HP’s lightest laptop could be the most powerful sub-1kg notebook released yet: the Aero 13 ultrabook has a small price tag, a super-fast Ryzen 7 CPU, but you’ll have to wait until May to buy it
Last year we called the HP Pavilion Aero 13 “probably the best value, lightweight laptop on the market today” and it’s about to get an upgrade that will make it even better.
The Pavilion Aero 13 2024 model, which could possibly be the most powerful notebook under 1 kg on the market, impresses with its AMD Hawk Point Ryzen 7 8840HS processor. Other processor options include the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Ryzen 7 8840U.
The 13.3-inch screen options haven’t changed with the new model – buyers can choose between 1920 x 1200 or 2560 x 1600 IPS panels, but both options offer a 100% sRGB color gamut and brightness up to 400 nits. The laptop now comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x-6400 dual-channel RAM (soldered on to help with thinness) and a 512GB or 1TB SSD.
Improved webcam
Slightly larger than its 2023 predecessor, the latest Aero 13 measures 11.7″ x 8.3″ x 0.7″ and weighs just 2.2 pounds, thanks in part to its magnesium alloy chassis. The laptop’s portability becomes somewhat undermined by its 43Wh battery, which helps with the weight but means you only get about 8 hours of use between charges.
The Aero 13 offers a variety of ports, including 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1 and 1 x 3.5 mm audio . Unfortunately no USB4 ports. Wireless connectivity is provided via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
The ultrabook also features stereo speakers with DTS:X audio, dual microphones and a 5MP webcam, an upgrade over the previous 720p model. The webcam features an IR sensor for enhanced security and a privacy shutter. The new backlit keyboard comes with a dedicated Windows Copilot key.
The HP Pavilion Aero 13 2024 will be available for purchase from HP’s online store and Amazon from May 2024, with prices starting at $649.99 (although you’ll pay more for the Ryzen 7 8840HS model). It will be available in natural silver and sky blue.