TechRadar’s 5 October 2026 deal article advised readers to avoid Argos’s reported £279 offer on the HP 14-em0018na. The concern was its reported 4GB of RAM, which Matt Hanson, Managing Editor, Core Tech, judged inadequate for a Windows 11 laptop—particularly for multitasking. That is the author’s assessment, not a benchmark or a hands-on review of this exact model.
What is the Argos deal?
TechRadar reported the HP 14-em0018na at £279 from Argos on 5 October 2026. That is a dated price snapshot, not a confirmed current price or stock status. The article called the deal fast-selling, but gave no sales figures; treat that description as the author’s characterization, not a quantified claim.
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According to the article, the laptop has a dual-core AMD Athlon 7120U processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Matt Hanson’s central objection was the memory: “The biggest red flag is that this laptop comes with just 4GB of RAM.” He argued that this amount could make everyday Windows 11 use, especially multitasking, a poor fit. The article did not provide measured performance results for the laptop.
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The answer depends on what you need and whether the reported configuration suits it. The case against the deal is not a published benchmark result: it is the author’s view that 4GB RAM is too limiting for the intended Windows 11 use. If you keep several apps or browser tabs open, that concern is especially relevant. If you are considering the HP, check the exact model configuration and current Argos listing before buying; prices, stock and configurations can change.
#1 Best Overall
- MICRO-EDGE HD DISPLAY - With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups
- INTEL N150 PROCESSOR - Improved graphics and performance for your everyday; Connect, learn, and play anywhere
- INTEL GRAPHICS - Enjoy vivid and immersive visuals in creative applications and gaming
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 128 GB Universal Flash Storage lets you experience high-performance storage with faster speeds and lower power consumption while on-the-go; 4 GB RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
- WINDOWS 11 HOME - Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware
How the alternatives compare
TechRadar named three alternatives, with configurations and prices reported on 5 October 2026. These figures are snapshots from that article, not verified current offers. The article did not include benchmark results or independent testing of the alternatives.
| Model | Operating system and compatibility | RAM | Storage | Processor | Reported price, 5 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP 14-em0018na | Windows 11; suited to Windows applications, subject to the software’s own requirements | 4GB | 128GB | Dual-core AMD Athlon 7120U | £279 at Argos |
| HP 14a-nf0003na Chromebook | ChromeOS; some Windows applications may not be supported | 8GB | 128GB | Not stated in the article | £259 |
| HP 15-fd1007nax | Windows; the article does not state a more specific edition | 8GB | 256GB | Intel Core i3 | £299 |
| Asus CX14 Chromebook Plus | ChromeOS; some Windows applications may not be supported | 8GB | Not stated in the article | Intel Core 3 | £299 |
Configuration and price details in the table are as reported by TechRadar’s 5 October 2026 article. It does not state the Chromebook models’ processor or storage for the Asus, so those cells are left unspecified rather than inferred.
Rank #2
- 【Powerful Performance】Equipped with Intel N150 CPU, featuring up to 4.4 GHz, ensuring efficient and powerful multitasking capabilities.
- Designed for mobility with a slim 0.71-inch profile and lightweight, making it easy to carry between home, office
- 【Versatile Connectivity】 connected with multiple ports including USB 3.0 Type-C, and a headphone/mic combo jack, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless networking.
- One Year Microsoft 365
Choose by software, not just the RAM figure
If you need Windows applications
The HP 15-fd1007nax is the Windows alternative listed in the article: its reported configuration has 8GB RAM, 256GB storage and an Intel Core i3 processor, at £299 on 5 October 2026. Confirm the exact configuration and current price with the seller. The article does not provide benchmarks, so the listed specifications alone do not establish how it performs in your apps.
If ChromeOS meets your needs
The HP 14a-nf0003na and Asus CX14 Chromebook Plus were listed at £259 and £299 respectively, both with 8GB RAM. They run ChromeOS, not Windows. Before choosing either, check that the applications and workflows you depend on are available and compatible with ChromeOS; a Chromebook may not support all Windows software. The listed price and memory do not, by themselves, make it a suitable substitute for a Windows laptop.
Rank #3
- Power to work and play all day: all the power you need to stay productive and entertained on a seamless Chrome experience
- Daily dose of entertainment: immerse yourself in Dual speakers and audio by B&O play, and easily share your screen with a flexible hinge that allows up to 180-degree rotation
- Processor: AMD Dual-Core a4-9120, 2.2GHz up to 2.5GHz
- Display: 14.0-Inch diagonal Full HD antiglare IPS WLED-backlit Display (1920x1080)
- Memory: 4 GB DDR4-1866 SDRAM (not upgradable)
What the article does—and does not—establish
TechRadar’s recommendation is an opinionated deal assessment, not a hands-on review of the HP 14-em0018na. It reports product specifications and dated prices, but supplies no benchmark results for the HP or the alternatives. It also mentions positive user reviews without a review count or a robust satisfaction measure, so that reference cannot establish how buyers generally rate the laptop. Check the current retailer listing for price, stock and exact configuration, and assess software compatibility against your own needs.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【4GB RAM + 628GB Storage (128GB SSD + 500GB External)】Equipped with 4GB of high-bandwidth RAM for smooth multitasking across everyday applications and browser tabs. The built-in 128GB SSD delivers faster performance and improved power efficiency on the go. Expand your storage with a 500GB portable external drive.
- 【Quad-Core Intel Processor N150】Up to 3.6 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 Cache, 4 cores, 4 threads. Save time and increase productivity with powerful performance and smooth multitasking. Access fast web applications, edit photos and videos, and get the responsiveness you're looking for.
- 【14" HD Display】Enjoy an ultra-wide viewing experience with a virtually bezel-free 14" HD display, ideal for seamless multi-monitor setups. Featuring an HP True Vision 720p HD camera and integrated dual-array digital microphones, it’s ready for online classes, Google Classroom, remote learning, and Zoom meetings.
- 【Windows 11 Pro Operating System】Windows 11 Pro delivers a powerful, streamlined user experience that helps you stay focused and get more done – wherever your office might be. Safeguard data and access anywhere with hardware-based isolation, encryption, and malware protection built in. For Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, and Commercial Enterprise.
- 【Authorized MarxsolAccessory with Office 2024】Bundle includes 6-in-1 USB-C Docking Station Hub (with USB 3.0, 4K-HDMI, USB-C Connection, SD/TF Card Reader), 500GB external drive, USB extension cord, HDMI cable, mouse pad, and wireless mouse. Free Lifetime Microsoft Office 2024 installed. For Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, and Commercial Enterprise.
Rank #4
- Designed for mobility with a slim 0.71-inch profile and lightweight 3.24 lb, making it easy to carry between home, office, school
- 【Versatile Connectivity】Stay connected with multiple ports including USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-A, and a headphone/mic combo jack, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless networking.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
