Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform, their first venture into PC SoCs, is launching soon. We got a hands-on look at HP’s new OmniBook Ultra 16, a 16-inch creator flagship. This laptop is part of HP’s effort to compete with Intel and AMD in the PC processor market, with Nvidia’s ARM-based SoCs powering the device.
The OmniBook Ultra 16 features an all-black aluminum chassis with a smooth finish and polished sides, giving it a high-quality, business-like appearance. The CNC unibody construction ensures durability, but the laptop weighs 2.2 kg, making it less portable for daily use. The glossy glass front of the screen is a notable consumer-oriented feature.
The design includes large fan exhausts on the back, allowing for better airflow, but this limits the screen opening angle to around 135 degrees. The bottom of the laptop has a large air intake for the two fans and three heatpipes, supporting the 20-core Nvidia RTX Spark SoC with a power consumption of up to 70 W. Power is supplied by a 140 W charger or a 99 Wh battery.
The keyboard is similar to the EliteBook X but with lower key travel and a slightly concave key-dish for comfort. The laptop includes a large haptic touchpad, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A, HDMI, a microSD slot, and four speakers. Notably, it also features a physical webcam shutter, a common feature in HP’s business series.
While we couldn’t test the performance due to the device being turned off, the specs suggest that the OmniBook Ultra 16 is designed to compete with high-end laptops like the MacBook Pro. The 16-inch display and powerful SoC make it a strong contender for creators and professionals who need robust performance in a portable form factor.
For a detailed review, stay tuned for the upcoming Notebookcheck review of the HP OmniBook Ultra 16. This 16-inch creator flagship promises to be a significant player in the market, leveraging Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform to deliver powerful performance in a sleek design.
