HP's Omen X 2S Proves That A Second Display Can Actually Be Fantastic

The new HP's Omen X 2S gaming laptop has a second display, so your need for an extra screen will be satisfied. Unlike the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar, this smaller screen can actually come in handy.

While it does not cover the entire width of the device like that of Asus’s ZenBook Pro Duo, whatever users want the screen to do, it can do them all. Since it is a standard second display in Windows, there is no need to spend lots of time making yourself used to it.

Whenever you want to move windows around, all you need to do is to drag and drop. Another way is to make use of Microsoft’s snap command. And if you want to use either of these methods, HP has some keys above the touchpad so that users can better manage the extra screen.

So here are the keys you have and what they do. There is one for turning the screen into a touch-sensitive numpad, one for changing the brightness, one for moving apps to the other screen, and another for turning the extra screen on or off.

While the second display can be hard to see sometimes, because it lays flat on the surface, it proves to be handy when you want to watch a movie while gaming, or showing cheat sheets for some games.

The extra display of HP’s Omen X 2S has all of the functions any user ever wants in such a screen, plus, HP has also added a Chrome extension so that users can switch back and forth between mobile browser and desktop modes. This function can come in handy when you want to check Instagram, which looks better on the smaller screen, or stream YouTube, which is more suitable to be displayed on a larger display.

Another nice touch for gamers is that the smaller display can mirror part of the larger one, making it easier for users to keep an eye on radar or mini-map.

A second screen is not exactly a revolutionary idea as, before HP, Lenovo and Asus both have experimented with the design. However, the extra display on that of HP can actually make the device more useful in performing day-to-day tasks.

With Apple’s Touch Bar, it is another story. To create bespoke buttons, both Apple and third-party developers have to join hand to make it possible. In a lot of situations, users may have to relearn how to manage certain features. On the contrary, HP’s Omen X 2S simply has another screen that works with almost everything.

The second screen aside, this gaming laptop from HP has other features to love too. While the red-and-black color of the Omen lineup is quite a looker, the black-on-black change on this X 2S is no less appealing. HP has taken advantage of the texture change on the deck and lid of the notebook to make it looks even more exciting.

The 15-inch chassis of the HP’s Omen X 2S makes it easy for users to fit the device in almost any backpack and bag. With the weight of around 5.24 pounds, the laptop is not too heavy to carry around.

When it comes to connectivity, you can rely on the wide selection of ports on the X 2S. You will have one USB-C port (with Thunderbolt 3), three USB-A ports, a headphone jack, a collapsible Ethernet jack, and a full HDMI port.

One of the downers in the design of the HP’s Omen X 2S is the big lower and upper bezels. That, coupled with a tapered central hinge, makes for an ungainly look. While this is no dealbreaker, the extra bezels seem like a total waste of space.

Another issue is more serious, but it does not limit to this gaming laptop. A second display calls for some changes in the position of the keyboard and touchpad. On this HP’s Omen X 2S, the former is pushed forward while the latter is relocated to the side.

For many users, this kind of design may feel a bit unintuitive. The touchpad is skinny and small, while the keyboard’s position means that users have no place to rest their hands. These issues can be solved by using HP’s wrist rest and external mouse. On the plus side, despite having no mechanical switch, the keys are still springy and nice.

Under the hood, HP’s Omen X 2S is equipped with RAM of 16GB, a Max-Q Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, 256GB NVMe SSD, and an Intel Core i7-9750 CPU. With the standard model, users have the choice to opt for a 144HZ G-Sync screen and a 240Hz display.

However, the 240Hz screen might not be something a regular user will find useful in reality. To reach 240 FPS, all other settings must be tuned down to a minimum. This can come in handy if you are a professional player of CS: GO, but even so, this extra benefit does not justify the extra amount of Rs. 17,260 you have to pay to get the display.

With Shadow of the Tomb Raider, full HD and high graphics settings, HP’s Omen X 2S can reach 88 FPS, which is decent as the Acer Triton 900 offers 120 FPS but with more capable graphics card and processor. However, this kind of performance comes with a price. Even when you turn the second display off, the battery is drained quickly, lasting only over four hours in a video rundown test. While this is understandable on a gaming laptop of this power, this much battery life is far from great for a 15-inch laptop.

The tech-savvies and those who love to have multiple screens around will find no reason to overlook the HP’s Omen X 2S. For now, the price might be the only obstacle for anyone who wants to test what the extra screen can do. With the price starting at Rs 1,24,990. If all you want is a 15-inch capable gaming laptop, a better choice would be Asus ROG Strix Hero III.