HP Unveils OmniBook 5, A $699 OLED Laptop to Rival MacBook Neo

Apple's MacBook Neo made waves earlier in 2026, surprising much of the PC industry with its competitive features and an aggressive $699 price. This move put pressure on traditional Windows laptop makers to respond with their own premium, affordable offerings.

HP, a major player in the Windows laptop market, saw an opportunity to challenge Apple directly. The company began developing a new model designed to rival the Neo, focusing on high-end features like an OLED display and long battery life while keeping the price low.

The stage was set for a head-to-head contest between Apple and HP as both prepared to launch their flagship laptops aimed at value-conscious yet demanding users.

On October 1, 2026, HP officially announced the OmniBook 5, positioning it as a direct Windows competitor to the MacBook Neo. The laptop features a 14-inch 2.5K OLED touchscreen, a thin aluminum build, and starts at $699.99, matching the Neo's base price. HP emphasized the device's battery life, claiming it can last up to 42 hours on a single charge, a figure that stands out in the market according to Engadget.

The OmniBook 5 will be powered by Intel's latest Wildcat Lake processors and is available in four different colors. Its AI-powered features and Wi-Fi 7 support also aim to appeal to tech-savvy customers, Tom's Hardware noted.

Media coverage highlighted the similarities in design and color options to Apple's Neo, but pointed out that HP's OLED screen and battery claims could set it apart. Some outlets, like Digital Trends, called the laptop "pretty loaded" for the price, while others noted that Apple's early pricing strategy had already forced changes in the market.

HP's announcement comes just as the holiday shopping season begins, signaling a direct challenge to Apple and a new phase in the battle for premium laptop buyers.

The OmniBook 5 is set to launch in October 2026, entering a market that is more competitive than ever. HP is betting on its OLED display, battery life claims, and attractive pricing to win over buyers who might otherwise consider the MacBook Neo.

Consumers now have two strong options at the $699 price point, each offering premium features and lightweight designs. The success of the OmniBook 5 will depend on real-world performance, especially regarding its ambitious battery promises.

The main questions ahead are how the OmniBook 5's battery life and OLED display perform in real-world use, and whether it can match or surpass the MacBook Neo in customer satisfaction. Sales figures and user reviews in the coming months will reveal whether HP's strategy pays off in the premium laptop segment.