What makes the HP OMEN 17 stand out in the fiercely competitive world of gaming laptops? Vickram Bedi from HP India gives us a lowdown on HP’s flagship Gaming Laptop, the all-new OMEN 17!
1) The HP Omen 17 has been the flagship gaming laptop from HP, with the latest version, what has changed besides the jump to the latest Intel 13th Gen processor and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU?
The new OMEN 17 has levelled up to become HP's most powerful gaming laptop. We have introduced newer features to the device to enhance the experience for gamers.
With a 17.3-inch screen, the device provides gamers with an immersive gaming experience. We have added a new QHD 240Hz refresh rate display in OMEN 17. The new larger display offers a wider field of view and allows for better detail and clarity, which is particularly important for gamers who require precision and accuracy in their gameplay. Better thermals help regulate the device's temperature during intense gaming sessions. This technology uses a multi-heat-pipe design and powerful fans to dissipate heat away from the device, ensuring that it remains cool even during extended use.
Also Read: 5 features of the newly launched HP Omen 17 2023
2) Does (or will) the HP Omen 17 have more variants with lower configurations or do buyers have any customization options?
The OMEN 17 caters specifically to the needs of serious and professional gamers, who rely on high-performing devices for their gameplay. These gamers appreciate top-of-the-line graphics, processing power, and performance, and the OMEN 17 delivers on all fronts. We also have multiple options in OMEN 17 gaming laptop lineup with minor changes in the configurations to cater to the diverse needs of gamers including i9 and i7 processors built with Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, 4080, 4070, and 4060 graphics.
Additionally, for casual and entry-level gamers, we have curated the range of Victus laptops. These laptops are designed to provide a balance between performance and affordability, making them an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a casual gaming experience.
3) With top-of-the-line hardware under the hood, what kind of technology has HP introduced in the HP Omen 17 to manage power consumption and thermal management?
Our innovation philosophy is based on improving the overall gaming experience. While we have brought the most powerful gaming PC in India with 4000 series graphics, our innovations in internal design continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
We have also brought in an upgraded fan design that is slimmer and has twice the number of fan blades as the previous generation so that airflow is increased to meet the demands of powerful internals.
4) At CES 2023, when HP first showcased the HP Omen 17 laptop, one of the highlights of the laptop was the optical-mechanical keyboard, which is a first from HP. We assume the Indian version also gets it. Is there any more information on the keyboard, like the claimed response time of the keyboard? Did HP collaborate with keyboard manufacturers for the optical mechanical keyboard or is it HP's own solution?
HP has made a significant contribution to the gaming community in India by being the first brand to launch a gaming device with the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU. The launch of this device demonstrates HP's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to the Indian gaming market.
Furthermore, we have observed a growing excitement around mechanical keyboards in the gaming community. HP is aware of this demand and is actively working to bring mechanical keyboards to the Indian market. The new mechanical keyboard has a response time of 3ms and HP collaborates with leading manufacturers for best-in-class keyboards.
5) On the software side and overclocking, does the Omen 17 offer any on-the-fly overclocking or hardware tweaking options? Given that the large laptop chassis is expected to lend itself well when it comes to additional headroom for power users to push the Omen 17 to its maximum limits.
OMEN 17 is powered with preinstalled Software: OMEN gaming hub which is ONE STOP SHOP FOR CUSTOMIZATION & PERSONALIZATION. It offers features targeted to improve gameplay & performance. Few Examples: OMEN optimizer-Booster helps Boost your performance, and easily disables unnecessary services while gaming. With the Performance control feature user can Control performance with “Balanced” & “Performance” modes with thermal fan control. With the Graphics switcher, users can easily switch between “Hybrid” and “Discrete” options. The new ECO mode is chosen for low power and heat setup. ..Best use-case is when running the notebook on battery. With Light studio, gamers can Coordinate colour schemes, and easily sync lighting effects across their OMEN devices.
6) The press release mentions the HP Omen 17 being targeted at professional gamers, can you give us some more information on how the HP Omen 17 appeals to professional gamers? What kind of features and technology has HP baked in, keeping in mind professional gamers?
Professional gamers need a device built with the best technology that delivers exceptional performance coupled with powerful graphics. The all-new OMEN 17 boasts the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU, which features the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture and AI-powered DLSS 3 for stunning graphics and lifelike virtual worlds with full ray tracing. This supports Max TGP (Total Graphic Power) upto 175W in performance / GPU stress mode*. The device also comes with a dynamic processor, the 13th Gen Intel Core, that distributes performance to where it's most needed, allowing for better multitasking and increased productivity for gamers. With a 17.3-inch screen and up to a QHD (Quad HD) 240hz display[1], the powerful OMEN 17 provides an immersive experience for gamers.
The OMEN Gaming Hub is another notable feature of the device. It's a one-stop shop for all things gaming-related, from software enhancements to hardware control and live services, making it easy and simple for gamers to elevate their experience. The device also features Wi-Fi 6E technology, which provides faster speeds, improved performance, greater capacity, and lower latencies compared to earlier iterations. The HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera with temporal noise reduction and integrated dual array digital microphones ensures an exceptional audio and visual experience for gamers.
7) Do you see the premium tech and design used in the HP Omen series trickle down to the HP Victus and Pavilion gaming series laptops as well?
At HP, we strongly believe in making our technological innovations accessible across all devices, regardless of their price point. Our aim is to mainstream technology, making it available to a wider range of users. In the past, we have successfully implemented this principle with our premium range of consumer products.
We understand that even entry-level gamers require high-performing devices to enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Therefore, we have incorporated some of the advanced technology from our OMEN laptops, such as the superior thermal cooling system, into our entry-level gaming products as well. This allows us to provide a similar level of quality and performance to users across all price points. Moving forward, we are committed to incorporating more such technological innovations into our products, ensuring that all users can benefit from the latest advancements in technology.
8) How does HP see the overall PC gaming scenario evolve in India? What role does HP Omen as a brand play when it comes to esports and professional gaming in India?
The past few years have seen an acceleration of gaming across the world, especially in India. In fact, India is all set to emerge as the top 3 PC gaming countries in the world. Post-pandemic, the laptop segment quickly became an all-in-one solution for those who had to study, work, play, or do all those things in an affordable single device. The rise of laptops can be attributed to not just more gamers, but also more use cases for gaming machines. India has emerged as a roughly 1 million + Gaming notebook market, witnessing a growth of over 2000% in the last 5 years.
At HP, we understand that gaming is no longer specific to a certain segment of the audience. No matter what type of gamer – professional, enthusiast, mainstream – HP has the gaming solution for everyone. Today’s professional gamers need the right experience and technology to get the most out of gaming. Innovative thermal technology and winning horsepower, stunning visuals supported with great accessories bring games to life by enhancing the overall experience. Based on this user insight, HP engineered its gaming ecosystem with OMEN laptops and desktops range that not only caters to professional gamers but also lets them get more immersed, involved, and improve their level of play.
9) What next can we expect from the HP Omen series when it comes to innovation and performance leadership in the gaming arena?
In 2023, we can expect more breakthroughs in the Indian gaming community, which allows for more innovations to meet the growing demands.
At HP, we share our users’ passion for the game, and we continue to provide the best-in-class products and experiences to cater to their needs. We are committed to raising and developing the gaming community to encourage creativity and innovation while also providing a safe environment for all types of gamers. As a brand, we analyze and understand consumer behavior and continue to innovate our offerings for all types of gamers.