The HP Laptop 14-bs0xx series represents a line of lightweight, affordable laptops that target users looking for functionality without breaking the bank. Designed primarily for casual use such as web browsing, streaming, and office productivity, this 14-inch laptop manages to balance essential values: performance, portability, and price. In this review, we will take a detailed look at the specifications, performance, and usability of the HP 14-bs0xx to help you determine if it meets your computing needs.
Design and Build Quality
The HP 14-bs0xx features a minimalist and practical design with a plastic chassis that closely resembles aluminum, offering a professional yet elegant appearance. Despite its plastic build, the structural rigidity is decent, and flex is visible only under pressure. The laptop weighs approximately 3.15 pounds (1.43 kg), making it ideal for mobile users who need a lightweight device for on-the-go tasks.
The hinges feel stable during use and allow tilting up to around 135 degrees, which is sufficient for most usage scenarios. The overall build may not feel premium, but it’s more than capable for everyday handling and transportation.
Display
This HP model comes equipped with a 14-inch HD SVA BrightView WLED-backlit display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While it is not Full HD, it still delivers clear visuals for casual consumption, office work, and browsing the internet. However, users who demand higher resolution for creative tasks such as video or photo editing may find the display limitations noticeable.
Color reproduction is modest, and brightness peaks around 220 nits, which can feel underwhelming in brightly lit environments. Viewing angles are acceptable thanks to the SVA panel, but outdoor usage is limited due to screen reflections under sunlight.
Performance and Hardware Specifications
The HP 14-bs0xx series offers several configurations based on regional availability and customer preferences. Below is a list of commonly found hardware options:
- Processor: Intel Celeron N3060 / Pentium N3710 / Core i3 7th Gen (7100U)
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB in some models)
- Storage: 500GB HDD or 128GB/256GB SSD depending on configuration
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400 / 620 integrated
- OS: Windows 10 Home (upgradeable to Windows 11 if supported)
Performance with the Intel Core i3 configuration is notably better than with the Celeron or Pentium versions, especially when multitasking or handling productivity applications. The SSD-equipped models offer considerably faster boot times and improved responsiveness compared to those running conventional HDDs.
Battery Life
The battery life of the HP 14-bs0xx is serviceable for standard use. It features a 3-cell 41 Wh Li-ion battery that can deliver up to 5-7 hours of mixed usage, including word processing, web browsing, and streaming. Under heavier loads or when multitasking frequently, users might experience a decrease in lifespan closer to 4 hours.
Charging times are relatively standard, with the included 45W charger refilling the battery from 0 to 100% in about 2 hours. The unit does not support USB-C charging, which is common in higher-end models but understandably missing at this price point.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Ports
The full-size island-style keyboard included with the HP 14-bs0xx is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Travel distance is sufficient, and the key feedback is tactile despite the plastic materials. However, it lacks backlighting, which could be an issue in dim environments.
The touchpad is adequately sized and responsive with multi-touch gesture support. It’s neither the smoothest nor the most advanced, but it maintains usability for everyday tasks.
Ports include:
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1
- 2 x USB 2.0
- 1 x Audio combo jack
- 1 x SD card reader
- 1 x Ethernet port
These ports offer a solid array of connectivity for devices and peripherals, addressing most standard use cases without requiring additional dongles.
Audio and Webcam
The built-in dual speakers offer average audio performance suitable for video calls and brief media sessions. The sound lacks deep bass but remains clear at mid-volumes. The webcam is a 720p HD unit, sufficient for online meetings and virtual classes, although it struggles in low-light scenarios.
Conclusion
The HP 14-bs0xx is a budget-friendly, accessible laptop that is best suited for students, office workers, and everyday users looking for a no-frills computing solution. It handles essential tasks with ease, especially in higher configurations with SSDs and upgraded RAM. While it does carry some limitations — such as low-resolution display and basic build — it succeeds where it matters most for its target audience: affordability, function, and portability.
If you’re looking for a reliable machine for light workloads and are conscious of your budget, the HP 14-bs0xx series remains a solid choice in its category.
