HP Enters Ultrabook Color Wars With OmniBook 5, Starting at $699.99
HP's new OmniBook 5 takes aim at Apple's MacBook Neo with Wildcat Lake processors, OLED screens across the lineup, and a palette of four colors. The 14-inch model starts at $699.99 but faces component delays on some configurations.
Joining the rush of competitors targeting Apple's MacBook Neo, HP has unveiled the OmniBook 5, a 14-inch laptop priced from $699.99 that pairs Intel's Wildcat Lake processors with OLED displays on every configuration. The machine arrives in four color options—peony pink, starlit blue, smoke silver, and soft honeydew—mirroring the color strategy that Apple and Dell have adopted for their own ultrabook entries.
The OmniBook 5 distinguishes itself by equipping all models with OLED screens rather than reserving the premium display technology for higher-end SKUs. The base configuration features a 14-inch, 1920 x 1200 OLED panel available in both touch and non-touch versions. However, the initial launch models carry a brightness rating of 300 nits, which represents a limitation for OLED technology that typically benefits from higher luminance levels.
Specs and Availability
The entry-level OmniBook 5 bundles an Intel Core 5 320 processor with 8GB of LPDDR5-6400 RAM and 256GB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. Memory and storage options expand to include 12GB and 16GB RAM configurations, along with 512GB and 1TB drive capacities. A higher-resolution 2560 x 1600 OLED touchscreen rated for 620 nits will arrive later, scheduled for March 2027.
Supply chain constraints have affected the product's rollout timeline. While 8GB and 16GB memory options launch immediately, the 12GB variant is planned for November 2026. Similarly, the 1TB storage option will arrive in November 2026, and the premium display panel has been pushed to March 2027.
Weight and Battery Performance
At 2.56 pounds, the OmniBook 5 weighs less than Dell's upcoming 14S model, which tips the scales at 2.65 pounds, and Acer's Swift Air 14 at 2.62 pounds. Both the MacBook Neo and Dell XPS 13 remain lighter, though they feature smaller 13-inch screens. HP claims up to 42 hours of battery life, measured under local video playback conditions.
The OmniBook 5 follows a broader industry trend toward colorful ultrabooks. Lenovo recently introduced its IdeaPad Vibe lineup in multiple hues, while Dell has pursued color options with its XPS 13 and forthcoming 14S models, and Acer has done the same with the Swift Air 14.