HP Essential 17t Laptop 17.3in Touchscreen - Power and Capacity

In this review the HP Essential 17t is presented as a high-capacity, large-screen laptop aimed at power users who need fast multitasking and a roomy display. The single biggest reason to consider it is the combination of a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and an unusually large 64GB of RAM paired with a 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD, which together deliver responsive performance for heavy workloads, media libraries, and large multitasking sessions.

Key Features

• 64GB high-bandwidth RAM: Enables smooth multitasking and keeping many browser tabs and apps open without noticeable slowdowns.
• 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD: Provides fast boot times and large local storage for projects, media files, and frequent transfers.
• 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U: A modern 10-core processor that balances efficient everyday use with capable burst performance up to 5.0 GHz for demanding tasks.
• 17.3in HD+ touch display: A spacious touch BrightView screen ideal for spreadsheets, document editing, and casual media viewing on a larger canvas.
• Connectivity and security: Includes USB-C and multiple USB-A ports, HDMI output, a fingerprint reader, and Wi-Fi 6 for modern workflow needs.
• Backlit keyboard and webcam: Useful for low-light typing and video calls, completing a practical work-from-home setup.

Who It's For

This laptop is best for power users, content creators on a budget, and professionals who need large, fast local storage and heavy multitasking capability without moving to a workstation. The extra RAM and SSD make it a strong pick for those who run virtual machines, large datasets, or many simultaneous productivity apps.

Casual users who only browse, stream, or do light office work may find the 17.3in size and high memory overkill and should consider a smaller, more portable option with longer battery life. Anyone prioritizing the absolute best screen resolution or longest battery runtime should also look at alternatives with higher-res displays or more efficient configurations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very large 64GB RAM offers exceptional multitasking and future-proofing for demanding workflows.
• 2TB NVMe SSD combines capacity with fast load and boot times for heavy local storage needs.
• The Core i7-1355U delivers strong mixed single-thread and multi-thread performance for day-to-day and burst tasks.
• Spacious 17.3in touch display and backlit keyboard make productivity and presentations more comfortable.

Cons

• Battery life has been reported as a weakness by some users, which is realistic given the large screen and high-performance parts.
• Screen quality received mixed feedback from customers, with some mentioning blurrier display experience despite the HD+ resolution.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The HP Essential 17t is a compelling choice for users who prioritize raw memory and storage capacity in a large, touch-enabled laptop. It offers strong performance for multitasking and local media storage, making it good value for power users and creative professionals who need those exact strengths, while buyers who need longer battery life or a higher-resolution display should consider other models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the RAM user-upgradeable?
The specification lists 64GB RAM in this configuration; upgradeability depends on the internal design and should be confirmed with official service guides.

Does the display support touch input?
Yes, the 17.3in HD+ BrightView panel is a touch display.

What connectivity options are included?
It includes USB-C, two USB-A ports with SuperSpeed 5Gbps, HDMI 1.4b, a headphone/microphone combo jack, Wi-Fi 6, and a fingerprint reader for security.