HP 14 EP0068TU: The Ultimate Budget Laptop with Intel i3 N305
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Unboxing and Specifications
- Design and Build Quality
- Keyboard and Trackpad
- Ports and Connectivity
- Display Quality
- Performance and Multitasking
- Gaming Performance
- Battery Life
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this article, we will be reviewing the latest budget laptop from HP, the HP 14 EP0068TU. This laptop is equipped with Intel's i3 N305 processor, which features 8 cores and 8 Threads. We will be taking an in-depth look at the unboxing experience, specifications, design, performance, gaming capabilities, battery life, and overall conclusion of this budget-friendly laptop. So without further ado, let's dive into the details and see what this laptop has to offer.
Unboxing and Specifications
When unboxing the HP 14 EP0068TU, we are greeted with a minimalistic Package that includes a 65W AC adapter with a long power cord for convenient charging. The laptop itself comes in a sleek brown box. Moving on to the specifications, this laptop is powered by Intel's latest i3 N305 processor, offering 8 cores and 8 threads for efficient multitasking. It also features 8GB DDR4 3200MHz single-Channel RAM, with the option to upgrade to a maximum of 16GB. Additionally, it comes with a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Gen3 SSD for fast and reliable storage.
Design and Build Quality
The HP Volant 14 boasts a professional and sleek design with its natural silver color, which has been a popular choice among users. The laptop is built with PC ABS material, which provides a sturdy and Durable build. The back panel is also made of polycarbonate, and it features the Incentor HP branding. The laptop is lightweight, weighing only 1.4 kg, making it highly portable. The hinge quality is excellent, allowing the laptop to tilt up to 135 degrees without any wobbling. The keyboard is non-backlit but has a comfortable key travel of 1.4 mm and is designed with a rough matte finish for a better typing experience.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The HP 14 EP0068TU features a non-backlit keyboard with a soft grey color, which not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also provides a comfortable typing experience. The size of the trackpad has been significantly increased compared to previous models, and it now comes with a metallic finish for improved precision and smoothness. The trackpad supports all the multi-gestures of Windows 11, enhancing the overall user experience.
Ports and Connectivity
This laptop offers a decent selection of ports and connectivity options. It includes a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI 1.4b port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port for data transfer. However, it is important to note that the Type-C port does not support charging or display port functionality. Other ports include a 3.5mm headphone-to-microphone combo jack and a DC-in for charging. There is also an additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port for connecting peripherals. The laptop features WiFi 6 connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connectivity.
Display Quality
The HP 14 EP0068TU comes with a 14-inch Full HD SVA panel display with a peak brightness of 250 nits. While the display provides a decent viewing experience, it is worth mentioning that it is not an IPS panel, which is a drawback considering the price range of the laptop. The refresh rate is standard at 60Hz, and the bezels have been reduced to maximize the screen-to-body ratio.
Performance and Multitasking
Powered by the Intel i3 N305 processor, this laptop performs exceptionally well in day-to-day tasks and multitasking scenarios. With 8 cores and 8 threads, it offers efficient performance for web browsing, WORD processing, multimedia consumption, and light photo editing. The 8GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD provides fast boot times and quick file transfers. The SSD read and write speeds of 1742 Mbps and 1560 Mbps, respectively, contribute to the overall performance of the laptop.
Gaming Performance
While the HP 14 EP0068TU is not primarily marketed as a gaming laptop, it still offers decent gaming capabilities for casual gamers. With the Intel UHD graphics and 3.8GB shared GPU memory, you can expect playable frame rates in less demanding games. However, for more graphically intensive games, the performance may not be as satisfactory. The laptop maintains temperature levels well during gaming Sessions, thanks to the efficient optimization of the N-series processor.
Battery Life
The 3-cell 41Wh battery of the HP 14 EP0068TU provides impressive battery life. You can expect up to 7-8 hours of usage on a single charge, making it suitable for on-the-go productivity. The laptop also comes with a 65W AC adapter, which enables fast charging and can power the laptop up to 50% within just 30 minutes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HP 14 EP0068TU is a reliable budget laptop with its decent performance, sleek design, and impressive battery life. It offers a smooth multitasking experience, thanks to the Intel i3 N305 processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM. The gaming capabilities are suitable for casual gaming, and the keyboard and trackpad provide comfortable usage. However, the display quality could have been better, considering the price range of the laptop. Overall, this laptop is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option for everyday tasks and light multimedia usage.
Highlights
- HP 14 EP0068TU is a budget-friendly laptop with Intel's i3 N305 processor.
- Sleek design with a lightweight and portable build.
- Comfortable non-backlit keyboard and precision trackpad.
- Decent selection of ports and wireless connectivity options.
- 14-inch Full HD SVA panel display with a refresh rate of 60Hz.
- Efficient performance for day-to-day tasks and multitasking.
- Suitable for casual gaming with Intel UHD graphics.
- Impressive battery life of up to 7-8 hours.
- Fast charging capability with a 65W AC adapter.
- Overall, a reliable and affordable option for everyday usage.
FAQ
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM on the HP 14 EP0068TU?
A: Yes, you can upgrade the RAM on this laptop up to a maximum of 16GB.
Q: Does the HP 14 EP0068TU have a backlit keyboard?
A: No, this laptop does not have a backlit keyboard.
Q: What is the weight of the HP 14 EP0068TU?
A: The laptop weighs only 1.4 kg, making it highly portable.
Q: Can I use the Type-C port on this laptop for charging or as a display port?
A: No, the Type-C port on this laptop only supports data transfer.
Q: What is the battery life of the HP 14 EP0068TU?
A: The laptop offers an impressive battery life of up to 7-8 hours on a single charge.