HP Omen Transcend 14 Hands-On Review: The Ultimate Gaming Laptop?

Billed as the “world’s lightest 14-inch Gaming laptop,” the new HP Omen Transcend 14 has generated significant buzz.
In fact, HP defines the Omen Transcend 14 as a Gaming laptop that doesn’t quite look the part.
Its sleek, understated Design sets it apart from traditional gaming laptops, making it suitable for both professional and personal use.

Design and Portability

Despite featuring RGB lighting on the keyboard, the HP Omen Transcend 14 could easily be mistaken for an ultraportable.
Marketed as the “world’s lightest 14-inch gaming laptop”, its elegant Design seamlessly blends into any setting.
With dimensions of 12.3 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches and weighing just 3.6 pounds, it exemplifies the essence of an ultraportable device.

Performance and Configuration Options

The HP Omen Transcend 14 is powered by the new Intel Core Ultra “Meteor Lake” chip;
this processor’s dedicated NPU is specifically designed for processing tasks required to run streaming applications, such as OBS, independently from Gaming operations.
This unique capability could be a significant selling point for gamers who stream on platforms like Twitch.

The base configuration includes a 14-inch 2.8K oled display with an impressive 0.2ms response time and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.
It is equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 gpu, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, catering to users’ diverse needs.

For users requiring more power and storage, the laptop allows for configuration with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, an RTX 4070 gpu, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of SSD storage.
However, it’s important to note that these high-end configurations naturally come at a higher cost.

Port Selection and Thermal Innovation

The HP Omen Transcend 14 is sparing in its assortment of ports, offering two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack.
However, this selection should adequately cater to most users’ needs, and the possibility of using wireless peripherals provides additional flexibility.

Notably, the laptop Features innovative thermal technology, claiming to leverage inbound airflow to create a pressurized zone with a vapor chamber for direct heat dissipation through rear vents.
HP asserts that this sophisticated cooling system results in unparalleled thermal performance, a feature that we look forward to testing in our lab.

Display and Keyboard

The laptop boasts a stunning 14-inch 2.8K oled display capable of reaching 400 nits of standard brightness and 500 nits of HDR brightness.
Additionally, it is claimed to deliver 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, providing a visually immersive Gaming experience.

Furthermore, the 120Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, and VRR support work in concert to deliver a seamless Gaming experience.
The distinctive 4-zone RGB keyboard, exuding a captivating glow, adds a unique touch to the overall Gaming aesthetic of the device.

AI Integration and Performance

Leveraging the power of the Intel Core Ultra’s dedicated AI NPU, the HP Omen Transcend 14 supports AI Model acceleration, thereby offloading non-gaming tasks to enhance gaming performance.
During a hands-on demonstration, the NPU’s ability to handle processing tasks for streaming applications while allowing the CPU and GPU to focus solely on Gaming was showcased using Cyberpunk 2077 and OBS.

Verdict

The HP Omen Transcend 14, with its distinctive Design and compelling features, presents a promising option for gamers and content creators alike.
The integration of AI capabilities, coupled with its impressive performance and elegant aesthetics, firmly position this laptop as a strong contender in the gaming market.

Source: tomsguide