HP Notebook 255 G8 Review: A Blend of Performance and Value

The HP Notebook 255 G8 is an attractive proposition for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable laptop for everyday tasks and light multimedia use. Featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD display, powered by an AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500U processor and AMD Radeon™ Graphics, this model is equipped to handle both professional and personal needs with ease. Its 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD round out the specifications, making it a competent device for its price point.

Category	Specification
Processor Specifications
Processor Brand	AMD
Processor Type	AMD™ Ryzen™ 5
Processor Generation	Ryzen V
Processor Model	AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500U
Processor Speed	up to 4.0 GHz
Number of Cores	6 – Cores
Processor Cache	8 MB cache
Memory
Memory Size	8GB
Memory Type	DDR4
Memory Slot (total)	1
Memory Bus	3200MHz
Graphic Card Specifications
Graphic Manufacturer	AMD
Graphic Memory Size	Shared Memory
Graphic Card Model	AMD Radeon™ Graphics
Graphic Type	Integrated Card
Storage
Storage Size	256GB
Storage Technology	SSD
Display Specifications
Display Size	15.6-Inch
Display Technology	IPS 250nits
Display Type	Full HD
Resolution	1920×1080
Inputs & Outputs
Optical Drive Type	None
Ports	1x USB Type-C® 5Gbps, 2x USB Type-A 5Gbps, 1x AC power, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x stereo headphone-microphone combo jack
Audio	Stereo speakers, integrated digital microphone
Camera	720p HD camera
Keyboard	Spill-resistant, full-size keyboard with numeric keypad
Keyboard Backlight	No
Connectivity Specifications
Communications	Realtek Wi-Fi 6 (2×2) and Bluetooth® 5.2 wireless card (supporting gigabit data rate)
Features
Color	Dark silver
Battery Pack	3-cell 41 Whr Li-ion
Physical Specifications
Weight	1.74kg
Dimensions (WxDxH)	35.8cm x 24.2cm x 1.99cm
Operating System	Free Dos
Warranty	1-Year

Table of Contents

Design and Build

Sporting a classic silver finish, the HP Notebook 255 G8 offers a professional look that fits well in a business or academic setting. The design is straightforward and functional, with a focus on durability. Weighing approximately 1.74 kg, it is relatively light for a laptop of its size, enhancing its portability. The selection of ports is adequate, with USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone/microphone combo jack, providing essential connectivity without the clutter.

Display Quality

The 15.6-inch diagonal Full HD (1920×1080) display ensures that text is sharp and images are clear. The LED-backlit screen does a decent job under various lighting conditions, thanks to its anti-glare panel, which is an excellent feature for those who work long hours and are concerned about eye strain. The color accuracy and brightness are suitable for general use and watching videos, though professionals in graphic design or video editing might find it lacking in the high fidelity required for their work.

Performance

The AMD Ryzen™ 5 5500U processor at the heart of the HP Notebook 255 G8 is a mid-range CPU that offers good performance for the cost. It handles general computing tasks like web browsing, streaming, and office productivity smoothly, thanks to its 6 cores and a base clock speed of 2.1 GHz (up to 4.0 GHz with Turbo Boost). The 8GB of DDR4 RAM is sufficient for multitasking, allowing users to switch between applications smoothly.

Storage-wise, the 256GB SSD provides faster boot times and quick access to files and applications. While the storage capacity may be on the lower side for those with extensive media libraries or large software suites, it can be supplemented with external storage solutions or cloud services.

Graphics and Gaming

The integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics are capable of supporting everyday graphics needs, including video streaming and running less demanding games. This setup will satisfy casual gamers, but it is not suited for current high-end gaming titles at high settings.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a strong suit of the HP Notebook 255 G8, offering up to 7 hours of usage on a single charge under typical conditions, such as web browsing and word processing. This makes it a viable option for students and professionals who need a laptop that can last through most of the workday without recharging.

Software and Features

The HP Notebook 255 G8 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, providing a familiar environment for most users along with the productivity tools needed for daily tasks. HP includes a suite of proprietary software, such as HP Support Assistant and HP Recovery Manager, to help maintain the system and troubleshoot any issues.

Target Audience

This laptop is ideal for students, home users, and professionals who need a dependable machine for day-to-day tasks without breaking the bank. It’s also well-suited for businesses looking for affordable options for equipping their workforce.

Competitors

In its price range, the HP Notebook 255 G8 competes with laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and the Acer Aspire 5. These models offer similar specifications and performance, with slight variations in design and additional features.

Frequently Asked Questions about the HP Notebook 255 G8

Q1: What operating system does the HP Notebook 255 G8 come with? A1: The HP Notebook 255 G8 typically ships with Windows 10 Home, providing a user-friendly interface and compatibility with a wide range of software.

Q2: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on this laptop? A2: Yes, the HP Notebook 255 G8 supports RAM and storage upgrades. It has an additional RAM slot to increase the memory and a slot for an SSD or HDD if you need more storage space.

Q3: Is the HP Notebook 255 G8 good for gaming? A3: The HP Notebook 255 G8 can handle casual gaming thanks to its AMD Radeon™ Graphics. However, it’s not suitable for high-end games at maximum settings. It’s best suited for older titles or less demanding games.

Q4: Does this model have a touch screen option? A4: No, the standard configuration of the HP Notebook 255 G8 does not include a touch screen. It features a traditional non-touch Full HD display.

Q5: What type of warranty does HP offer with this laptop? A5: HP typically offers a one-year limited warranty on the HP Notebook 255 G8, which covers parts and labor for manufacturing defects. Extended warranties are available for purchase.

Q6: How does the HP Notebook 255 G8 handle thermal management? A6: The laptop is equipped with an efficient cooling system to manage heat. It includes vents and a fan that helps maintain optimal temperatures even during extended use.

Q7: What are the security features of the HP Notebook 255 G8? A7: The HP Notebook 255 G8 includes firmware TPM 2.0, which provides hardware-based encryption to secure your data. Optional features like a fingerprint reader can be added for enhanced security.

Q8: Can this laptop be connected to multiple external displays? A8: Yes, the HP Notebook 255 G8 can connect to multiple displays via its HDMI port and USB-C port. This capability allows for a versatile multi-monitor setup.

Q9: How portable is the HP Notebook 255 G8 for daily commuting? A9: With a weight of approximately 1.74 kg and a slim profile, the HP Notebook 255 G8 is relatively portable, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and travel.

Q10: Where can I buy the HP Notebook 255 G8? A10: The HP Notebook 255 G8 is available through HP’s official website, major electronics retailers, and online marketplaces like pcmjo.

Conclusion

The HP Notebook 255 G8 stands out for its combination of affordability, performance, and portability. While it may not pack enough power for the most demanding applications, it offers more than enough capability for the average user looking for a cost-effective laptop for general use. Its solid build, decent battery life, and good performance metrics make it an excellent value for anyone in the market for an economical yet capable laptop.