HP 17z Laptop Review: A Comprehensive Look

HP 17z is a laptop computer that is designed to meet the needs of users looking for a reliable and powerful machine for everyday use. It is part of the HP Pavilion series and features a large 17.3-inch display screen, an AMD processor, and options for upgrading RAM and storage. The laptop is suitable for a variety of tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and streaming video content. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the HP 17z laptop and help you determine whether it is a good fit for your computing needs.

Design and Build Quality

The HP 17z laptop has a sleek and modern design that is sure to catch your eye. It has a black plastic exterior with a textured finish that gives it a premium look and feel. The laptop measures 16.33 x 10.72 x 0.96 inches and weighs around 5.4 pounds, making it a relatively large and heavy machine. However, its large size also allows for a spacious keyboard and a wide, comfortable touchpad.

The build quality of the HP 17z is sturdy and well-constructed. The hinges are strong and durable, and the laptop can be opened and closed with ease. The plastic casing also feels sturdy and durable, although it may not be as robust as some of the higher-end laptops that are made from metal.

Overall, the design and build quality of the HP 17z are impressive, considering its price range. While it may not have the premium feel of more expensive laptops, it is still a well-built and attractive machine that should withstand everyday use.

Performance

The HP 17z is designed for everyday use and is equipped with an AMD processor, either the AMD Athlon Silver 3050U or the AMD Ryzen 3 3250U, depending on the configuration. These processors are capable of handling basic computing tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and light multitasking.

In terms of memory and storage, the HP 17z can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and up to a 1TB hard drive or SSD. This allows for quick and efficient access to files and programs.

For graphics, the HP 17z uses an integrated AMD Radeon graphics card, which is suitable for basic gaming and video playback. However, it may not be powerful enough for more demanding games or applications.

Overall, the performance of the HP 17z is satisfactory for everyday use. It is not designed for heavy gaming or intensive tasks, but it should be more than sufficient for most users' needs.

Gaming Capabilities

The HP 17z is not specifically designed for gaming, but it can handle some modern games at lower graphics settings. The integrated AMD Radeon graphics card is capable of playing games such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Minecraft, but more demanding games such as Call of Duty or Assassin's Creed may not run smoothly.

If gaming is a priority, it is recommended to upgrade to a higher-end graphics card, which is not available as an option for the HP 17z. However, it is possible to connect an external graphics card using the laptop's USB Type-C port, which can significantly improve gaming performance.

Overall, while the HP 17z is not a gaming laptop, it can still provide some level of gaming experience for those who are looking for a machine that can handle basic gaming needs.

Display Quality and Resolution

The HP 17z features a 17.3-inch display with a resolution of either 1600 x 900 or 1920 x 1080 pixels, depending on the configuration. The display uses an LED-backlit technology and has an anti-glare coating, which reduces reflections and improves visibility in bright environments.

The display quality of the HP 17z is generally good, with vibrant colors and decent contrast. However, the viewing angles may not be as wide as some of the higher-end laptops, and the brightness may not be as high as some users would prefer.

Overall, the display quality of the HP 17z is satisfactory for most everyday use, such as web browsing and word processing. However, if you are looking for a laptop for graphic design, video editing, or other tasks that require a high level of color accuracy and clarity, you may want to consider a laptop with a higher-end display.

Battery Life

The HP 17z comes with a 3-cell, 41 Wh Li-ion battery that is capable of providing up to 7 hours of battery life, depending on the configuration and usage. This is an average battery life for a laptop of this size and is suitable for basic everyday use.

However, if you plan on using the laptop for more intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing, the battery life may be significantly reduced. It is recommended to keep the laptop plugged in while performing these tasks to ensure optimal performance.

Overall, the battery life of the HP 17z is satisfactory for most users' needs. However, if you require a laptop with a longer battery life, you may want to consider a laptop with a larger battery or a more power-efficient processor.

Upgrading Options

The HP 17z offers some upgrading options for those who want to improve their laptop's performance or storage capacity. The laptop has two memory slots, allowing for easy RAM upgrades up to 16GB. Additionally, the laptop's storage can be upgraded by replacing the existing hard drive or SSD with a larger one.

The laptop also has several ports for connecting external devices, including USB Type-C, USB 3.1, HDMI, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. This makes it easy to connect external storage, displays, or other devices.

While the laptop's graphics card is not upgradeable, it is possible to connect an external graphics card using the laptop's USB Type-C port, as mentioned earlier.

Overall, the HP 17z offers some upgrading options, which can help to prolong its lifespan and improve its performance.

Connectivity Options

The HP 17z comes with a variety of connectivity options, making it easy to connect to the internet, external devices, and other peripherals. The laptop has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for wireless connectivity to the internet and other devices.

In terms of ports, the HP 17z includes several USB Type-A and Type-C ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. These ports allow for easy connectivity to external storage devices, displays, and other peripherals.

Additionally, the HP 17z has a built-in webcam and microphone, which can be used for video conferencing or recording. The laptop also includes an optical drive for reading and writing CDs and DVDs.

Overall, the HP 17z offers a variety of connectivity options, making it a versatile machine for both personal and professional use.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Large 17.3-inch display provides a comfortable viewing experience
• Affordable price point compared to some other laptops in its class
• Upgradable RAM and storage options allow for easy customization and improved performance
• Good connectivity options including USB Type-C, HDMI, and SD card reader
• Decent performance for everyday use such as web browsing, email, and word processing
• Built-in webcam and microphone make it suitable for video conferencing and online classes

Cons:

• Average battery life compared to some other laptops in its class
• Limited gaming capabilities due to the integrated graphics card
• Display quality and brightness may not be as high as some users would prefer
• The laptop is quite heavy and bulky, making it less portable than some other laptops in its class
• The build quality is not as durable as some other laptops, and the plastic construction may feel cheap to some users.

Operating System and Software Options

The HP 17z comes with several options for the operating system, including Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. Users can choose which operating system they prefer at the time of purchase.

The laptop also comes with several pre-installed software options, including Microsoft Office 365 (trial version), McAfee LiveSafe (trial version), and HP JumpStart. These software options can be useful for productivity and security purposes, but some users may prefer to uninstall them and use their preferred software.

Overall, the HP 17z provides users with several options for the operating system and pre-installed software, allowing for customization to suit their needs.

Audio and multimedia capabilities 

The HP 17z has a built-in stereo speaker system, which provides decent sound quality for everyday use such as watching videos or listening to music. However, for a better audio experience, it is recommended to use external speakers or headphones.

The laptop also includes a microphone and webcam, which can be useful for video conferencing, online classes, or recording videos. The webcam provides decent image quality, but the microphone may not be as high-quality as some users would prefer.

In terms of multimedia capabilities, the HP 17z has an integrated graphics card, which can handle basic tasks such as photo editing or video playback. However, it may not be suitable for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing.

Overall, the audio and multimedia capabilities of the HP 17z are sufficient for basic everyday use, but users may want to consider external speakers or headphones for a better audio experience.

Customer Support and Warranty Options

The HP 17z comes with a standard one-year limited warranty, which covers parts and labor for any defects that occur during normal use. Additionally, users have the option to purchase extended warranties for up to three years, which provide additional coverage and support.

HP also offers customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and online chat. The company has a dedicated support website, which provides troubleshooting guides, software and driver downloads, and other helpful resources.

Overall, the customer support and warranty options for the HP 17z are standard for laptops in its class. Users can feel confident that they will receive support and coverage for any defects or issues that may occur during the warranty period.