HP releases new MacBook Neo rival with more powerful processor

HP has now released a more powerful version of its latest MacBook Neo alternative. For context, the company officially announced the device at the start of October for $699 with a choice of Peony Pink, Smoke Silver, Soft Honeydew and Starlit Blue finishes.
Initially, HP restricted the OmniBook 5 to Intel's Core 5 320 processor. As we discussed at the time, the company planned to begin selling more powerful Core 7 350 options later in October. Without warning, it has now made this version available to purchase in the US.

Incidentally, less powerful Core 5 315 options cannot be purchased yet. Likewise, HP is holding back 12 GB of RAM variants until November 2026. Setting that aside, our benchmarks suggest that the Core 7 350 should provide the OmniBook 5 with around 9% higher CPU performance than the Core 5 320.
With that being said, the Core 7 350 drew more power than the Core 5 320 when we reviewed the IdeaPad Slim 3 15IWC11 earlier this year (curr. $949 on Amazon). Still, HP claims that the OmniBook 5 14 lasts around 42 hours in local video playback tests on its 60 Wh battery.
The OmniBook 5 14 retails for $1,069 in the US with Core 7 350 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. A $400 and 52% higher increase over the Core 5 320, this price also includes twice as much RAM and storage. The 300-nit, 1200p and 60 Hz OLED display returns though; a 1600p and 400-nit OLED display will not be available until March 2027. Please see HP's website for more details.











