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The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a sleek, powerful business laptop designed for high performance and security. Its striking design and outstanding battery life make it a top contender in the ultraportable category. Despite some drawbacks, it sets a new standard in HP's business lineup, particularly with HP Wolf Security, a suite of security features tailored for enterprise needs. Here’s an in-depth review of the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q, including its specs, strengths, and areas where it could improve.
The EliteBook Ultra G1q boasts a sleek, premium look with a slim profile. At only 0.44 inches thick and weighing 2.97 lbs, it’s highly portable and easy to carry. The metal finish on the chassis adds to its premium feel and durability, making it suitable for professionals who prioritize aesthetics and mobility. The laptop's overall design feels sturdy, with high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. This model doesn’t just focus on style but also maintains an ergonomic build. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with well-spaced keys and sufficient travel, making it ideal for long work sessions.
Featuring a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2240 x 1400, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q delivers crisp visuals and accurate colors. The screen quality stands out with sharp details and vibrant color reproduction. This display suits both productivity and media consumption, offering an immersive experience for business users. With a standard 60 Hz refresh rate, the display remains smooth for everyday tasks but lacks variable refresh support for high-speed applications. The absence of touchscreen functionality may disappoint some users, but it doesn’t detract from its overall quality for office and business use.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, the EliteBook Ultra G1q handles multitasking efficiently, offering solid everyday performance. With 16 GB of RAM, it supports various applications and enables smooth transitions between tasks. Qualcomm’s Adreno GPU, though not as powerful as discrete graphics cards, performs well for standard business applications and light graphic tasks. This processor shifts from the traditional x86 architecture, marking a new path in laptop CPUs by focusing on efficiency and speed with ARM-based processing.
Everyday tasks, such as browsing, document editing, and streaming, perform seamlessly, showing no sign of lag or stutter. This ARM-based system does involve a bit of adjustment for those used to x86-based systems. Some specialized applications may not be fully optimized for ARM yet, requiring users to check compatibility before purchasing.
The standout feature of the EliteBook Ultra G1q is its impressive battery life. Tested at nearly 29 hours (28 hours and 53 minutes), it sets a new benchmark for laptops in its class. This extended battery life makes it perfect for users who need a reliable machine on the go. It’s ideal for business trips, long workdays, or any scenario where frequent charging isn’t feasible. HP has managed to combine efficiency with power in this device, ensuring that users won’t be reaching for the charger throughout the day.
HP’s EliteBook Ultra G1q integrates HP Wolf Security, offering a comprehensive suite of security features for business use. HP Wolf Security encompasses several layers of hardware-enforced and AI-driven security to protect data and prevent cyber threats. This system actively monitors and protects against malicious attacks, making it an ideal choice for enterprises that handle sensitive information.
From BIOS protection to real-time threat detection, HP Wolf Security sets a high standard in business laptop security. These features give business users peace of mind when handling confidential data and reduce the risk of cyber threats. It’s especially beneficial for remote and hybrid work environments where security can be a concern.
The EliteBook Ultra G1q offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi 6E ensures faster speeds and a stable connection, even in areas with multiple devices. The absence of 4G or 5G mobile broadband connectivity may be a setback for users who rely on mobile networks when traveling or working in locations with limited Wi-Fi.
On the downside, the EliteBook Ultra G1q lacks an HDMI port and SD/microSD card slot, which limits its external connectivity options. These omissions might inconvenience users who frequently connect to projectors or external displays or those needing to transfer files via SD cards. To compensate, the laptop offers USB-C ports, which can support video output with compatible adapters.
The laptop comes equipped with a 512 GB hard drive, providing ample space for essential applications and files. This capacity is ideal for business use, allowing users to store documents, presentations, and various media files without worrying about storage limitations. While it doesn’t include a solid-state drive (SSD), the hard drive provides reliable performance, though users familiar with SSDs might notice a slight difference in loading times.
The EliteBook Ultra G1q runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing a user-friendly interface and enhanced productivity features tailored for professional users. Windows 11 Pro comes with various multitasking and organizational tools, such as Snap Layouts, making it easier to manage multiple applications. With this OS, the laptop takes full advantage of Windows’ new features, enhancing productivity and user experience.
Pros:
Sleek, Premium Design: The EliteBook Ultra G1q has an attractive and durable build, making it suitable for professionals who prioritize style.
Outstanding Battery Life: Nearly 29 hours of battery life sets a new standard, ensuring users can work uninterrupted for extended periods.
Peppy Everyday Performance: The Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, combined with 16 GB of RAM, provides excellent performance for daily business tasks.
Standard-Setting HP Wolf Security: Advanced security features protect users from cyber threats, making it ideal for enterprise use.
Cons:
A Shift from x86 Architecture: Moving away from x86 to ARM-based architecture may require users to adapt, as some applications may not be fully compatible.
Limited Ports: The absence of an HDMI port and SD/microSD card slot limits its connectivity options.
No Mobile Broadband Option: Lack of 4G or 5G connectivity may be a drawback for users who need a mobile network connection.
Pricier Compared to HP OmniBook X 14: The HP OmniBook X 14, a similar model, offers nearly the same features at a more affordable price point.
The EliteBook Ultra G1q positions itself as a premium option in HP's business lineup, priced higher than other models with similar specs. The added cost reflects its advanced security features, sleek design, and remarkable battery life. However, those looking for a more budget-friendly option may find the HP OmniBook X 14 an attractive alternative, offering similar functionality at a lower price.
The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q caters to professionals who value design, portability, and security. Its remarkable battery life and robust performance make it ideal for users who work long hours and need a machine that won’t falter on the go. HP Wolf Security adds a layer of confidence, especially for enterprise users handling sensitive information.
However, the lack of an HDMI port, SD/microSD slot, and mobile broadband connectivity might be a setback for some. Additionally, its ARM-based Qualcomm processor requires users to ensure compatibility with specific applications. While the price point is higher than some alternatives, the EliteBook Ultra G1q justifies it with a premium experience, particularly for those who prioritize battery life and security in their day-to-day tasks.
In conclusion, the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q sets a high bar in the business ultraportable segment, combining style, performance, and security in a lightweight package.
