As the buying patterns of computer users has evolved over the past couple of years and further accelerated by the pandemic, HP is rejiggering their PC lineup for more flexibility.
During CES 2021, HP unveiled its HP ENVY 14, HP Elite Folio, HP Elite Dragonfly G2 and Max as well as an EliteBook 840 G8 Aero. Aside from being a hefty bit of word salad, HP’s PCs 2021 offerings bring Bang & Olufsen audio, 5G connectivity, NVIDIA GeForce GTC 1650Ti Max Q graphics, and more.
HP ENVY 14
Starting at $1,249
HP’s flagship laptop is getting updated with a dedicated mute mic button on the keyboard, AI Noise Removal, and other conference-centric tools that should make a user’s next web call feel more professional. HP is claiming up to 16.5 hours of battery, which is a pretty notable improvement over the 10-hour claim from last year’s ENVY 13. Another stand out feature of the ENVY 14 is the ability to outfit a model with Intel’s 11th Gen Core Processor coupled with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti Max-Q graphics.
HP Elite Dragonfly G2 & Max
The Dragonfly G2’s design is pretty straightforward but incorporates 5G or gigabit-class 4G LTE connectivity as well as Tile out of the box. Once again, HP has put a concerted effort into audio by improving the audio output with an upgraded Bang & Olufsen experience as well as the ENVY 14’s AI-enabled audio tweaks for speech, music, and movies.
The Max version of the Dragonfly brings a very similar experience but also adds four wide-range microphones, a 5M + IR camera setup, and HP’s Eye Ease display with Eyesafe certification for more comfortable viewing during long sessions in front of the computer.
Neither the Dragonfly Max of G2 have release dates as of yet.
HP Elite Folio
Lenovo isn’t the only Windows OEM looking to take on the Surface Pro lineup with its own 2-in-1 that HP claims could get up 24.5 hours of battery as well as introducing the 13.5-inch display with improved viewing angles. Adding value to the whole package is the include HP Elite Slim Active Pen with integrated charging and storage slot.
HP EliteBook 840 GA Aero
HP EliteBook 840 G8 Aero, offers the same sort of Ultrabook features that include Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, 11th Gen Intel chips, 720p HD webcam, and a mix of USB-C and USB-A ports all under two pounds. Where the EliteBook 840 G8 Aero stands out is its sustainability makeup that makes use of 90% recycled magnesium metal covers, recycled plastics, and 100% sustainably sourced packaging.
While there is no pricing for the EliteBook, HP is expected to release the laptop sometime in March 2021.
