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My colleagues within the USA are busy masking 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 working the newly launched Intel Core Extremely X7 358H CPU.
Sadly, one of many situations 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 below 1kg. Technically, it truly measured xxxxxx (redacted) grams on my scales, however that’s shut sufficient in my guide.
The EliteBook X G2i is impressively gentle in hand, and regardless of feeling virtually hole, it’s very sturdy, and has little flex within the 14-inch shell.
The total spec is under, however I acquired 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 most recent CPUs from AMD, in addition to the EliteBook X G2q that may use processors from Qualcomm.
HP additionally introduced a 2-in-1 EliteBook X Flip that shares most of the similar specs, however has a fold again display screen. You’ll be able to learn extra in regards to the EliteBook X G2 Sequence straight from HP.
There are numerous show choices, however I’ve the 14-inch 3K OLED (2880 x 1800), with a 120Hz (VRR) refresh fee, a 500 nit brightness and DCI-P3 100% coloration. Within the non-lightweight mannequin (solely 100 grams extra), you will get the identical panel with (or with out) a touchscreen, or a variety 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 take a seat the laptop computer securely in a stand subsequent to a monitor, and minimise the quantity of desk house taken up. In use, the OLED is vibrant and vivid, 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 suitable. You additionally get USB-A on the suitable, 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 criticism is that I want there was just a little more room 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 screens, 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 elective additional.
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HP EliteBook X G2i: Worth & availability
HP has not given any pricing or an actual date for when the EliteBook X G2i and X Flip G2i can be out there, however you possibly can 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 12 months.
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, elective 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 choose it up and whereas impressively gentle, it doesn’t really feel flimsy, and the entire 14-inch shell is kind 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 usually seems like a laptop computer that may deal with getting used on the go, day in and day trip.
The laptop computer’s look is discreet in the way in which I personally love: the branding is delicate, it’s very skilled trying, 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 choose 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 necessary assembly.
The trackpad is massive, correct in use and has a superb strong haptic click on. The keyboard matches the premium really feel, and there’s little or no bounce. The keys have fairly deep journey and it’s comfy for lengthy typing periods, even with bigger palms. I didn’t see any annoying low-angle backlight glow bleeding out below 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 complete vary of TechRadar checks. Whereas there have been a couple of inconsistent outcomes and teething points (that are regular for a pre-product pattern and a brand new CPU), total efficiency is great.
You’ll be able to learn extra about among the anticipated numbers straight from Intel, however suffice to say, the brand new Core Extremely Sequence 3 CPUs are very spectacular, and due to a really highly effective iGPU, make Intel powered laptops extra aggressive towards the perfect from AMD and Qualcomm.
The Core Extremely X7 358H within the EliteBook X G2i isn’t vastly quicker than final gen CPUs just like the final gen Core Extremely 7 265H in single core duties, however multicore efficiency is considerably higher. But it surely’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.
In actual fact, it’s ok 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 executed an incredible job of getting spectacular sustained efficiency from the CPU, and the sound degree is a superbly acceptable tradeoff.
The light-weight variant of the laptop computer I’ve makes use of a 56Wh battery, whereas the traditional G2i will also be geared up with a much bigger 68Wh battery. Whereas I am unable to share actual runtimes, battery life may be very spectacular, and it’s on par with (or higher than) the perfect outcomes from related spec laptops utilizing older Intel CPUs, or the perfect from AMD and Qualcomm. Whereas battery life drops below sustained heavier workloads, the EliteBook X G2i is greater than able to lasting by a whole day of labor.
AI efficiency shouldn’t be a significant drawcard for most individuals but, however the Extremely X7 358H has a 50 TOPS NPU that may 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 just a little finicky and it didn’t all the time cost on the full fee from some 65W (or larger) chargers and energy banks. Contemplating it makes use of USB PD spec for charging, these are probably simply early quibbles with the laptop computer being extra conservative about it ensuring it’s related to an appropriate efficiency charger.
HP EliteBook X G2i: Ultimate ideas
Whereas we’ll reserve remaining judgment till we get hands-on with a manufacturing model of the laptop computer, based mostly on my time with the G2i, it is completely one price placing in your shortlist for a 2026 improve.
