Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) vs HP OmniBook 3 16" Laptop

Buy the MacBook Air if you want a light, quiet machine with long battery life and a sharp screen for writing, browsing and light creative work. Buy the HP OmniBook 3 if you need a bigger 16-inch display and Windows software for school or office tasks and can accept a heavier body and weaker speakers. The MacBook's M3 chip, aluminum build and 18-hour rating put it ahead on performance per pound and finish; the HP wins on screen size and port variety. Owners of the MacBook rate it highly for battery and build, while HP buyers praise the keyboard and value but complain about overbearing Wolf Security and weak speakers.

• Choose the MacBook Air if portability, battery life and a color-accurate display matter more than screen size or Windows-only apps.
• Choose the HP OmniBook 3 if you want a large 16-inch screen and Windows for school or office work and don't mind carrying 3.6 lb.