The HP EliteBook 6 G1q is making waves as an AI-enhanced laptop designed to boost workplace productivity and efficiency. As a Copilot+ PC, it integrates AI directly into the Windows 11 Pro operating system, along with HP's own AI tools.

Target Audience and Pricing

This EliteBook is targeted towards executives and self-employed professionals who are embracing AI in their work. The starting price is around $1,699. However, another source mentions a starting price of $87,440.

Design and Build

The EliteBook Ultra G1q is designed to be portable, measuring just under three pounds and 14.4mm thick. The design is professional and understated. The chassis is made with 50% recycled aluminum. The laptop has also passed MIL-STD 810H torture tests, indicating it can withstand shock and vibration. The "Atmosphere Blue" color gives it a distinctive look.

Display

The laptop features a 14-inch 2.2K (2240 x 1400) IPS display. The screen offers 100% sRGB color gamut coverage for accurate color reproduction. The display is not the brightest at 300 nits, so it may be best used in shaded areas. Some reviews mention the display quality is good but not great, and the 60Hz refresh rate might not satisfy users accustomed to higher refresh rates.

Performance

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor. It also features a Qualcomm Adreno GPU and a Hexagon NPU. The Snapdragon X Elite chipset is excellent for everyday productivity tasks. The laptop stays cool even with multiple windows open.

AI Features

The EliteBook Ultra G1q leverages its NPU to handle AI tasks locally. Key AI capabilities include:

• Microsoft Copilot: Provides features like content summarization, rewriting, and organization.
• HP AI Companion: Offers tools to answer questions, analyze documents, provide recommendations, and monitor performance.
• Poly Camera Pro: Manages video controls, auto-framing, spotlight, background blur, and virtual backgrounds while saving power using the NPU.
• HP Sure Sense: Protects against malware using behavioral analysis and AI techniques.
• Presence Sensing: Locks the PC when you leave and wakes it when you approach.

Memory and Storage

The laptop comes with up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It also offers a 512GB or 1TB M.2 SSD for storage.

Battery Life

The Snapdragon X Elite processor contributes to the laptop's long battery life, with some reviews noting it can last between 12 to 14 hours with moderate use. HP Fast Charge allows the battery to charge to 50% in 30 minutes.

Connectivity and Ports

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q includes:

• USB Type-C ports (one supporting USB4 at 40Gbps and another supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps).
• USB 3.2 Type-A port.
• Headphone/microphone combo jack.

It lacks an HDMI port or SD/microSD card slot.

Security

Security features include HP Wolf Pro Security, which provides antivirus defense and credential protection. There is also a 5MP camera with a privacy shutter.

Sustainability

The EliteBook Ultra G1q incorporates sustainable materials, including 50% recycled aluminum in the A, C, and D covers and 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in the keycaps. The outer box packaging is 100% sustainably sourced and recyclable.

Potential Drawbacks

• ARM Architecture: Some reviews note that the ARM architecture may struggle with demanding workloads that rely on x86 architecture. App compatibility could be an issue for users who rely on specific software.
• Display Brightness: The display's brightness may be insufficient for use in direct sunlight.
• Limited Ports: The lack of an HDMI port and SD card reader may be a limitation for some users.