Introduction to the HP EliteBook X G1a

At first glance, the HP EliteBook X G1a ($2,199 for the testing model, $1,999 starting price) appears to be a typical business laptop, boasting a sophisticated and elegant design that perfectly embodies the spirit of a work laptop. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be one of the most captivating business laptops of the year. Notably, it is among the first laptops to feature one of the new AMD Ryzen AI processors, built on AMD’s Zen 5 architecture. This chip is designed to deliver both power and efficiency. Additionally, with an NPU capable of producing 55 TOPS, it stands as one of the most powerful AI laptops available, albeit with the caveat that the full utilization of this power is pending more innovative applications. The EliteBook X is tailored for mobile professionals seeking a reliable workhorse that can handle demanding workloads and outlast the average workday. It fulfills these expectations with its durable, sustainable design, robust speakers, comfortable keyboard, and a bright, vivid display, all complemented by a generous integration of AI.

HP EliteBook X G1a Overview

The HP EliteBook X G1a is a business laptop that combines performance, endurance, and durability, with a notable emphasis on AI capabilities.

• Pros:

  • Exceptional performance
  • Powerful speakers
  • Durable, sustainable design
  • Over 13 hours of battery life
• Cons:
  • Slightly heavy for a 14-inch laptop
  • Camera performance is mixed
  • Lack of a standout AI app

HP EliteBook X G1a Review: Pricing and Availability

There are three models of the EliteBook X G1a available. The review unit, priced at $2,199, features a 2-GHz AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 processor, 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD, an integrated AMD Radeon 890M Graphics GPU, and a 14-inch, 1920 x 1200 WUXGA display. The base model, starting at $1,999, comes with an AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 CPU, half the storage, and a 2.8K OLED panel. The top model, priced at $2,749, mirrors the review unit’s specs but with double the RAM and the 2.8K OLED screen.

HP EliteBook X G1a Review: Design

The EliteBook X embodies a refined design suitable for any professional setting, thanks to its matte silver-colored aluminum chassis and a lid made from 80% recycled materials. The dark gray backlit keyboard is nestled between large top-firing speaker grilles, with a palm rest long enough to accommodate most wrists comfortably. The display is connected to the deck via a long hinge, and while the side bezels are thin, there’s room for further minimization, especially on the top and bottom. The HP emblem on the bottom bezel adds a touch of elegance.

The EliteBook X has undergone rigorous testing, passing 19 tests to earn its MIL-STD-810H certification, indicating its ability to withstand various environmental stresses. Given its slim profile, the port selection is thoughtful, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and an HDMI 2.1 port, among others. Weighing 3.3 pounds and measuring 12.3 x 8.5 x 0.36~0.52 inches, it’s on the heavier side of ultraportable laptops but still competitive.

HP EliteBook X G1a Review: Performance

The EliteBook X is equipped with AMD’s new Ryzen AI chips, specifically the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 processor in the review unit. This 4-nanometer processor, built on the Zen 5 architecture, boasts 12 cores and 24 threads, along with an NPU using AMD’s XDNA 2 NPU architecture. It achieves a performance rate of up to 55 TOPS, making it one of the most powerful AI laptops currently available. AMD claims this NPU offers up to 2x the power efficiency with AI workloads compared to previous generations. The integrated AMD Radeon 890M Graphics, based on RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture, is designed for optimized graphics performance with reduced power consumption.

In real-world testing, the EliteBook X handled a heavy workload of multiple tabs, video editing, and photo editing with ease. It also performed admirably in benchmark tests, including Geekbench 6 and video transcoding, though it was outperformed by the MacBook Pro 14 in some aspects. Gaming, while not its primary function, was smooth, as evidenced by playing Hades II.

HP EliteBook X G1a Review: Display, Audio, Webcam, and Keyboard

The EliteBook X’s 14-inch, 1920 x 1200 non-touch display is praised for its brightness and color vibrancy. It performed well in displaying detailed images and videos, including handling direct sunlight with ease. The quad speakers, a result of HP’s acquisition of Poly (formerly Plantronics), are surprisingly powerful and full, capable of filling a room with sound, though with some minor distortions at high volumes.

The 5-megapixel webcam captures images and video in 1920 x 1080p, showing mixed results in color accuracy. The keyboard is spacious with big keycaps, bright backlighting, and firm feedback, making typing comfortable. The touchpad is large, responsive, and supports multiple gestures. Additional features include a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button and a Microsoft Copilot button for interacting with Microsoft’s AI.

HP EliteBook X G1a Review: Software and Battery Life

The EliteBook X comes with HP’s suite of security utilities, including HP Wolf Security for malware protection and HP Sure Click for safely opening questionable files. It also features an AI companion in beta, which can summarize documents, craft emails, and perform other tasks. The myHP and Support Assistant apps provide tools for performance adjustments, system diagnostics, and tech support.

In terms of battery life, the EliteBook X lasted 9 hours and 13 minutes in a mixed usage test at 50% brightness and ran for 13 hours and 25 minutes in the PCMark 10 Modern Office battery test, demonstrating its efficiency.

HP EliteBook X G1a Review: Verdict

While the HP EliteBook X G1a stands out as one of the most powerful AI laptops, the current lack of a killer AI app means its full potential is yet to be realized. However, stripping away the AI aspect, it remains an excellent business laptop. It’s durable, secure, performs exceptionally well, and has a great display and sound system. Its ability to last well over eight hours on a charge further solidifies its position as a top choice for mobile professionals. The HP EliteBook X G1a is indeed the business laptop to beat this year, offering a compelling package of power, durability, and features that cater to the demands of modern business needs.