HP’s answer to the MacBook Neo is thinner, lighter, and comes with OLED
HP’s new OmniBook 5 14 targets the MacBook Neo directly, pricing the base model at $699.99 and equipping it with an Intel Core 5 315 “Wildcat Lake” processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. Every configuration ships with an OLED panel, though the entry‑level unit uses a 1920 × 1200, 300‑nit non‑touch display. Buyers can upgrade to a Core 7 350 CPU, double the memory, and a 1 TB SSD, but the only ports are two 10 Gbps USB‑C, HDMI, a 3.5 mm jack, and a 1080p webcam. The chassis measures 0.46 inches (11.7 mm) thick and weighs 2.56 lb, making it marginally slimmer and lighter than Apple’s Neo, and HP adds a premium‑grade lid logo usually reserved for higher‑priced models.
The move reflects a broader push by PC makers to erode Apple’s premium‑ultrabook niche with cheaper, design‑focused alternatives. Dell, Asus, and Acer have already released thin, colorful laptops with similar specs, but HP differentiates itself by standardizing OLED—a feature still rare outside flagship devices. By offering four bright color options and a lower entry price, HP hopes to attract style‑conscious consumers who might otherwise gravitate toward the Neo’s ecosystem. The staggered rollout of a higher‑resolution, 2560 × 1600 OLED in March 2027 suggests HP is betting on a “upgrade path” to keep early adopters engaged while managing component costs.
Looking ahead, the OmniBook’s success will hinge on three factors: real‑world performance of the Wildcat Lake chips, battery life under OLED load, and the market’s reception to a non‑touch base screen that lags behind the Neo’s Retina‑class brightness. The delayed high‑brightness, high‑resolution OLED could frustrate buyers expecting a premium experience out of the box. Additionally, the limited port selection—only two USB‑C—may deter power users accustomed to the Neo’s richer I/O. HP’s simultaneous announcement of the ProBook 4 G2iS, a thin business notebook, signals a broader strategy to cover both consumer and enterprise segments with the same silicon, but the lack of pricing leaves its competitiveness uncertain.
Key Takeaways
The OmniBook 5 14 undercuts the MacBook Neo on price, weight, and thickness while offering OLED across all models.
Base‑level OLED resolution and brightness are modest, with a higher‑spec panel postponed until 2027.
HP’s limited port array may limit appeal to power users despite the device’s sleek design.
The concurrent launch of a thin ProBook suggests HP is leveraging Wildcat Lake CPUs to compete in both consumer and business laptop markets.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by The Verge. Here is a short excerpt for context:
Does this range of colors look a little familiar? | Image: HP HP is announcing a new laptop that's squarely aimed at Apple's MacBook Neo. The 2026 HP OmniBook 5 14 starts at $699.99 with an Intel Core 5 315 "Wildcat Lake" processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Much of that sounds pretty familiar, being in lockstep with both Apple's Neo and its recent competition from Dell, Asus, and Acer - the HP even offers a similar four color options in silver, pink, blue, and green. But one thing that separates the OmniBook is its inclusion of an OLED display on all configs. The OmniBook 5 14 can be configured much higher, with up to a Core 7 350 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, but all models include a 1080p we … Read the full story at The Verge.Read the original at The Verge
