The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i is marketed as a “next-generation AI PC.” While the term “AI PC” has been circulating for a while, HP emphasizes the integrated AI software in this premium Lunar Lake laptop. This review delves into the laptop’s features, performance, and whether its AI capabilities justify the price tag.
Design and Build
The 14-inch EliteBook Ultra G1i boasts a premium build quality. Its sleek “Atmosphere Blue” magnesium chassis feels robust yet lightweight, weighing in at 2.68 pounds. The only overt indication of its AI focus is a small “AI” logo on the keyboard. While subtle, this design choice reflects the laptop’s positioning as a premium device with AI enhancements rather than a dedicated AI workstation.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i back
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard offers a crisp, responsive typing experience, a welcome feature for productivity users. The large haptic trackpad is equally impressive, allowing for clicks anywhere on its smooth surface.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i keyboard
Display and Audio
The 2880×1800 OLED touchscreen display with a 120Hz variable refresh rate delivers vibrant visuals. While the 400 nits brightness is adequate for indoor use, the glossy finish can lead to reflections in direct sunlight. The quad-speaker setup produces surprisingly clear audio with decent bass for a laptop of this size.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i
Webcam and Biometrics
The 1440p webcam with a physical shutter provides high-quality video and enhanced privacy. Features like Windows Studio Effects and Poly Camera Pro leverage the NPU for background replacement and styling. Dual-array microphones provide clear audio, and biometric login options include an IR camera and fingerprint reader.
Connectivity and Ports
The EliteBook Ultra G1i offers three Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports, one USB Type-A port, a combo audio jack, and a Kensington lock slot. While the selection of Thunderbolt 4 ports is convenient, the absence of a microSD card reader might be a drawback for some users. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i connectivity
Performance and Benchmarks
Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 268V processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, the EliteBook Ultra G1i handles everyday tasks smoothly. Benchmark results reveal decent performance, though multi-threaded workloads are limited by the eight-core CPU. The integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics are sufficient for general use but unsuitable for demanding AI tasks like Stable Diffusion.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i PCMark 10 results
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i Cinebench results
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i Handbrake results
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 3DMark results
Battery Life
The 64 watt-hour battery delivers impressive battery life, exceeding 18 hours in our video playback test. This longevity is a significant advantage for users on the go.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i battery life results
Conclusion
The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i is a well-crafted premium laptop with a beautiful display, excellent battery life, and some AI-powered features. However, its high price tag and lack of a dedicated GPU limit its appeal as a true AI workstation. While the integrated AI software offers some added functionality, it may not justify the premium cost for most users. Ultimately, the EliteBook Ultra G1i is a strong contender in the premium laptop category but falls short of its “next-generation AI PC” aspirations.
