I’m considering the HP Omen Transcend 14, but I’m worried about a critical flaw. My friend’s 2024 model has the screen panel physically separating from the bezel while opening the lid, and I’ve seen multiple reports on Reddit confirming this exact same “screen popping out” issue on the new 2025 model as well.
This doesn’t seem like a “defective batch” issue since it’s being reported across both generations.
I have some questions for experts and owners:
Regarding the Bezel Issue: Is this screen separation problem a fundamental flaw with the chassis that’s not fixed in the 2025 refresh? Has anyone received a recent 2025 build that is confirmed to not have this issue, or has anyone had it successfully and permanently fixed by HP?
Regarding Linux Compatibility: I plan to run Linux (Ubuntu/Fedora-based) along with Windows for my AI/ML club work at uni. Can this laptop run Linux without major issues? My main concern is that crucial functions like fan control and thermal performance profiles are managed by the OMEN Gaming Hub, which is Windows-only. Will I lose significant performance and thermal control by switching to Linux, and are there reliable open-source tools to manage the fan curves and GPU switching on this specific model
Alternative Suggestions: Given these concerns, I might have to look at other options. If the Omen Transcend 14 is as risky as it seems, what other 14-inch laptops with a dedicated Nvidia GPU would you recommend? My main priorities are reliable build quality and good performance in a portable form.
I’m really drawn to the Transcend’s slim design, but if the core build quality is flawed, it’s a very expensive risk.
I’m not an expert but HP has a reputation for creating laptops with the hindges as it’s Achilles heel. I have also heard about this issue, reddit is filled with complains like these.
Addressing your concerns,
my friend has the transcend 14 2024, he hasn’t faced this problem you mentioned although he faces heating and charging issues. USB-C chargers other than the official one are often rejected or fail to charge the laptop.
you can run Linux, but you’re very likely to lose (or need to reimplement) parts of what OMEN Hub gives you on Windows. The severity of what you “lose” depends on your tolerance for tinkering, performance drops, or thermal compromises.
In short, a functional system is possible, but polished behavior could be degraded. Whether that matters, depends on your use case (e.g. AI training is heavy sustained load, so thermal/power constraints will bite).
If you do not care about the battery then blindly go for the Lenovo legion 5i the new one that Josh reviewed. Gives the best performance compared to the Zephyrus G16, omen transcend, AeroX16, etc. build is reliable, keyboard is great, portable enough. The only downgrade is battery life (3-4 hrs office productivity) which you do not care about so ig this should be fine for you. If you wish for a balance between power and battery then go for the Zephyrus G16 (8+ hrs of office productivity).
Laptops are risky, reliability is a very concerning aspect before buying a laptop. Do a bit of research on the pros and cons of the laptop you think of buying.
Thanks for the detailed reply. My main issue is that I don’t like large, heavy, or bulky gaming laptops. I need something that won’t limit my mobility on campus and can offer decent battery life for classes and general use. This is what initially drew me to the HP Omen Transcend 14’s slim design.
While performance is important for my routine, I’m not chasing the best performance per dollar. I’m prioritising portability.
Given the reports of screen bezel separation on the Omen Transcend, I’m hesitant now. Should I still get the Transcend? Or, go with alternatives? And are there any other slim alternatives (with dGPU ofc) that you would recommend? I’d appreciate any advice on whether I should take the risk on the Omen or move on to a more reliable alternative.
Josh just uploaded a review on the new OMEN 16 slim. It has fabulous battery life, and i think it’s a great choice if it’s under 1600$
As per your initial post, you said that you are thinking of buying this laptop for AI/ML work right? If it’s entry level work then 8 GB vram is fine.
knowing your use case I fear in the long run you will face issues with Linux optimization and AI/ML work. The OMEN is underpowered to achieve this level of battery life. You will not feel any difference while gaming but while working on LLMS and AI, this underpowerness will be a headache.
If you don’t care about gaming and you are looking for a work machine for AI with a good battery life then my number 1 suggestion would be THE M5MacBookPro.
The new M5 chip spec Sheet had my mouth watering. The gpu is almost 50% more powerful than the M4 chip. The M5 is marketed to be a machine that can run LLMS locally better. Although it has NO Linux support you can always use virtual Linux. battery life on the macbooks is on top of the line(15+ hours of battery life)
If you don’t like macs then go for the Zephyrus G16 or the Lenovo legion. You will not sacrifice on the performance and the G16 gives decent battery life better than other gaming laptops (except the OMEN).
Look into the pros and cons of the OMEN, if the pros overweigh the cons then buy it. If you think it’s a 50/50 then buy it if it’s cheaper. We’re spending a lot of money on a laptop, we have to get the best one we can afford.
Our Omen Transcends havent had that screen issue but we really don’t use them for long enough to exhibit it
The only point I am confident in responding to is other alternatives. The TUF A14 doesn’t look as pretty as the Omen but its got it where it counts. We feel its a better laptop. The main difference is the TUF doesnt get as warm under load. At least thats the difference I remember.
