It's probably business! If HP uses Intel SSD's and locked bios, and makes it difficult to replace the SSD, then that increases Intel's share in the SSD Nvme market (competing with Samsung). I think the majority of buyers would balk at even trying to take the back off and change the drive - and just put up with what's installed. The locked bios is strange. Especially when they actually install removable ram! Which is a bonus - means you can replace or upgrade that. I noticed a lot of Asus Vivobooks had optane as well - when looking late last year at new laptops - it was a new thing to me. Had no idea what it was. I was unaware this laptop had it until I set it up.
