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My colleagues within the USA are busy protecting 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 operating the newly launched Intel Core Extremely X7 358H CPU.
Sadly, one of many circumstances is that I can’t regale you with benchmarks (for now), however I can provide 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 underneath 1kg. Technically, it really measured xxxxxx (redacted) grams on my scales, however that’s shut sufficient in my ebook.
The EliteBook X G2i is impressively mild in hand, and regardless of feeling virtually hole, it’s very sturdy, and has little flex within the 14-inch shell.
The complete spec is under, however I received hands-on with the Intel Core Extremely X7 358H geared up variant, with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. HP additionally introduced the EliteBook X G2a with the newest CPUs from AMD, in addition to the EliteBook X G2q that can use processors from Qualcomm.
HP additionally introduced a 2-in-1 EliteBook X Flip that shares lots of the similar specs, however has a fold again display screen. You may learn extra concerning the EliteBook X G2 Collection straight from HP.
There are numerous show choices, however I’ve the 14-inch 3K OLED (2880 x 1800), with a 120Hz (VRR) refresh price, a 500 nit brightness and DCI-P3 100% shade. Within the non-lightweight mannequin (solely 100 grams extra), you will get the identical panel with (or with out) a touchscreen, or a spread of 1920 x 1200 OLED or IPS screens.
My favourite function right here is that the display screen folds again by 180 levels, which makes it simple to sit down the laptop computer securely in a stand subsequent to a monitor, and minimise the quantity of desk area taken up. In use, the OLED is vibrant and brilliant, and the upper 3K decision makes it simple to get essentially the most out of the compact 14-inch display screen.
USB-C connectivity is nice, with twin Thunderbolt 4 on the left, and a 10Gbps port (that additionally helps charging and DisplayPort 2.1) on the correct. You additionally get USB-A on the correct, 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 grievance is that I want there was somewhat 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 displays, or three if you wish to stick to 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 non-compulsory further.
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HP EliteBook X G2i: Value & availability
HP has not given any pricing or a precise date for when the EliteBook X G2i and X Flip G2i might be accessible, however you may count on them in February 2026.
The broader EliteBook X G2 household, together with the EliteBook X G2a and EliteBook X G2q, shouldn’t be anticipated till later within the yr.
HP EliteBook X G2i: Specs
|
CPU |
Intel Core Extremely X7 358H |
|
GPU |
Intel Arc B930 |
|
Show |
14in 3K OLED (2880 x 1800), 120Hz (VRR), anti-glare, 500 nits, DCI-P3 100% |
|
RAM |
32GB LPDDR5x 8533MT/s |
|
Storage |
1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (954GB usable) |
|
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
|
Ports |
Proper: USB-C 10Gbps (USB PD, DP 2.1), USB-A 10Gbps (powered), safety lock slot, non-compulsory nano-SIM. Left: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB PD, DP 2.1), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm headset jack |
|
Dimensions |
312.7 x 219.9 x 9.15mm (entrance), 14.41mm (rear) |
|
Weight |
999g |
|
Working system |
Home windows 11 Professional |
HP EliteBook X G2i: Design and construct
The light-weight EliteBook X G2i feels very premium the second you decide it up and whereas impressively mild, 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 appears like a laptop computer that can deal with getting used on the go, day in and time out.
The laptop computer’s look is modest 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 decide 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 essential assembly.
The trackpad is massive, correct in use and has a superb stable haptic click on. The keyboard matches the premium really feel, and there’s little or no bounce. The keys have moderately deep journey and it’s comfy for lengthy typing periods, even with bigger arms. I didn’t see any annoying low-angle backlight glow bleeding out underneath 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 components 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 the total vary of TechRadar assessments. Whereas there have been a number of inconsistent outcomes and teething points (that are regular for a pre-product pattern and a brand new CPU), general efficiency is great.
You may learn extra about a few of the anticipated numbers straight from Intel, however suffice to say, the brand new Core Extremely Collection 3 CPUs are very spectacular, and because of a really highly effective iGPU, make Intel powered laptops extra aggressive towards the most effective from AMD and Qualcomm.
The Core Extremely X7 358H within the EliteBook X G2i isn’t massively quicker than final gen CPUs just like the final gen Core Extremely 7 265H in single core duties, however multicore efficiency is considerably higher. However 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.
Actually, it’s adequate to compete straight 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 way nearer to the upper wattage AMD Ryzen AI Max Professional 390 – although the Arc B390 iGPU nonetheless falls in need of the Radeon 8050S.
In regular on a regular basis use, the EliteBook X G2i is cool and quiet, however when pushed, it’s noticeably noisy. That’s to be anticipated in such a skinny and light-weight laptop computer, and in reality HP has finished an ideal job of getting spectacular sustained efficiency from the CPU, and the sound stage is a superbly acceptable tradeoff.
The light-weight variant of the laptop computer I’ve makes use of a 56Wh battery, whereas the conventional G2i will also be geared up with a much bigger 68Wh battery. Whereas I can not share precise runtimes, battery life may be very spectacular, and it’s on par with (or higher than) the most effective outcomes from related spec laptops utilizing older Intel CPUs, or the most effective from AMD and Qualcomm. Whereas battery life drops underneath sustained heavier workloads, the EliteBook X G2i is greater than able to lasting by a complete day of labor.
AI efficiency shouldn’t be a serious drawcard for most individuals but, however the Extremely X7 358H has a 50 TOPS NPU that can assist with many workloads, and be more and more helpful as time goes on.
The EliteBook X G2i comes with a compact 65W USB-C charger, and tops up fairly rapidly, however we discovered it somewhat finicky and it didn’t all the time cost on the full price from some 65W (or greater) chargers and energy banks. Contemplating it makes use of USB PD spec for charging, these are seemingly simply early quibbles with the laptop computer being extra conservative about it ensuring it’s related to an acceptable efficiency charger.
HP EliteBook X G2i: Remaining ideas
Whereas we’ll reserve last judgment till we get hands-on with a manufacturing model of the laptop computer, primarily based on my time with the G2i, it is completely one price placing in your shortlist for a 2026 improve.
