HP OmniBook image

HP OmniBook

Quick information
Brand HP 2025
Model 16-ay
Released Year 2025
Type Laptop
Screen Resolution 2048 x 1280
Color Silver
Processor Intel 486SL 25 MHz
RAM 4MB standard, expandable to 8MB
Hard Drive SSD
Graphics Coprocessor Intel Arc 140T Graphics
Chipset Brand Intel
Status Discontinued
Quick view

Overview

The HP OmniBook 16-ay, released in 1994, is a vintage laptop designed primarily for business professionals requiring portability and solid performance. It features an Intel 486SL processor optimized for power efficiency suited to laptop use. The system includes a passive matrix LCD display with a resolution of 640x480 pixels, providing decent clarity for the era. Equipped with between 4MB to 8MB of RAM, it supports memory expansion via proprietary modules. Storage options typically include a 120MB to 240MB IDE hard drive, and it offers connectivity through serial, parallel, and PCMCIA card slots. Its keyboard and trackball combination provide user input methods tailored for mobility and convenience.

The device runs on MS-DOS and Windows 3.1, conforming to software standards of the early 1990s. Its relatively lightweight form factor and long battery life were advanced for its time. Despite its compact size, it lacks some modern features like USB ports or color TFT displays, typical for its release period. Users could expand functionality using compatible peripherals connected through external ports or PCMCIA slots.

This OmniBook model was praised for its build quality, reliable components, and suitability for mobile computing tasks such as word processing and spreadsheet management. HP provided comprehensive service documentation and detailed schematics for repairs and component replacement. The product served as a notable example of early mobile computing technology in the laptop segment, helping to pave the way for future advancements.

Specifications

Standing screen display size 16 Inches
Screen Resolution 2048 x 1280
Max Screen Resolution 2048 x 1280 Pixels
Processor Intel 486SL 25 MHz
RAM 4MB standard, expandable to 8MB
Hard Drive SSD
Graphics Coprocessor Intel Arc 140T Graphics
Chipset Brand Intel
Card Description Integrated
Wireless Type 802.11.be
Number of USB 3.0 Ports 3
Series OmniBook
Item model number 16-ay
Operating System MS-DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1
Item Weight 5 pounds
Product Dimensions 14.09 x 10.03 x 0.59 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH 14.09 x 10.03 x 0.59 inches
Color Silver
Processor Brand Intel
Number of Processors 16
Computer Memory Type SODIMM
Hard Drive Interface Solid State
Date First Available August 19, 2025
Storage 120MB to 240MB IDE hard drive
Display 9.5-inch passive matrix LCD, 640x480 pixels
Keyboard Full-size with integrated pointing device (trackball)
Connectivity Serial port, Parallel port, PCMCIA Type II slot
Dimensions Approx. 11.8 x 10.5 x 1.9 inches
Weight Approx. 5.4 lbs
Battery NiCd rechargeable battery pack, up to 4 hours runtime

Key Advantages

The HP OmniBook 16-ay boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for business users on the go. It features an efficient Intel 486SL processor, which balanced performance and power consumption well for its time. Its memory was expandable, allowing users to increase RAM up to 8MB, enhancing multitasking capabilities. The built-in trackball offered an integrated pointing device, eliminating the need for external accessories. The laptop supports multiple connectivity options through serial, parallel, and PCMCIA slots, facilitating peripheral integration. Its long-lasting battery was an advantage for users requiring extended use away from power sources.

Limitations

The OmniBook 16-ay’s passive matrix LCD limited screen clarity and refresh rates compared to modern TFT displays. It had minimal onboard RAM and storage by today's standards, restricting software complexity and data capacity. The operating system support was limited to early Windows versions and MS-DOS, reducing compatibility with newer applications. It lacked USB and modern networking interfaces, which affects connectivity with contemporary devices. The proprietary memory and storage modules made upgrades and replacements more challenging and costly. Additionally, its processing power was modest, limiting performance in demanding computing tasks.

Disclaimer

The content on is provided for general informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information, specifications, or visuals presented on the site.

is not responsible for any content, images, or data uploaded or shared by users. Users are solely responsible for the content they submit.

We may include links to third-party websites for convenience. We do not endorse or take responsibility for the content or policies of any external sites.

Use of the site is at your own risk. Always verify critical information independently before making decisions based on content from this website.