The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i, the latest in HP’s premium ultrathin laptop series, has made its debut with a sleek design and robust performance. Previously known under the “Dragonfly” brand, this model features a dark blue enclosure, measuring a mere 1.2cm in thickness when closed. Weighing in at just 1.2kg, the EliteBook Ultra G1i is impressively lightweight, allowing users to easily lift it with one hand without fear of bending.
The laptop’s 14-inch screen is a standout feature, offering a clear and expansive display encased in an exceptionally thin bezel. This design choice makes the device only slightly larger than a 13-inch MacBook Air, yet it provides a significantly more immersive viewing experience. The bezel also houses a 9-megapixel webcam with a built-in privacy cover, a thoughtful addition for security-conscious users.
Design and Connectivity
The EliteBook Ultra G1i is equipped with a variety of ports, including a headphone jack, USB-C, and the increasingly rare USB-A on the left side, complemented by two additional USB-C ports on the right. This configuration allows for flexible charging options from either side of the laptop. While an HDMI port would have been a welcome addition, the abundance of USB-C ports makes using a dongle a manageable solution.
Under the hood, the laptop is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, featuring four performance cores and four efficiency cores, with a base speed of 2.2GHz and a turbo boost up to 5GHz. It also includes Intel Arc graphics acceleration and an NPU for AI tasks, rated at 48 Int8 TOPS. Although AI performance can be challenging to quantify, the EliteBook Ultra G1i meets Microsoft’s specifications for a Copilot+ PC and includes HP’s AI Companion, a beta application for running AI tasks either on-device or in the cloud.
Performance and Battery Life
The EliteBook Ultra G1i delivers solid performance, handling everyday productivity tasks with ease. Its battery life is particularly impressive, lasting several days on a single charge. The device’s intelligent power management appears to optimize battery usage, with a noticeable initial drop in charge level followed by a plateau, extending its usability between charges.
However, the keyboard and trackpad leave room for improvement. Compared to competitors like Lenovo and Apple, the EliteBook’s keyboard feels somewhat plasticky, detracting from the overall premium feel. Similarly, while HP highlights the audio capabilities of the laptop, the four stereo speakers produce a somewhat tinny sound, falling short of expectations for a device at this price point.
Value and Conclusion
Priced at $3,870, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i offers a combination of sleek design and robust performance, but it is not without its shortcomings. The flimsy keyboard and lackluster audio may deter some potential buyers, particularly those seeking a multimedia powerhouse. However, for users prioritizing portability and solid performance, the EliteBook Ultra G1i remains a compelling option.
Overall, the EliteBook Ultra G1i earns a rating of 8/10, standing out for its design and performance while leaving room for improvement in its tactile and auditory features.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Incredibly thin and lightweight
- Ample port selection
- Strong performance, AI-ready
Cons
- Plasticky keyboard feel
- Underwhelming speaker quality
If multimedia capabilities are not a priority, and you seek a portable, high-performing device, the EliteBook Ultra G1i could be the right choice for you.
