In a move that is shaking up the budget laptop market, HP has quietly started shipping the latest model of its HP 17t laptop with a staggering price cut. The new machine positions itself as an even more affordable alternative to HP's own value-oriented Pavilion line, bringing a large 17.3-inch screen to users on a very tight budget.
Originally starting at just under $1,000, the base configuration of the HP 17t now begins at a jaw-dropping $420. For that price, users get a system powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 225U processor. Even a fully-loaded configuration with a more powerful Core Ultra 7 255U and a sharper 1080p display tops out at around $770. HP has not announced an end date for this aggressive sale, suggesting this may be its new, permanent competitive pricing.
A Big Screen on a Small Budget
The HP 17t series has long been a go-to for those seeking one of the least expensive 17.3-inch laptops on the market. For tasks like multi-tab web browsing, streaming video, and basic office work, the large 16:9 display offers more real estate than typical 13-inch or 15-inch models without breaking the bank.
The latest model benefits from the modern "Arrow Lake-U" architecture of the Intel Core Ultra CPUs, which our review found provides decent battery life and reliable performance for everyday computing. However, as with most laptops in this price category, it suffers from poor integrated graphics performance and a limited color gamut, making it a poor choice for gaming or professional photo editing.
The Touchscreen Trade-Off: A Deliberate Limitation?
Where potential buyers need to pay close attention is with the display options. Unlike most other laptops where features are additive, the HP 17t comes with a significant caveat for touchscreen enthusiasts.
Adding the touchscreen functionality to this model automatically limits you to a lower-resolution 1600 x 900 (900p) panel. Meanwhile, users who forgo touch can upgrade to the much more standard and recommended 1920 x 1080 (1080p) display.
We highly recommend choosing the 1080p non-touch option. On a large 17.3-inch screen, the 900p resolution can appear noticeably grainy, dark, and less sharp, significantly detracting from the viewing experience.
This peculiar limitation appears to be a strategic move by HP. Users who want the best of both worlds—a responsive touchscreen and a native 1080p high-definition display—will find themselves looking one step up the product ladder at the more expensive HP OmniBook 7 or X series.
If you're sold on the value proposition and want to see the configuration for yourself, you can check out the latest HP 17t laptop and its current pricing directly on HP's official website.
The Bottom Line
The new HP 17t is a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers, students, or families who prioritize screen size above all else. The dramatic price cut makes it one of the most accessible large-screen laptops available today. Just be wary of the touchscreen trade-off; for a superior visual experience, the 1080p non-touch panel is undoubtedly the way to go.