HP EliteBook Ultra G1i: Ultimate Business Laptop
▼ Summary
– The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i is a premium business laptop featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 268V processor, offering smooth performance and AI readiness with a built-in NPU.
– It boasts a sleek, atmospheric blue design with a 14-inch OLED touch display, thin bezels, and modern features like a 9MP webcam and sliding privacy shutter.
– The laptop includes HP’s Wolf Security suite, multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, enhancing both security and connectivity.
– Performance testing shows it is effective for general productivity but lags in some high-intensity tasks like video encoding, while its integrated graphics perform well for an ultrabook.
– Battery life exceeds 16 hours, sufficient for a full workday, and the OLED display offers vibrant colors and high contrast, though it is prone to reflections.
HP’s EliteBook Ultra G1i delivers a premium Windows experience powered by the ultra-efficient Intel Core Ultra 7 268V processor, making it a strong contender in the business laptop arena. With a starting price of $2,419 and a top-tier configuration at $2,909, this AI-ready machine combines sleek aesthetics, robust security, and impressive battery life. While it faces stiff competition from the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13, the EliteBook Ultra stands out with its atmospheric blue finish, comprehensive app compatibility, and HP’s advanced Wolf Security suite.
Built for executives who are always on the move, the EliteBook Ultra G1i shares its elegant chassis with the HP OmniBook Ultra G1q but distinguishes itself with Intel’s x86 architecture and enhanced software support. The high-end model reviewed here includes a Lunar Lake processor with 48 TOPS of AI power, integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics, and 32GB of soldered RAM. It also features a 1TB SSD and a stunning 14-inch OLED touch display with a resolution of 2880×1800. At the time of writing, this configuration was available for just $1,999 directly from HP, though prices may fluctuate.
The design remains consistent with last year’s Qualcomm model, sporting the same sophisticated atmospheric blue color, rounded edges, and a minimalist HP logo on the lid. Thin bezels frame the 16:10 OLED screen, which can tilt nearly flat, while a 9-megapixel IR camera supports Windows Hello and includes a privacy shutter. Weighing only 2.63 pounds and measuring 0.48 x 12.4 x 8.6 inches, it’s firmly in the ultraportable category, though slightly heavier than Lenovo’s 2.17-pound flagship.
Connectivity is thorough, with three Thunderbolt 4 ports (two on the right, one on the left) supporting 40Gbps data transfer, alongside a USB 3.2 Type-A port and a headphone jack. Wireless capabilities include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring modern and speedy connections.
The 9MP webcam captures 1440p video, outperforming many 1080p competitors, with clear imaging and minimal noise. Users can further refine camera settings via the Poly Camera Pro app or Windows Studio Effects. The OLED display, while not the brightest, reached nearly 400 nits in testing and delivered rich colors and high contrast, covering full sRGB and DCI-P3 gamuts. Reflections can be an issue due to the glossy finish. Audio from the rear-firing speakers is clear and sufficiently loud for meetings, though it lacks depth for music. Built-in AI noise cancellation is available through the MyHP app.
Typing on the backlit keyboard is comfortable with a crisp response, though the half-height arrow keys may require adjustment. The large, buttonless touchpad is smooth and responsive. Security is a highlight, with HP Wolf Pro Security offering advanced malware detection and credential protection.
Performance testing placed the EliteBook Ultra G1i in the middle of the pack for most productivity benchmarks, though it lagged in HandBrake video encoding. It easily surpassed the 4,000-point PCMark 10 baseline, confirming its capability for daily office tasks. Graphics performance was strong for an integrated solution, with the Intel Arc 140V GPU performing well across multiple 3DMark tests, trailing only dedicated GPU models like the Asus ProArt.
Battery life exceeded 16 hours in video playback tests, enough for a full workday though not class-leading. The vibrant OLED panel scored highly for color accuracy and brightness, reinforcing its status as a top-tier business display.
Overall, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i is a polished, powerful, and portable business laptop with standout AI features, excellent security, and a beautiful screen, making it a compelling choice for professionals seeking reliability and style.
(Source: PC Mag)