Arms on: HP EliteBook X G2i

My colleagues within the USA are busy masking CES, however HP didn’t need Australia to overlook out – so the corporate shipped me a pre-release model of the brand new business-focused EliteBook X G2i working the newly launched Intel Core Extremely X7 358H CPU.

Sadly, one of many situations is that I can’t regale you with benchmarks (for now), however I may give you a sneak peek at a really spectacular laptop computer.

Whereas HP introduced a number of EliteBook X G2i variants, the one I’ve is particular – it’s the light-weight mannequin that weighs below 1kg. Technically, it truly measured xxxxxx (redacted) grams on my scales, however that’s shut sufficient in my e book.

The EliteBook X G2i is impressively gentle in hand, and regardless of feeling virtually hole, it’s very sturdy, and has little flex within the 14-inch shell.

The total spec is under, however I obtained hands-on with the Intel Core Extremely X7 358H outfitted variant, with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. HP additionally introduced the EliteBook X G2a with the most recent CPUs from AMD, in addition to the EliteBook X G2q that may use processors from Qualcomm.

HP additionally introduced a 2-in-1 EliteBook X Flip that shares most of the similar specs, however has a fold again display screen. You’ll be able to learn extra in regards to the EliteBook X G2 Sequence immediately from HP.

There are numerous show choices, however I’ve the 14-inch 3K OLED (2880 x 1800), with a 120Hz (VRR) refresh charge, a 500 nit brightness and DCI-P3 100% coloration. Within the non-lightweight mannequin (solely 100 grams extra), you may get the identical panel with (or with out) a touchscreen, or a spread of 1920 x 1200 OLED or IPS screens.

My favourite characteristic right here is that the display screen folds again by means of 180 levels, which makes it straightforward to sit down the laptop computer securely in a stand subsequent to a monitor, and minimise the quantity of desk house taken up. In use, the OLED is vibrant and vibrant, and the upper 3K decision makes it straightforward to get essentially the most out of the compact 14-inch display screen.

USB-C connectivity is sweet, with twin Thunderbolt 4 on the left, and a 10Gbps port (that additionally helps charging and DisplayPort 2.1) on the proper. You additionally get USB-A on the proper, a Kensington lock port, and HDMI 2.1 and a 3.5mm headset jack on the left.

That’s fairly good for such a compact light-weight laptop computer, and my solely tiny criticism is that I want there was a bit extra space between the 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, to make it simpler to plug in each a dock cable and a quick USB drive.

The laptop computer will run as much as 4 screens, or three if you wish to persist with USB-C solely. You additionally get Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 (2×2) and Bluetooth 6, plus a facial recognition webcam (with privateness shutter) – although a fingerprint sensor is an elective additional.

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HP EliteBook X G2i: Value & availability

HP has not given any pricing or an actual date for when the EliteBook X G2i and X Flip G2i shall be obtainable, however you possibly can anticipate them in February 2026.

The broader EliteBook X G2 household, together with the EliteBook X G2a and EliteBook X G2q, isn’t anticipated till later within the yr.

HP EliteBook X G2i: Specs

HP EliteBook X G2i: Design and construct

The light-weight EliteBook X G2i feels very premium the second you choose it up and whereas impressively gentle, it doesn’t really feel flimsy, and the entire 14-inch shell is sort of inflexible. Even the hinge is properly tuned and opens pretty effortlessly one-handed, however nonetheless holds its place when you’ve set the display screen angle.

There’s additionally little or no flex within the lid or keyboard deck, and it typically looks like a laptop computer that may deal with getting used on the go, day in and time out.

The laptop computer’s look is inconspicuous in the way in which I personally love: the branding is delicate, it’s very skilled wanting, and the rounded edges make it good to deal with. The light-weight mannequin solely is available in “Atmospheric Blue”, but it surely fits the design.

It does choose up fingerprints simply, although the end additionally wipes clear fairly simply, so it’s fast to make it look a bit neater earlier than an vital assembly.

The trackpad is massive, correct in use and has an excellent strong haptic click on. The keyboard matches the premium really feel, and there’s little or no bounce. The keys have fairly deep journey and it’s comfy for lengthy typing periods, even with bigger palms. I didn’t see any annoying low-angle backlight glow bleeding out below the keys.

It’s additionally nice to see HP placing actual effort into supplies, and the clamshell covers use as much as 90% recycled magnesium, plus there’s recycled content material used throughout elements just like the bezel, speaker enclosure, keycaps and extra.

HP EliteBook X G2i: Efficiency

Once more, I can’t give any particular benchmarks at this stage, however I’ve run the EliteBook X G2i by means of the total vary of TechRadar assessments. Whereas there have been a couple of inconsistent outcomes and teething points (that are regular for a pre-product pattern and a brand new CPU), total efficiency is superb.

You’ll be able to learn extra about a number of the anticipated numbers immediately from Intel, however suffice to say, the brand new Core Extremely Sequence 3 CPUs are very spectacular, and due to a really highly effective iGPU, make Intel powered laptops extra aggressive in opposition to the most effective from AMD and Qualcomm.

The Core Extremely X7 358H within the EliteBook X G2i isn’t vastly sooner than final gen CPUs just like the final gen Core Extremely 7 265H in single core duties, however multicore efficiency is considerably higher. Nevertheless it’s the Intel Arc B930 that’s most spectacular, and it runs rings round final gen iGPUs just like the Intel Arc 140V and even Radeon 890M.

In actual fact, it’s ok to compete immediately with low finish devoted GPUs in creator laptops (with extra restricted energy profiles), and can fortunately deal with informal gaming.

Based mostly on Intel’s numbers, the Core Extremely X7 358H fortunately bests the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and is far nearer to the upper wattage AMD Ryzen AI Max Professional 390 – although the Arc B390 iGPU nonetheless falls wanting the Radeon 8050S.