Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was good, below that of many other models but still powerful enough for tasks such as email, word processing, web browsing, and streaming movies. Compared to other tested laptops, its speed was adequate for common tasks such as web browsing, video conferencing, and application startup. It was fast when composing documents with images, calculating large data spreadsheets, and running other productivity tasks, and it was slow for manipulating images, editing videos, and calculating simulations. Graphical tasks run slower among other models with only integrated graphics.
Portability: This laptop is a very good choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 22 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 17.5 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were outstanding enough to last well beyond a typical day of mixed use, lasting longer than most other similar laptops. At 3.4 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category.
Ergonomics: The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its low contrast letters were difficult to read, although the backlighting can be useful in dark rooms. The power button was well labeled and conveniently located.
Display: The display quality was good overall. Colors were not reproduced as accurately as on better displays. The display was anti-reflective, so there was little or no glare when viewing in a brightly lit room or outdoors. The display has a wide viewing angle, especially important if more than one person needs to see the screen at a time, say, for a video or presentation. Its display produces a smaller array of colors but has better contrast than on most other tested laptops.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: This laptop has a full-size HDMI port and supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to an HDTV or monitor.
Downsides: Some software is incompatible with the ARM processor on this model, including third-party anti-virus, cloud apps, and accessories with specialized drivers. There is no memory-card reader, so you'll need to buy an external reader or connect your digital camera directly to this laptop to transfer photos. Based on results of a CR member survey, HP laptops of a similar price to this model stood out as being meaningfully worse than typical for experiencing certain problem areas such as swelling batteries, and slow startup speed.
