Recently, Linus Tech Tips paid attention to HP’s new “OMEN Gaming Subscription” game subscription plan.This plan allows users to pay monthly and provide four monthly rental plans, covering entry-level to flagship gaming laptops. However, unlike traditional commercial rentals, users cannot eventually own the device no matter how much they pay.
According to statistics from PC Gamer, the entry-level Victus 15 (Ryzen 7 8845HS + RTX 4050 + 16GB + 1TB) rents for US$49.99 (approximately 345 yuan) per month. The current promotional price of the machine is US$950, and 19 months of rent can be used to offset the price of the entire machine.
The high-end Omen Max 16 (Core Ultra 9 + RTX 5080 + 32GB + 1TB) has a monthly rent of US$129.99 (approximately RMB 897), which corresponds to a selling price of US$2,110. The 16-month rental is worth the entire machine.
The middle two RTX 5060/5070 models have a monthly rental price of US$69.99/79.99 respectively, which can be deducted from the price of the entire machine within 20 months.
HP provides an unconditional refund within 30 days, but if the subscription is canceled in advance within 12 months of the first year, users will face huge liquidated damages. For example, if you return Victus in the second month, you will have to pay $550, and if you return Omen Max, you will have to pay $1,430 and return the device.
Cancellation is free after 13 months, but the device must be returned. Even if the user's cumulative payment amount far exceeds the original price of the notebook, the ownership still belongs to HP. In addition, HP retains the authority to remotely lock the device.
As compensation, HP promises users to upgrade to the latest hardware every year, as well as provide quick replacement and better after-sales support.
