This New $700 Windows Laptop Is HP's Equivalent To The MacBook Neo

There's no denying that Microsoft and Apple are rivals of epic proportions. It almost seems like one hasn't been able to go without the other since the companies were founded in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Thus, it comes as little surprise that a new HP announcement for a Windows laptop seemingly commenced another battle in the tech wars.

HP announced the launch of its new OmniBook 5 on October 1, 2026. It's a $699 Windows laptop that promises a premium consumer experience. The device offers users an extended battery life, vibrant OLED display, and greater creative potential, among other features and perks. HP's professed goal is to provide users a powerful, intuitive laptop containing a wide range of capabilities. "Today's consumers expect technology that fits naturally into their lives — beautifully designed, easy to use, and powerful enough to support everything from collaboration and content creation to entertainment and everyday productivity," HP senior vice president Samuel Chang said. Some tech enthusiasts may recognize the OmniBook 5 is positioned to rival an Apple device championed for its unbeatable value: the MacBook Neo.

The MacBook Neo also runs for $699 after a post-launch price hike, and it similarly promises prospective buyers a powerful but efficient product designed to help users complete daily tasks and pursue creative and leisurely endeavors with ease. While their marketing similarities might seem like general corporate speak, what the OmniBook 5 and the MacBook Neo ultimately have in common comes down to their displays and functionality.

The Apple MacBook Neo and HP OmniBook 5 seemingly have similar priorities in mind with their respective designs and capabilities. Each device places a major emphasis on its clear, vibrant presentation — the MacBook is equipped with a 13-inch "Liquid Retina" display, whereas the HP comes with a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display. Each laptop is fitted with enhanced cameras and audio for top-tier video calls, and both advertise excellent battery life.

Each device also notably prioritizes durability, efficiency, and value without hindering performance. Both models balance sleek design, speedy performance, and mobility — all while still sporting a price tag just under $700. Depending on a consumer's specific needs and sensibilities, these devices are easily neck-and-neck with each other in the modern tech race.

The MacBook Neo and HP OmniBook 5 also notably prioritize an efficient experience for users taking advantage of AI apps and functions. The Neo's A18 Pro chip quickly runs AI tasks and other apps, in general, whereas the OmniBook 5's Intel Core 7 processor accelerates AI tasks with a neural processing unit (NPU) that promises speeds of up to 17 TOPS. Between their quality of life additions designed for productivity and creativity and their display features implemented for visual pleasure, both options are budget laptops that are perfect both for work and entertainment.