Hewlett Packard, or HP, is one of the leading hardware manufacturers for the IT sector, based in the US. It makes computers, computer accessories, printers, tablets, and many other devices. One of the more popular products is HP’s laptops.
Over the decades, HP has released different categories of laptops, known as series. Like Dell and Lenovo laptops, each HP laptop series is designed for a specific audience. Whether you like raw power, exceptional graphics, or excellent gaming performance; there is an HP laptop series for you.
Each of those series then has different laptop models that come with different specifications. If you are looking to purchase your next HP laptop, make an informed decision by reading this article to understand how the HP laptop lineup works.
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HP laptop categories
As mentioned earlier, Hp has a line of notebooks and workstation series. Some of the main laptop series also have sub-series, that further categorize the series.
HP mostly categorizes its laptops based on the consumer market. For example, the HP Pavilion series is targeted toward the general consumer who wants normal power and enhanced reliability. On the other hand, HP Omen is a series for hardcore gamers that offers exceptional power and graphics-rendering capabilities.
Here is a list of the major HP notebook series released to date, which are discussed in detail further below:
- Pavillion
- Spectre
- Envy
- Elitebook
- Chromebook
- Probook
- ZBook
- Elite
- OMEN
- Dragonfly
- Essential
- Victus
- Mobile Thin Client (mt)
if you are planning on buying a new HP laptop, then this article will help you understand which HP laptop series is better for your needs and requirements.
Before we discuss the different laptop series and how they differentiate from one another, it is important to understand how to read the HP computer model numbers, and what they mean.
Understanding HP laptop model numbers
Laptop manufacturers tend to name their computers so that they have meaning. They are usually a combination of letters and numbers that signify some crucial information about the laptop itself.
Over the years, HP has changed its model-naming nomenclature as things became more complicated when more and more variants of the same model began rolling out. Additionally, you may observe that different laptop series have different model name structures. We will try to cover those as well as we go forward in this article.
Note: Not all HP model naming conventions will apply to all laptop models. There may be exceptions, or differences in when the model was released, since the naming nomenclature may be different then.
Most of the HP laptop model names include and usually start with a double-digit number. This is normally, “13”, “15”, “17”, and such. This signifies the screen size of the laptop. For example, the model name “HP laptop 17t-cn200″ implies that the screen size is 17.3 inches.
Another thing to notice is the alphabet that follows the screen size. This alphabet may be missing in some models, but if present, it can be either “t” or “z”. Here is what they mean:
- t – The laptop includes an Intel processor
- z – the laptop includes an AMD processor
In the older HP models, the processor manufacturer was determined by the suffixes, where “TU” meant that it included an Intel processor, and “TX” meant that it included an AMD processor.
If you are not sure which processor manufacturer you ought to go with, here is our dedicated article on AMD vs Intel processors and a comparison.
The middle portion of an HP laptop model name, such as “em0047” in “HP laptop 14-em0047nr” does not essentially mean anything. It is just a number assigned by HP to differentiate it from the rest. However, the last 2-letter suffixes mean something.
The suffixes at the end of an HP laptop’s model can be assigned to a region where the laptop is sold, or it can mean something else. For example, the “nr” in the “HP laptop 14-em0047nr” stands for “No Rebate.” This means that similarly, here is a table of HP models suffixed and what they mean:
| HP Model Suffix | Description |
| nr | No Rebate |
| cl | Club Model – only available through certain clubs |
| wm | Walmart model |
| dx | BestBuy model |
As mentioned above, you may also see suffixed other than these. Those will usually signify the region the laptop is sold in.
HP Pavilion
The HP Pavilion series dates back to 1995 when the first computer of the series was released. The HP Pavilion bloodline includes both desktop and laptop computers.
The Pavilion series is targeted at the general population that is both dependable and adaptable; the right kind of machine to be used both at home and in the office. It offers a variety of minor sub-series that you can choose from.
There is the HP Pavilion x360 subseries, the Pavilion 14 series, and the Pavilion 15 series. As you may have guessed, the Pavilion 14 and 15 series are solely categorized based on the screen size. However, the “x360” series includes all the Pavilion laptops that are 2-in-1 devices, which means that they can be used as both computers and tablets – the “360” depicts that the screens can be rotated 360 degrees around the keyboard.
Another great feature is that these laptops have powerful processors. Additionally, they also have really good displays. The screens show bright colors and clear images. Some models even have special sound tuning by experts from B&O PLAY, so the audio sounds nice. This makes them perfect for watching movies and listening to music.
As mentioned earlier in the article, the Pavilion laptops may include a letter to signify the processor used in the laptop, followed by the model name, and then a suffix that may either be a country code or some special information about the laptop. Here is a table for the possible suffixes for an HP Pavilion laptop:
| Suffix | Description |
| sb | Small Business |
| se | Special Edition |
| qe | Quad Edition |
| y | CTO – Configure To Order |
| us | United States |
| ca | Canada |
| br | Brazil |
| la | Latin America |
| ap | Asian Pacific |
| au/ax | Asia/Australia |
| ea/eo/sa/na | Eastern & Western Europe |
| qr | Russia |
HP Pavilion x360
The HP Pavilion x360 models are 2-in-1 devices that have touchscreens. These laptops are generally targeted toward consumers who want flexibility and portability.
Due to their 360-degree hinge design, these laptops are known for their adaptability as they can be used as both tablets and conventional laptops. The hinge enables the screen to fully rotate and to be positioned in various positions, including tablet mode, laptop mode, tent mode, and stand mode.
HP Pavilion 14, 15
The HP Pavilion 14 and Pavilion 15 laptops are segregated solely on screen size. These are aimed at users seeking a versatile and affordable laptop that can handle everyday computing tasks, multimedia utilization, and casual gaming without sacrificing portability.
As the name suggests, these laptops come in 14″ and 15.6″ screen sizes, respectively.
HP Pavilion Aero, Plus
Apart from the already-mentioned HP Pavilion subcategories, HP has also included rather recently-launched subseries known as HP Pavilion Aero and HP Pavilion Plus.
HP Pavilion Plus is a slightly more advanced version than the regular Pavilion laptops. It includes all the basic features of a regular Pavilion, apart from a few upgrades For example, a Pavilion Plus will include a 1080p webcam instead of a standard 720p one, with a screen that offers higher screen resolution.
The HP Pavilion Aero is an ultra-lightweight laptop that packs a power punch. It is designed for users that require extreme portability with enough power and high-end specs to cater to regular gaming and other resource-intensive tasks.
HP Pavilion x360 vs 14 vs 15 vs Aero vs Plus
Below you’ll find a summary of the different HP Pavilion subseries laptops and their major specifications. Note that the specs may vary from model to model.
| Pavilion x360 | Pavilion 14 | Pavilion 15 | Pavilion Aero | Pavilion Plus | |
| Available screen sizes | 14, 15.6 | 14 | 15.6 | 13.3 | 14 |
| 2-in-1 | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Max screen resolution | 2880 x 1800 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1600 | 2880 x 1800 |
| Max supported RAM | 16 GB, DDR4 | 32 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
HP Spectre
The HP Spectre series laptops are all considered high-end and expensive laptops. These are targeted toward both businessmen, who want a sleek and smart look, as well as professionals that need to perform resource-intensive tasks.
One of the noteworthy things about the Spectre series is that they are all “x360,” which means that they are 2-in-1 devices and can be folded and used as a tablet, in coherence with touch-enabled screens. The screen sizes for HP Spectre range from 13.5 inches to 16 inches.
Note: Unlike the traditional naming convention, the “14” in the HP Spectre laptop series means a 13.5″ screen and not 14 inches.
The HP Spectre laptop series offers a variety of different RAM and storage options, rating from 256 GB to 4TB storage devices, and up to a whopping 64 GB of memory.
If you are a person who wants to make an impression with their laptop, and money is no object, then you may want to consider a timeless HP Spectre laptop.
With that said, there is just one caveat; the HP Spectre line has been discontinued by the manufacturer, and you can therefore no longer purchase it directly from them. Additionally, as per our resources, it has very limited availability in the market. So, you might only be able to get your hands on a used HP Spectre.
HP ENVY
Like the HP Pavilion series, the ENVY series (written in all caps) also has subseries, which include x360, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, etc. As you would already know, the latter subseries are categorized according to the laptop’s screen size. Additionally, some of the ENVY subseries have been discontinued, which included the HP ENVY Spectre, DV5, DV6, and DV7.
That said, the HP ENVY laptops were initially released in two sizes only – 13 and 15 inches. A year later in 2010, they also released the 14 and 17-inch variants. However, all 4 sizes were discontinued and replaced by the HP Pavilion series in 2012. At this point, HP ENVY was rebranded as HP Pavilion and these new models included Beats audio and dedicated Nvidia GPUs.
However, in 2014, HP again reintroduced the HP ENVY 13, 14, 15, and 17 series with newer models. Not only that, but it also included an “x2” and an “x360” subseries, which are both 2-in-1 devices.
The HP ENVY laptop series is designed for users that require versatility, including portability, long battery hours, and CPU-heavy tasks. With variable screen sizes, a battery that can last up to 20 hours, an option to have a touchscreen, and a powerful CPU, your options are limitless with the ENVY series.
HP Elitebook
Initially launched in 2008, the HP Elitebook has seen significant evolution over time. The Elitebook is a business-oriented laptop series that prioritizes functionality, reliability, and connectivity. The latest iteration is the 13th generation, represented by models like the HP Elitebook 860 G9.
The Elitebook is famous for its high-end processing capabilities, thanks to the latest and most powerful 13th-generation processors. Not only that, but users can also opt for either a processor with “p cores,” which are performance cores, or “U cores,” which are optimized to consume ultra-low power.
The Elitebook series offers a wide range of laptop models, ranging from different screen sizes to different processors. Not only that but the HP Dev One subseries was specifically designed for the Linux operating system.
That said, the Elitebook comes in 13.3, 14, 15.6, and 16-inch screen sizes. Moreover, the Elitebook has been released in various generations. The 13th generation of Elitebooks are the latest ones at the time of writing this post. With each new generation, HP made significant improvements, such as improving the support for newer processors, display types, supported screen resolutions, etc.
After the 3rd generation, with the release of the HP Elitebook 4th generation, HP began to include the “Gx” nomenclature to the laptop’s model (where the “x” is an integer). For example, one of the 4th generation Elitebook laptops was “EliteBook 720 G1.” Ever since then, the “Gx” has been included. The 13th generation Elitebook laptop’s model includes the “G10.”
Some of the high-end Elitebook models support memory up to 64 GB. However, those are quite expensive since most of the Elitebooks are.
Furthermore, the Elitebook had a subseries known as “Dragonfly.” However, HP later named the “Elitebook Dragonfly” to only “Dragonfly” as a separate, standalone laptop series.
HP Elite
The HP Elite subseries is considered a part of the Elitebook series. Both of these subseries have originally the same origin.
Specifically, the “Elite” series has further two subcategories, which are: Dragonfly and x360.
As we have discussed already, all x360 HP devices can essentially be used as tablets, since the screen can rotate at 360 degrees and attach itself behind the keyboard, i.e. at the bottom side of the laptop.
The HP Elite Dragon fly series is a series of normal laptops, with no rotating capabilities. One interesting fact about the Elite Dragonfly series is that it was later rebranded to a separate “HP Dragonfly” standalone series which we have discussed in detail further in this article.
Both of the Elite subseries are available in 13.3 and 14-inch screen sizes, offer advanced specifications and are ideal for diverse business-related requirements.
HP Chromebook
Typically, a Chromebook refers to a computer that runs ChromeOS – Google’s proprietary operating system. However, when we talk about HP’s Chromebooks, it refers to the standalone laptop series and the Chromebooks that are a part of other series.
For example, you have the “HP Chromebook x360 14b-cb0097nr,” which is a Chromebook belonging to the Chromebook series, and you also have the “HP Elite c640 G3 Chromebook,” which is essentially a Chromebook because it runs ChromeOS, but belongs to the Elite series.
That said, since the Chromebooks are running ChromeOS, they cannot be used for resource-intensive tasks. Primarily, Chromebooks provide quick and convenient usage to perform daily tasks, such as surfing the web, checking the mail, managing the calendar, etc. Since the storage is on the cloud, Chromebooks come with very little storage space and limited memory options as well.
With that, Chromebooks are relatively cheaper, extremely lightweight, and hence, portable (with some exceptions). You can find Chromebooks in sizes 11, 13, 14, and 15 inches. Additionally, they may not support top-end processors, like Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7.
it is not necessary that all Chromebooks may be dull. Certain models offer great versatility with a touchscreen and 2-in-1 mode.
If you are on a tight budget and looking for an affordable laptop, take a look at the HP Chromebooks.
HP Probook
The HP ProBook series lies just below the Elitebook series in terms of both performance and cost. Designed for businesses, the ProBook offers both performance-optimized and efficiency-optimized computer hardware.
The ProBook series is a high-security device that includes HP BIOSphere technology and HP Touchpoint Manager, making it the perfect choice for users who have sensitive data on their computers.
The ProBook comes in 14″ and 15.6-inch screen sizes, and packs one of the latest processors with power-efficient cores. It offers specifications well-suited for corporate tasks and demanding software applications, with the ability to provide power for 6 to 12 hours.
Additionally, the ProBook laptops are built to withstand everyday accidents because of their MIL-STD 810G military-grade certification and spill-resistant keyboard options.
HP ZBook
The HP ZBook laptop series is a mobile workstation series, which essentially means that it can do everything a desktop workstation can, with the only difference of portability. This is why ZBooks are bigger and bulkier.
That said, ZBooks provide the ultimate power for dedicated GPU and heavy CPU processing. Therefore, it is targeted toward creators. Unfortunately, it comes at a financial cost, which some might consider significantly much more than some other HP laptop series.
The ZBook has multiple subseries which can be confusing for some. We have briefly distinguished between the different ZBooks variants below.
ZBooks Firefly
The HP ZBook Firefly laptop series are sleek and smart mobile workstations. These are targeted toward mobile power users and creators, who need raw processing power on the go.
The Firefly series is mostly inspired Elitebook 800 series, and some say that the only difference is the dedicated GPU.
ZBook Power
The ZBooks Power series was initially leveraged from the HP Omen (discussed ahead) series. However, that is not true anymore. These are entry-level mobile workstations with up to Quadro T1000 or T2000 level of graphics.
ZBook Power laptops come in 15.6″ screens and a powerful processor. It also includes an Nvidia or AMD dedicated graphics card.
ZBook Studio, Create
The HP ZBook Studio and ZBook Create are two separate subseries. However, they are considered to be the same.
Both of these are thin, light, and powerful machines with a sleek and smart design. Both of them have slim bezels, and the later G7 models are more compact than the older models.
One significant difference between the ZBook Create and Studio laptop series is the dedicated RTX GPU in the Create laptops. Otherwise, they are essentially the same series.
The table;e below highlights the major differences between ZBook Create and Studio laptop lineups:
| ZBook Create | Zbook Studio | |
| Display size | 15.6″ | 15.6″ |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Storage type | PCIe NVMe SSD | PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 with Max-Q Design (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated), Integrated Intel UHD Graphics | NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Max-Q graphics (16 GB GDDR6 dedicated) (Maximum) |
ZBook Fury
The ZBook Fury laptops are the thickets of all the ZBook subcategories. These are considered to be desktop replacements with sufficient space for expansion. Fury laptops support 4 times the M.2 SSD, and 4 times the RAM slots, which means that they support up to 128 GB memory capacity.
Additionally, they also support all sorts of ports, including smart cards, SD cards, 3.5mm audio jack, ethernet, HDMI, etc.
That said, the ZBook Furty series is targeted at top-end researchers, scientists, designers, and entertainment and media professionals that need to adapt to different requirements on the go.
HP ZBook Firefly vs Power vs Studio vs Create vs Fury
As already discussed, there are many variants of the ZBook subseries by HP. The table below will help you distinguish between them at a glance.
| Pros | Cons | |
| HP ZBook Firefly | – Relatively low costs – Slim, sleek, and smart looks | – Poor quality IPS display |
| HP ZBook Power | – Good for students – Value for money option | – Later models offer substandard dedicated graphics cards |
| HP ZBook Studio | – Available in premium form factors | – Lacks dedicated GPU |
| HP ZBook Create | – Includes dedicated RTX GPU – Available in premium form factors | – Slightly more expensive than ZBook Studio laptops |
| HP ZBook Fury | – Very expandable – Can cater to both normal and high-resource consumption – Includes more ports than most laptops | – Significantly expensive |
HP OMEN
The HP OMEN, also referred to as “OEM by HP,” is a series of laptops targeted toward gamers, while maintaining a budget. The OMEN laptops sure to provide the best visual and performance experience for gamers by included a dedicated graphics card and a powerful CPU, all while being inexpensive than some of its competitor manufacturers, like Dell Alienware and Asus Rog.
All OMEN laptops come in either 16.1 or 17.3-inch screens. They offer a whopping 2560 x 1440 resolution with a 3 ms response time, making it the best option for gamers to have minimum latency. Additionally, they also come with the latest AMD Ryzen or Intel CPUs, such as Core i7, Core i9, Ryzen 5, or Ryzen 7.
That said, the OMEN laptops might not be a good fit for everyone. This is because a significant portion of the power goes away when you unplug the charger. Even if you tweaked the operating system for all components to work at full capacity on the battery, the battery backup would significantly drain. Therefore, choose an HP OMEN computer only if you are interested in gaming most of the time.
HP Dragonfly
The HP Dragonfly subseries is originally extracted from the “Elite Dragonfly” subseries. However, HP realized that it should be a series of its own, and therefore launched a separate product line.
The Dragonfly subseries’ main purpose is to be agile while providing significant power to the users. The Dragonfly laptops come in 13.3 and 14 inches only and are sleek and slim. They even pack a powerful punch with a long battery life.
Dragonfly has a standard series and a “Pro” series. The Dragonfly Pro laptops offer the latest and most powerful AMD and Intel processors with integrated graphics. Moreover, they also have a touchscreen to provide user convenience and style.
That said, whilst so much is packed within a tiny package, it does not leave room for standard ports and connectivity. All Dragonfly laptops lack a 3.5mm headphone jack and include only 2 high-speed USB C ports. This means that you would need to use hubs for further connectivity.
HP Essential
HP Essential is a series of HP inexpensive laptops created for the average user with normal computing needs. The Essential lineup does not include the word “Essential” in the model’s name. Instead, the model name is typical to the HP naming nomenclature, like “HP 255 G9 Notebook,” or “HP 17t-cn300.”
These are entry-level laptops that come in various sizes, ranging from 14 inches to 17.3 inches. It is up to the user which model they prefer according to their requirements. While some offer dedicated graphics cards, others have integrated GPUs. Similarly, you can pick a model with the latest AMD or Intel processor, or one with a Core i3 8th generation processor – the choice is entirely up to the consumer.
The HP Essential laptop series is popular amongst home and small-business users as they are a lot cheaper than some of the other HP offerings.
HP Victus
Like the HP OMEN series, HP Victus is yet another budget-friendly gaming laptop series. Victus can be considered as a tier below HP OMEN as they are more affordable, but also lack the latest technologies. For example, instead of the option to get an i7 in HP OMEN, you can get the Core i5 in a Victus computer.
Apart from the few cost slashes, the Victus series still offers a trendy and mean-looking computer with RGB lights and game-optimized hardware. The computer usually also includes a dedicated GPU for untethered performance.
That said, the Victus computer lineup still uses the OMEN Gaming Hub as its main control for the PC.
HP Mobile Thin Client (MT)
Mobile Thin Clients are HP’s budget-friendly slim computers. They usually come with minimalist CPUs, like Intel Celeron or Ryzen 3, and often do not include big hardware.
Since they are designed to be highly portable and placed with minimum visual interference, they are not programmed to perform resource-intensive tasks. Instead, they are used to access web-based applications, like in the case of POS systems, or kiosk devices. This is why HP MT devices come with 14-inch screens only and minimum pots for connectivity.
Conclusion
Like all computer manufacturers, HP also offers a variety of computer series for different segments of the market. Whether you are an average home user, a businessman always on the go, or an enterprise administrator that requires utmost security; there is an HP laptop designed specifically for your needs.
This article highlights the key and salient features of all HP laptop series released to date. If you are planning on making your next purchase, read this post to make an informed and correct decision.
With the continuous adaptation to the evolving needs of consumers, HP demonstrates its commitment to staying relevant in the competitive tech market. The company’s rich history and continued focus on excellence. That is why, HP laptops remain a reliable choice for anyone seeking a dependable and efficient computing experience.
