invest in an external hard drive or cloud storage solution to accommodate their needs.
The integrated AMD Radeon graphics are sufficient for basic tasks, such as watching videos or browsing the web. However, if you plan to play demanding games or run graphics-intensive applications, you may want to consider a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Pros:
- Fast SSD storage enhances performance
- Quick boot times and application launching
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity may necessitate external solutions
- Integrated graphics may struggle with demanding applications
Keyboard and Trackpad
The full-size keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, with well-spaced keys that offer a satisfying tactile response. This is crucial for students who spend hours typing notes or for remote workers who rely on their laptops for extended periods.
The lack of backlighting can be a drawback for users who work in low-light conditions or who need to use their laptops at night. This can be addressed by using a desk lamp or by purchasing a separate keyboard with backlighting.
The responsive trackpad supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to navigate through documents, zoom in and out of images, and scroll through web pages. This feature enhances the overall user experience and can increase productivity by reducing the need for an external mouse.
Pros:
- Comfortable typing experience with a responsive trackpad
- Supports multi-touch gestures for intuitive navigation
Cons:
- Lack of backlighting on the keyboard
- Trackpad placement may be awkward for some users
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery Life for All-Day Use
The long battery life makes it an ideal choice for students who need to attend multiple classes without needing to worry about finding a power outlet or for remote workers who need to stay productive while on the go. In practical tests, the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop managed to last nearly 9 hours on a single charge during continuous video playback.
The fast charge technology allows users to quickly recharge their laptops during short breaks, ensuring they can get back to work or studies without significant downtime.
Pros:
- Long battery life suitable for extended use
- Fast charge technology for quick recharging
Cons:
- Battery life may decrease under heavy workloads
Ports and Connectivity
The HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop comes with a respectable selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI output, and a combo audio jack. The lack of an SD card reader can be mitigated by using a USB-C to SD card reader adapter.
The absence of an Ethernet port might pose a challenge for users who need a wired connection for faster speeds or for environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. However, a USB-C to Ethernet adapter can be used to connect to a wired network.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity, making it ideal for streaming videos, downloading large files, or attending online meetings. Bluetooth 5.2 allows for seamless connection to wireless peripherals, such as headphones, speakers, and mice.
Pros:
- Good selection of ports for connecting peripherals
- Reliable wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Cons:
- No SD card reader or Ethernet port
- USB-C port lacks video output capability
HP 17-3 Touchscreen Laptop Review: A Good Choice for Students?
Pros and Cons
In our analysis of the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop, we’ve identified several key advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Large 17.3-inch touchscreen display for enhanced productivity
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Impressive battery life for all-day use
- Sleek and portable design
- Decent port selection for connectivity
- Affordability for budget-conscious students
Cons:
- Integrated graphics may struggle with more demanding tasks
- Limited storage capacity
- Lack of a backlit keyboard
- No SD card reader or Ethernet port
Comparison to Alternatives
When comparing the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop to competitors like the Acer Aspire 5 and Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i, it becomes clear that while the HP model excels in display size and battery life, other options may offer superior graphics performance or additional features.
For instance, the Acer Aspire 5 provides a more powerful graphics card for gaming enthusiasts, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i features a convertible design that allows for greater versatility. However, the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop’s strengths in affordability and everyday usability make it a compelling choice for students who prioritize a large display and reliable performance.
Final Verdict
The HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop is a solid option for students who prioritize a spacious touchscreen and dependable performance for everyday tasks. Its combination of features and value makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a capable and versatile laptop without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop with a big screen for studying and everyday tasks, the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop is worth considering. However, if your needs extend to gaming or more intensive applications, you may want to explore alternatives that offer dedicated graphics capabilities.
FQAs
Is the HP 17-3 Touchscreen Laptop good for gaming?
While the integrated AMD Radeon graphics can handle some casual gaming, the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop is not primarily designed for gaming. For users who prioritize gaming, a laptop with a dedicated graphics card is essential for a smooth and immersive experience.
What are the warranty options for the HP 17-3 Touchscreen Laptop?
The HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop comes with a standard one-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. HP also offers extended warranty options, such as their HP Care Pack service, which can provide additional protection and support for up to three years.
Is the HP 17-3 Touchscreen Laptop good for note-taking?
Yes, the large touchscreen and stylus compatibility make the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop a good option for students who need to take detailed notes in class. The responsive touchscreen and multi-touch gestures enhance the overall note-taking experience.
Conclusion
The HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop is a versatile and affordable option for students who need a reliable and capable device for everyday tasks. Its large display, impressive battery life, and sleek design make it a compelling choice for those who value practicality and affordability.
While it may not be the most powerful or feature-rich laptop on the market, the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop delivers a solid all-around experience that caters to the needs of a wide range of users. Its combination of features and performance makes it a reliable choice for anyone looking to enhance their productivity without overspending.
If you’re a student on a budget who needs a laptop with a big screen for studying, note-taking, and entertainment, the HP 17.3 Touchscreen Laptop is definitely worth considering. Check out the latest prices and configurations online to find the best deal.