CheckMag | The 3 best HP laptops to elevate your work and play

• Notebookcheck rating: 90%, price as tested: €2,249 or ~$2,453
• Find this model on Amazon.

The HP EliteBook 845 G10, while not the flagship model, stands out in the business notebook segment. Its sturdy aluminum case, excellent keyboard, and fast AMD processor make it a top contender. Despite the display lid being a bit bendy, the overall build quality is impressive, and the CPU performance is strong.

However, its potential edge in graphics performance over Intel competitors is limited by a single-channel RAM configuration.

Noteworthy features include comprehensive security options, good maintenance accessibility, a variety of ports including USB 4, and extensive service and warranty offerings. The high-resolution 120 Hz display is another plus, offering superb image quality and factory calibration, albeit at the expense of higher power consumption.

While the Ryzen 9 Pro 7940HS delivers stable performance, a U-series chip might be more suitable considering the cooling system and fan activity. The EliteBook 845 G10, especially in its more affordable configurations with modern AMD processors, is an attractive option for business users, though the optional SureView display is less recommended.

• Notebookcheck rating: 86%, price as tested: €2,150 or ~$2,345
• Find this model on Amazon.

The HP Omen 16 (2023) distinguishes itself with an attractive starting price of $2,345 for a configuration that includes a Core i7-13700HX CPU, 145 W GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, and 32 GB RAM. It offers better build quality and a more refined design than many budget gaming laptops in its price range. The Omen 16 presents an attractive option for those seeking a quality RTX 4080 laptop without compromising on build materials. The latest model is bulkier and has a shorter battery life than its predecessor, but these trade-offs are balanced by significantly improved CPU and GPU performance.

While it's slightly heavier and has reduced battery life, these factors are unlikely to discourage most gamers. Despite its lower price point, the Omen 16 boasts impressive aesthetics and performance.

However, it lacks DCI-P3 color support and an integrated SD card reader, which could be important for gaming content creators. 

• Notebookcheck rating: 88%, price as tested: $1,250
• Find this model on Amazon.

The Omen Transcend 16 brings notable enhancements over the standard Omen 16, including an IR sensor, a 16:10 aspect ratio, a bigger battery, and a unique mini-LED display option – an uncommon feature in gaming laptops which usually feature IPS or OLED screens. This QHD+ 240 Hz mini-LED display elevates the viewing experience, particularly for users who value high brightness and HDR1000 capabilities. The model opts for a faster CPU, a thinner and lighter build, at the expense of higher-end GPU options, offering extraordinary brightness for HDR content.

However, it compromises on certain aspects compared to the regular Omen 16. It supports only one internal SSD (versus two in the Omen 16) and caps at the 130 W GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, unlike the Omen 16's 145 W RTX 4080 option. This limitation could be a result of its slimmer design and inclusion of the Core i9-13900HX CPU.
Therefore, while the Omen Transcend 16 suits those prioritizing CPU speed and display features, the regular Omen 16 remains a better choice for users seeking more robust GPU performance.