Review of the HP Stream 14″ HD BrightView Laptop
The HP Stream 14″ HD BrightView Laptop has garnered attention for its lightweight design, decent specifications, and attractive price point. As a budget-friendly option, it offers a blend of performance suitable for everyday tasks, making it an attractive choice for students and casual users alike. In this review, we will explore its strengths and weaknesses, based on user experiences and specifications.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal
The HP Stream 14 comes in a sleek silver finish that gives it a modern and professional look. Many users have appreciated its design, comparing its texture to that of carbon fiber, which adds a touch of elegance. The compact size (12.76 x 8.86 x 0.71 inches) and lightweight build (3.24 pounds) further enhance its portability, making it a perfect companion for students on the go or professionals who need to work remotely.
Build Quality Concerns
While the laptop looks appealing, some users have noted that the overall build quality feels cheap. This sentiment is echoed in certain reviews where individuals suggested that materials used in the construction do not inspire confidence in durability. If you’re seeking a device that can withstand rough handling, you might want to consider a higher-end model.
Performance
Processing Power
Equipped with an Intel Celeron N4120 processor, the HP Stream 14 delivers adequate performance for basic tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The 1.1 GHz quad-core processor allows for decent multitasking; however, it may struggle with more resource-intensive applications or gaming, as reported by some users who found simple games like Roblox unplayable.
Memory and Storage
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the laptop shines in terms of multitasking capabilities. Users have reported smooth operation when running multiple applications simultaneously—ideal for those who need to switch between tasks frequently. The storage configuration includes 128GB of eMMC storage supplemented by a 160GB docking station set, which is generous for casual use but may fill up quickly with larger files.
Graphics and Display
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics provide satisfactory image quality for everyday tasks, although they fall short for gaming or graphic-intensive applications. The 14-inch HD BrightView display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels is adequate for basic media consumption, yet some users have expressed disappointment with the clarity and vibrancy of the screen, especially when compared to higher-resolution displays.
Connectivity and Features
Port Selection
The laptop includes a variety of ports, such as USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and a media card reader, which are essential for connecting to various devices. Users have praised this aspect, as the inclusion of multiple high-speed USB ports allows for seamless integration with peripherals.
Webcam and Audio Quality
The HP Stream 14 features a 720p webcam, which, while not exceptional, is suitable for video calls and online meetings. Audio quality is generally comparable to mobile devices, although sound enthusiasts may find it lacking in depth and richness.
Operating System and Software
Windows 11 S Mode
Out of the box, the HP Stream 14 operates on Windows 11 in S Mode, which restricts software installations to apps available in the Microsoft Store. While this enhances security and performance, some users may find it limiting. Fortunately, switching out of S Mode is a straightforward process that allows for greater flexibility in software choices.
Included Software
The laptop comes with a one-year subscription to Office 365, which is a fantastic bonus for users who need productivity tools. Additionally, the inclusion of a docking station set further enhances its value.
Battery Life and Efficiency
The HP Stream 14 boasts commendable battery life, making it suitable for extended use throughout the day. Users have reported that the laptop can easily handle several hours of work or media consumption without requiring a recharge, aligning well with the needs of students and professionals alike.
User Experiences and Ratings
Positive Feedback
Many users have praised the HP Stream 14 for its performance given its price point. It is frequently referred to as an excellent value, especially for students or casual users who need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. The attractive price, portability, and decent specifications often lead to 4 or 5-star ratings from satisfied customers.
Constructive Criticism
Despite the positive feedback, some users have reported issues, such as lagging performance during multitasking or more intensive applications. A few have encountered technical problems, including crashes and boot issues. These experiences highlight the importance of understanding the limitations of a budget device like the HP Stream 14.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Based on the analysis of both positive and negative user experiences, as well as the laptop’s specifications, we would assign the HP Stream 14″ HD BrightView Laptop an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. While it is a good option for basic tasks and offers good value for money, users should be aware of its limitations, particularly regarding gaming, build quality, and potential performance issues. It is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, lightweight laptop primarily for work and casual use.
Dana Galima –
Excellent quality laptop for the price. Functions smoothly. My husband enjoys using it for video creation and editing. Internet speed is fast. The battery life is impressive. It’s lightweight. An ideal simple laptop.
Gael Kone –
I purchased two of these laptops in 2021, and one unexpectedly stopped working a few months ago, despite not being in use. It now displays an error message saying, “Boot Device Not Found. Please install an operating system on your hard disk.” The laptop was already sluggish from the start, which is why I hardly used it. If I had known, I would have never bought them. What a waste of money.
This product is anyone with small or medium breast only. If you’re possess large breast do not waste your time purchase the product. –
It’s great; it comes with a window and antivirus. However, the memory fills up quickly. The color is really nice, not too shiny.
Heidi Leadley –
I’m extremely pleased with this purchase; this PC is not only stunning but also incredibly practical, and I truly enjoy using it. Thank you! 🙂
Nice –
I recently bought the HP Stream 14″ HD BrightView Laptop and was quite let down by its performance. I would recommend investing a bit more for a better computer. It struggles even with basic games like Roblox, and both the materials and appearance feel cheap. The resolution is disappointing, but it does handle work tasks fairly well—just remember to disable S mode. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you need it solely for work purposes. I suggest looking into a refurbished MacBook Air from 2013; it’s older but outperforms this laptop and has a more appealing design.
Liam –
I received my laptop yesterday and started setting it up today. I downloaded Google Chrome and a reputable subscription-based VPN app after disabling S mode. I created two administrator accounts and one standard user. However, while setting up the second administrator account, the laptop crashed, and the screen went black. I attempted a hard reset and left it to charge overnight. I intended to use this laptop for educational purposes when I’m away from home, as I already have a desktop.
Regarding performance before the crash:
1) The CPU was at 100%, and apps opened slowly, even though I was close to my main mesh router—my desktop works fine, so it shouldn’t be an internet issue.
2) Upon first unpackaging and logging into my Microsoft account, I had to do a recovery startup that took about 20 minutes.
3) It felt warm on the bottom after about an hour of use.
I’m considering returning it if it doesn’t turn on after trying two different outlets tomorrow afternoon.
Edit: I’m returning it for a refund; I’ve had it plugged in for a couple of days and have tried turning it on daily, but it still won’t start.
Chess player 23 –
The laptop arrived in excellent packaging, and I was pleasantly surprised to find extra storage included. Considering the price, it’s a good deal, although it does experience some lag. It’s an ideal purchase when on sale. The sound quality is comparable to that of a smartphone. The setup process is standard for laptops. However, there is some noticeable slack and latency.
Maureen –
I’m really fond of the dusty rose/pink color of the laptop, and overall, I’m very satisfied with my purchase, especially considering the fantastic price and the inclusion of a one-year Microsoft 365 subscription to try out! My only downside is that I find it a bit slow and it tends to lag. However, given its lower price point and slower processor, that’s understandable. In hindsight, I do wish I had invested a little more for a faster model.
Frida Beatriz Morales Amador –
Great quality, charges quickly, and retains power well. I purchased this as a personal gift, and it matches the description perfectly. Excellent value for the price, with speedy and hassle-free shipping.
Charmaine Palmer –
My new HP Streaming Laptop has transformed the way I work. It’s lightweight and portable, allowing me to take it anywhere with ease. If you’re in search of a dependable, stylish, and high-performing laptop, this is the one for you. This HP gem is truly a game-changer.
Eric L –
I bought this as a Christmas gift for my son, and he says it exceeds his needs. He’s able to watch videos, upload character specs to a DnD website, and play games all at once. It’s perfect for teens and comes at a fantastic price.
This product is anyone with small or medium breast only. If you’re possess large breast do not waste your time purchase the product. –
Fantastic laptop! The start-up was a breeze, and the keyboard felt great to type on. Unfortunately, it lacked a backlight, which led me to return it. I’m waiting for my refund now. I hope to find another one with backlighting because everything else about this laptop was truly a great deal.
rick ellen mcintyre –
This product definitely deserves a 5-star rating for several reasons: