Budget friendly performance laptop, supports Linux. Review on HP 15-BS576TX 2017 Laptop

I bought the HP-15-BS576TX laptop from Kochi on 14th October 2017. This laptop was bought well researched, considering my criteria was 7th/8th gen Core i5, DDR4 4-8GB RAM, 2GB DGP(Dedicated Graphics Processor).

This laptop has 7th gen Core i5 -7200U Kaby Lake processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 2GB AMD ATI RADEON 520 Graphics(GCN 1.0 supported!), well enough to support heavy computing. But, no Windows 10 and it came with a FreeDOS command line operating system, which is pretty much useless.

During the time I purchased, this is one of the best VFM laptop available. I bought it for Rs44300. I also bought 2 year extended warranty and theft protection offer for Rs999. The build quality is good. But, the display has some flex and needs to be careful while handling. It has no heating issues. But, the battery life is pretty average. I guess, if dedicated graphics is used, it will be even lesser. Another small issue is low audio volume in this model. But, apart from these minor glitches, the laptop is really good. This is an updated model of HP 15-AY503TX, another successful model from last year.

I have a Windows 10 Professional license available, linked with my Microsoft account. I installed Windows 10 professional using this license on this laptop. Hunting drivers for this model was tough, because HP product support page listed drivers that are not relevant for this model too. Installing and configuring this laptop with proper drivers is necessary. You can follow the steps on how I installed Windows 10 and drivers here: bit. ly/2kYIOPl(remove the space to browse).

I also have installed Ubuntu Linux 17.10 and this is my primary operating system.(I'm a primary Linux user from past 15 years) Installation of Linux was smoother than Windows 10, apart from the fact that the wireless module RealTek RTL8723DE of 15-BS576TX is not supported yet in Linux. As per the rtlwifi maintainer, the RTL8723DE will get supported by December 2017 - January 2018 time. I'm using now with a cheap USB wireless adapter bought for Rs200 online which supports Linux. The DGP(Dedicated graphics) AMD 520 works well in both wayland and X11(Xorg) sessions. You have to use "DRI_PRIME=1 appname" to launch a particular software or game to use dedicated AMD 520 graphics. The driver used by default is  "radeon" which is an old one. But, you can use "amdgpu" driver as well(I'm yet to try). Also, this DGP AMD 520 is GCN 1.0 architecture, Southern Island and is supported in AMD proprietary driver AMDGPU-PRO. Still to test that. Anyways, this laptop supports Linux. The minor con is awaiting wireless RTL8723DE support which is few months away.

My experience so far says, you must protect the outer area of the laptop lid(display) by putting  a good vinyl laptop skin and cover the edges of the lid with 3M scotch tape so as to prevent scratches. The laptop seems to have a M2 slot to install SSD also. Upgrading RAM will need to open the laptop, so not something that can be done by users.I will suggest never try to update BIOS in the laptop as the possibilities of BIOS corruption is high with this model. If you want desperately to update, take the laptop to HP Authorized Service Centre and ask them to do.

I also has a similar laptop, almost 99% similar - model name is: HP 15-BS539TU with Intel HD620 and no dedicated graphics card. It is also going good and does not suffer from low speaker volume. So, these three models are similar - HP 15-BS576TX(has 2GB dedicated graphics, but no Windows 10), HP 15-BS539TU(Has only Intel HD 620 graphics and 4GB DDR4, come with Windows 10 Home pre-installed), HP 15-BS540TU(Similar to BS539TU, but with 8GB DDR4 and no Windows 10 OS).

Note: Below are few points which laptop buyers must be aware of. Usually, dealers won't tell much regarding these facts.

1. When you purchase a new laptop from an authorized dealer(preferably a large wholesale/reseller shop), make sure to get the invoice/bill printed with your proper name as in photo identity cards. Also, make sure the laptop serial number and model is printed in the bill. Next, you must register the laptop as soon as possible with HP/Dell/Lenovo website so as to get the warranty approved.

   
   




2. Another important point is you have only 3 to 7 days to report a manufacturing defect in the new laptop with the dealer. So, make sure to check, test the laptop both software and hardware(by physical inspection of display etc) to clear any defects. May be, even take to a good laptop technician to confirm the defects. If defects are found, immediately, report to the dealer and ask for replacement or refund.

   
   




3. If your laptop is identified as defective, HP and such brands offer a free replacement, if reported before 14 days(for HP). This is called Dead on Arrival(DoA). So, if dealer refuses replacement, immediately register a case number for DoA in the relevant brand's customer care through phone call or through email/chat support. Copy the chat conversation, in case it can come handy.

   
   




4. Most laptop brand's offer 2 year extended warranty, Accidental or Theft protection through offers, you may buy them, if you feel it is useful.

   
   

Hope this can be helpful for laptop buyers.