Big laptops are making a comeback. For a while, everyone wanted the thinnest, tiniest ultrabook that could fit into a literal envelope. But honestly? Staring at a 13-inch screen for eight hours a day is a recipe for a massive headache. That is where the Hewlett Packard 17.3 laptop enters the chat. It’s huge. It’s unapologetic. And most people assume it’s just a clunky dinosaur from 2010.
They’re wrong.
Modern 17-inch machines, especially the latest HP 17-cn and 17-cp series, aren't the back-breaking anchors they used to be. Most of these clock in at around 4.5 to 5 pounds. That's not exactly "featherweight," but it's light enough to carry from the kitchen table to the couch without needing a gym membership.
The Screen Real Estate Myth
People buy these for the display. Obviously. But there’s a trap here. If you grab the cheapest version of the Hewlett Packard 17.3 laptop, you might end up with an HD+ resolution (1600 x 900).
Don't do that.
At 17.3 inches, you need at least 1080p (Full HD) to keep things from looking like a Minecraft landscape. I’ve seen users complain that the text looks "fuzzy" on their brand-new big-screen laptop, and 9 times out of 10, it’s because they settled for that lower resolution. If you’re doing spreadsheets or editing photos, the extra space of a 17.3-inch panel is a godsend. You can actually have two windows open side-by-side without squinting. It basically replaces the need for a second monitor for most home-office setups.
Plastic vs. Premium
Let’s be real for a second. The standard HP 17 series is mostly plastic. It’s "ocean-bound plastic," which is great for the planet, but it doesn't feel like a MacBook. If you want that cold, machined-aluminum feel, you have to jump up to the HP Envy 17.
The "budget" 17-inch models (the ones you find at Walmart or Best Buy for $400–$600) have a bit of flex in the keyboard. Does it matter? Not if it sits on your desk all day. But if you’re a heavy-handed typer, you’ll notice the deck dip slightly. On the flip side, the keys are usually full-sized and include a dedicated numeric keypad. If you work in finance or just hate using the top row for numbers, that's a massive win.
Under the Hood: Intel vs. AMD in 2026
Choosing the "brain" of your Hewlett Packard 17.3 laptop is where it gets confusing.
Right now, the market is split. You’ve got the Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) chips and the AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 series.
The Intel Route: Usually better if you’re doing "single-core" tasks. Think snappy web browsing and legacy software. The latest Intel chips also have better integration with "Thunderbolt" ports, though HP often leaves Thunderbolt off their base 17-inch models to save money.
The AMD Route: Honestly, for most people, the Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 models are the better value. They tend to run a bit cooler. Heat is the enemy of big laptops. Because there's so much surface area, a hot laptop makes your palms sweaty. AMD’s integrated Radeon graphics are also surprisingly decent—you can actually play a bit of Minecraft or Valorant on the side without the machine screaming at you.
The Battery Life Reality Check
HP likes to claim 8 or 9 hours of battery life.
They’re dreaming.
In the real world, pushing a massive 17.3-inch LED backlit panel consumes a lot of juice. If you’re at 75% brightness and browsing Chrome with twenty tabs open, expect 5 to 6 hours. Maybe 7 if you’re just watching locally saved videos. This isn't a "take to the coffee shop and leave the charger at home" kind of device. It's a "mobile desktop." You move it between rooms, but you're never far from an outlet.
What’s Missing? (The "Fine Print")
You’ve got to check the ports. Lately, HP has been omitting the Ethernet port on these larger chassis. It’s annoying. You have this giant machine, but if your Wi-Fi is spotty, you’re buying a USB-C dongle.
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Also, watch the webcam. A lot of these still ship with 720p cameras. In 2026, 720p looks like you're calling from a submarine. If you’re a professional who spends all day on Zoom, look for the models that specifically list a 5MP or 1080p "True Vision" camera.
Is the Hewlett Packard 17.3 Laptop Right for You?
It depends on your eyesight and your desk. If you find yourself leaning forward to read emails on a 14-inch screen, just get the 17.3. The relief for your eyes is worth the extra pound of weight.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Display Spec: Verify the listing says "1920 x 1080" or "FHD." Avoid "HD+" at all costs.
- Verify the RAM: Do not buy an 8GB model unless you plan to upgrade it yourself. Windows 11 eats 8GB for breakfast. Look for 16GB.
- Look for Backlighting: Surprisingly, many HP 17 models skip the backlit keyboard. If you type in the dark, double-check that "Backlit Keyboard" is actually in the feature list.
- Compare the Series: If your budget is under $600, stick to the "HP Laptop 17." If you have $900+, look at the "Envy 17" for better build quality and a brighter screen (300+ nits).
Buying a laptop this size is a commitment to comfort over portability. It’s a workstation that happens to fold in half. Just make sure you aren't sacrificing screen quality for the sake of a larger diagonal measurement.