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| HP OmniStudio AIOs. |
CES season is upon us, and that means one thing for the tech world: a fresh wave of AI-infused gadgets vying for our attention. Never one to miss a trend, HP is charging into 2026 with a refresh of its OmniStudio all-in-one desktop line, touting “AI-enhanced performance” as the headline act. But peel back the marketing, and the story gets more interesting—especially for anyone considering the smaller model.
Meet the new HP OmniStudio AIO PCs: the OmniStudio 27 and the slightly confusingly named OmniStudio 23.8. While they follow the sleek, cable-minimizing design we expect, HP is pushing the narrative that these are more than just pretty screens—they’re your new AI workhorse. But as with many things in tech, the devil is in the details, particularly when it comes to memory.
The Specs Sheet: Connectivity & Core Features
At first glance, both models share an identical port lineup, which is generous for an all-in-one: two speedy USB-C (20 Gbps), one USB-A, two legacy USB 2.0 ports, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, and a combo audio jack. They also pack in a 1080p webcam (with optional IR for Windows Hello), decent stereo speakers, a height-adjustable stand for ergonomics, and up to a whopping 2TB of NVMe SSD storage.
So far, so good. But this is where the paths of the 24-inch and 27-inch siblings start to diverge in meaningful ways.
HP OmniStudio 23.8: A Potential Performance Pitfall
Let’s talk about the HP OmniStudio 23.8 first. It’s powered by your choice of new Intel Core Ultra 200-series or AMD Ryzen chips. The Intel options, like the Core Ultra 7 255H, come with the integrated Intel Arc graphics (140T or 130T), while AMD offers up to a Ryzen 5 220 with Radeon 740M graphics.
Here’s the critical caveat that HP quietly discloses: On this 23.8-inch model, only the top-tier 32GB RAM configuration runs in dual-channel mode. The more affordable 8GB and 16GB setups? Those are single-channel.
Why does that matter? For the Intel versions, single-channel RAM forces the Arc iGPU to run in a slower, less powerful “Intel Graphics” mode. You’re literally not getting the full Arc performance you paid for unless you spring for max RAM. For AMD systems, single-channel also hobbles the Radeon iGPU’s potential. It’s a significant hidden cost for budget-conscious buyers.
Display-wise, it offers a choice: a smooth 100Hz non-touch Full HD panel or a 75Hz touch-enabled one. Both hit 350 nits brightness and cover 100% sRGB—perfect for everyday productivity and media.
HP OmniStudio 27: The Premium, No-Compromise Sibling
The HP OmniStudio 27 addresses that RAM issue head-on. While it uses the same Intel and AMD CPU options, both its 16GB and 32GB configurations benefit from dual-channel memory. This means the iGPUs, especially Intel’s Arc, can stretch their legs and perform as intended. If you want the full “AI-enhanced” experience without a hidden asterisk, the 27-inch model is the safer bet.
The other major upgrade is the screen. You get a sharper 2560 x 1440 (QHD) resolution panel, a welcome boost for a 27-inch display. Do note, however, that if you want touch functionality, you’re dropped back to a 1080p panel, similar to the smaller model.
The Bottom Line: Who Are These AI PCs For?
HP is clearly targeting creators, hybrid workers, and families who want a powerful, tidy desktop that can handle everything from video calls and photo editing to the growing wave of local AI assistant tasks. The “AI” label here is powered by those new Intel and AMD chips with dedicated NPUs (Neural Processing Units), designed to handle background AI tasks efficiently.
Pricing and availability? That’s the final piece of the puzzle. HP has remained tight-lipped on exact numbers and launch dates, only stating they’ll be available “soon after CES 2026.” Given the RAM configuration quirks on the OmniStudio 23.8, waiting for those price tags will be crucial.
The Verdict: HP’s new OmniStudio AIOs look like compelling all-in-one packages. But buyers need to read the fine print. The OmniStudio 27 appears to be the more coherent, premium offering, while the OmniStudio 23.8 demands careful configuration to avoid a performance gimp. As the AI PC race heats up, it seems even all-in-ones aren’t immune to the classic tech dilemma: you often get what you pay for.