The HP Omen X 2S' second screen is just a perk

While the dual-screen support needs some polish, it's the icing on a well-designed laptop.

Lori Grunin

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

See full bio

Lori Grunin

July 27, 2019 4:00 a.m. PT

1 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

HP Omen X 2S and pals

The company's novel dual-screen gaming laptop has some novel new accessories as well, the Photon wireless mouse and Outpost mousepad, which use Qi wireless charging.

2 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Second screen

A 6-inch screen below the main 15-incher is for watching a stream, chatting, listening to music or monitoring your system stats via the command center. To Windows it looks just like a second monitor, which means you can drag any window down to it and display any type of content.

3 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Command center

You can park HP's command center software on the small display to watch the hardware stats. When it's down below, though, there are features in the software you can't access.

4 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Tiny touchscreen

The screen is about the size of a big phone's, with a similarly responsive feel.

5 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Attractive design

It's not as sleek-looking as some other Max-Q-laptops, but it passes muster. The lid is a fingerprint nightmare, though.

6 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Left-side ports

Two USB-A, HDMI, an Ethernet jack and a combo audio connection are on the left.

7 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Right-side connections

On the right you'll find a USB-C/Thunderbolt connector and a third USB-A. Because the laptop lacks a DisplayPort connection, it doesn't support G-Sync on an external monitor. (G-Sync requires a connection on the GPU bus, and USB-C/Thunderbolt connections are always to the integrated GPU.)