HP’s updated OmniBook series is set to receive a significant performance upgrade with the introduction of the new HP OmniBook Ultra. This model will feature an AMD Ryzen AI 300-series processor with integrated AMD Radeon 800M graphics, up to 32GB of RAM, and two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. Priced at $1,449.99, the HP OmniBook Ultra will be available starting in August.
It will also receive a free software update in the future, making it one of the first Copilot Plus PCs not using an ARM-based processor.
The OmniBook brand was relaunched in May with the HP OmniBook X AI laptop, which, like most Copilot Plus PCs announced at that time, is powered by an ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite processor.
Being an x86-based processor, the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series should ensure better compatibility with a broader range of Windows applications. Some older applications might need emulation to run on a Windows PC powered by the Snapdragon X Elite or other ARM-based processors.
Both OmniBook models come with 14-inch, 2240 x 1400-pixel LCD touchscreens, but the new Ultra version includes several small upgrades.
It features two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, an older USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, a higher resolution 9MP webcam, and quad speakers supporting DTS:X Ultra instead of just stereo speakers.
The OmniBook Ultra weighs 3.48 pounds, about half a pound more than the OmniBook X AI, partly due to a larger 68Wh battery. Despite this larger battery, the Ultra offers slightly less battery life, with up to 13 hours of average use or up to 21 hours of local video playback.
While the new OmniBook Ultra will not initially be a Copilot Plus PC, HP plans to release a free update adding these features and functionality. HP notes that the timing and availability of this update will depend on Microsoft.
