We purchased the HP Notebook 15 so that our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and review it. Read on for our full product review.

The HP Notebook 15 is an entry-level, budget-friendly laptop that’s designed to work as a portable desktop replacement. In the configuration we tested, its AMD A6-9225 2.6GHz processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM proved sufficient for most basic productivity tasks, but a less-than-full HD display makes it a tough sell as a desktop replacement. The mediocre battery life also means you may find yourself searching for a power outlet if you’re using it outdoors.

We tested an HP Notebook 15 in the office and at home to see how it performed on everyday tasks beyond the basic benchmark numbers. We looked at things like speaker quality, its ability to handle productivity tasks and gaming, battery life while in use, and more.

When designing a sub-$300 desktop replacement like the HP Notebook 15, compromises are made to achieve that budget-friendly price tag. Aesthetics are usually the first concession, but the HP Notebook 15 actually looks quite nice. The matte finish of the chassis has a pleasant texture and adds a nice visual flair to what could have been a nondescript design.