Buying an entry-level notebook is no easy task in the Netherlands, especially when there are many options to choose from. However, HP's new 15s-fq0200nd laptop might just be the perfect option for you if you're on a tight budget but don't want to end up buying yourself a fancy paperweight.
It has everything that a casual user needs in a notebook without being overkill or lacking essential features. Today we're going to dig into this model and find out everything you need to know about the HP 15s-fq0200nd on sale.
Who's it for?
=> Students: If you don't need a powerhouse notebook because you're only going to use your laptop to browse the internet, stream movies and edit documents then this is a great option. Couple that with a lightweight design you can easily place on your bike and you've got your next student laptop.
=> Writers: Looking for a portable device that also features a standard keyboard? Then this is the way to go!
=> Small Business Owners: If you're in need of a notebook to keep track of billing, do invoices and update your social media channels with news about your business then this notebook is a shoo-in.
A slick design & Full HD Display
As we've come to expect from an entry-level notebook, this model features your run-of-the-mill - no pun intended - silver design with a polished finish on the palm rest. It's not HP's most innovative design by a long shot but it's minimalistic and discrete.
Obviously, this isn't a high-end laptop and therefore the body is made out of plastic - which helps keep the model lightweight - . However, the design is sturdy so it doesn't feel cheap like other models you might find in the market, as many users have pointed out.
The display is possibly one of the biggest selling points of the HP 15s-fq0200nd, with a Full HD resolution on a 15.6-inch diagonal. It should be pointed out that while Full HD displays are the norm amongst mid-range notebooks they aren't necessarily all that common within this price range.
Finally, the trackpad and keyboard are not impressive by any means but they work exactly as they should, without any hiccups. You can't really ask for more given the price of this laptop.
Performance
When it comes to performance, this laptop delivers exactly what you'd expect from a budget-friendly notebook. We'll begin with the processor: the HP 15s-fq0200nd features an Intel Celeron N4020, which consists of a dual-core CPU and an integrated graphics card.
RAM on this notebook is a bit tight for the most demanding users with 4 GB of onboard RAM and the ability to upgrade the RAM easily by adding another 4 GB DDR4 2400MHz SODIMM module.
Finally, storage is decent enough for a budget notebook, with 128 GB of SSD storage available. Again, there's a 2.5-inch SATA SSD bay on this notebook so you could opt to upgrade the storage through a 2.5-inch SSD if you wish to.
Having said that, performance overall is decent if you know what you're paying for. This is not a high-end device and will not perform as such.
You'll be able to use this laptop to browse the internet, have video calls, stream movies, listen to music, and edit spreadsheets but you would be ill-advised if you expected this laptop to be able to edit videos, play games, or work on multiple virtual machines running at once. As a consumer device it's fine, don't ask for more than that and you'll be fine.
Battery Life & Connectivity Features
As far as the battery life of the HP 15s-fq0200nd goes, the company is claiming 10 hours worth of juice. We are here to tell you that your mileage might vary and it's most likely going to be less than that.
In our experience, a good rule of thumb when it comes to determining battery life is to remove roughly 25% of claimed battery life and that will give you a far more realistic number to strive for. In this case that would be 8 hours which is still fairly respectable.
Couple that with its quick charge technology that charges 50% of the battery in just 45 minutes and a lightweight design of just 1.6 kilos and you've got yourself a very portable notebook, perfect for students or commuters alike.
Finally, when it comes down to connectivity features, we must give credit where credit is due and congratulate HP for introducing an SD card reader on this laptop. A feature that's becoming increasingly rare amongst all notebooks.
Aside from that, there's also an HDMI port, a single USB-C port, and a couple of USB Type-A ports to help you in the transitional process of switching your technologies to USB-C compatibility.
Bottom line: Is the HP 15s-fq0200nd worth buying?
The HP 15s-fq0200nd is a good laptop. Is it the best on the market? Absolutely not. However, as a casual laptop for everyday use it definitely delivers.
The design is very portable and light, which allows you to carry the device around without breaking your back. The display is vivid and bright and we really like that HP decided to include an SD card reader on it.
Ultimately, if you're looking to buy a budget Windows notebook this is one of the best options you're going to find in the market.