HP has unveiled the OmniBook 5 14, a laptop directly targeting Apple's MacBook Neo, starting at $699.99 with Intel's Core 5 315 processor and an OLED display standard on all models.
HP's latest laptop, the OmniBook 5 14, enters the competitive field of entry-level ultraportables, squarely aiming at Apple's MacBook Neo. The base model comes with an Intel Core 5 315 "Wildcat Lake" processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $699.99. Higher configurations offer up to a Core 7 350 chip, 16GB of memory, and 1TB of storage.
A standout feature is the inclusion of an OLED display across all configurations, a differentiator from competitors like the Dell XPS 13, Asus Zenbook 14, and Acer Swift Air 14, all of which also target the MacBook Neo segment. The HP also offers four color options: silver, pink, blue, and green, notably similar to Apple's own palette for the Neo.
The move puts HP in direct competition with Apple's popular budget laptop, as well as other Windows PC makers that have recently released models with similar pricing and specifications. The OmniBook 5 14 aims to attract buyers with a premium screen at a competitive price point.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The MacBook Neo has set a new benchmark for affordable ultraportables, and HP's response adds OLED as a key differentiator, giving consumers more choice in a rapidly evolving segment.
- This intensifies competition in the $700-$1000 laptop market, potentially leading to better features and lower prices across the board.
- HP's move signals that PC makers see the Neo as the standard to beat, and are willing to match pricing while adding display quality to win over buyers.
Background
The HP OmniBook line has historically been HP's mainstream consumer laptop brand. In 2026, Apple launched the MacBook Neo, a thin and light laptop with an M-series chip, starting at $699, which quickly became a strong seller. Several Windows OEMs, including Dell, Asus, and Acer, have since released competing models with similar price tags and specifications, often using Intel's new Wildcat Lake processors. HP's entry is the latest in this trend, but it is the first to offer OLED as standard across all configs.
Key Perspectives
HP: Aims to capture price-sensitive buyers who want a premium screen without paying a premium price. By matching the Neo's entry price and offering OLED, HP positions the OmniBook as a strong value proposition.
Apple: May need to respond with a refreshed MacBook Neo featuring an improved display or lower pricing to maintain its competitive edge, especially as OLED becomes more common at this price point.
Consumers: Benefit from increased competition, gaining more options with varied trade-offs (e.g., OLED vs. ecosystem). However, they may need to weigh factors like build quality, battery life, and software support beyond the spec sheet.
What to Watch
- Early reviews of the OmniBook's display quality and battery life compared to the MacBook Neo and other competitors.
- Whether HP's pricing holds or drops during holiday promotions, and if Apple adjusts the Neo's price or specs in response.
- Adoption of OLED in the broader budget laptop market as a result of HP's move.