To solve the problem of current tethered VR PC experiences, HP showed off a VR backpack that makes it easier to navigate the virtual world without the risk of tripping over cords in the real world. HP’s VR backpack is essentially a “wearable” PC—it packs in a full-size VR-capable PC into a backpack form factor, so all you need to do is add your own HTC Vive or Oculus VR goggles to start exploring new virtual worlds. Since the wires of the VR goggles connect to the backpack, rather than a stationary desktop or laptop, VR gaming becomes even more immersive and freeing.
After listening to feedback from its early testers, HP is ready to take its VR backpack primetime, and the company is releasing this premium and unique form factor as the Omen X Compact Desktop. Unlike the original model, which came with permanent shoulder straps, the Omen X Compact Desktop can be detached from the backpack and docked, allowing gamers to use this as a regular PC on the desk.
HP also made improvements from the concept, and the Omen X Compact Desktop addressed fan noise, heat transfer and performance issues, making it a more refined product.
Design
When worn, the total weight of the backpack and the batteries weigh just under ten pounds, and HP has made refinements over the backpack skeleton design to make weight distribution more even. The angled design on the backpack also reduces heat transfer—the last thing you’d want is a sweaty back after a long VR session. The Omen X ecosystem comprises of several different components: you have the backpack skeleton where everything snaps into place, the compact Omen PC itself that attaches to the backpack, and battery packs.
With the backpack design, the straps are padded and the clips help adjust the backpack to a more comfortable fit on the body. The backpack also comes with a shortened headset cable for use with HP Vive or HP’s VR glasses.
The Omen X backpack comes with four hot swappable battery packs, of which two can be used while the second set of two can be charging. The PC comes with a small PC, so you can disconnect and swap out the battery packs without having to power down the backpack itself, and HP says that you should get about an hour of battery life per pair of battery. Giving the desktop-class performance, this seems like a great tradeoff.