HP’s EliteBook Ultra G1 is a business-class Windows laptop with a solid build, strong security and a heavy emphasis on corporate features. It costs far more than a typical consumer notebook. That makes it attractive if your employer is paying, but a harder sell if you are spending your own money.

Smart, corporate design

From the outside, the EliteBook Ultra G1 looks exactly as a corporate laptop should. The matte magnesium case, rounded corners and clean lines give it a restrained, professional appearance.

At 1.2kg and around 18mm thick, it is light and portable without feeling fragile. There is a clear sense this is a premium device designed for executives who travel.

Screen and media

The 14-inch OLED touchscreen has a 2880 by 1800 resolution and a variable refresh rate.

At 400 nits, brightness is adequate for most environments. It is not the brightest display in its class. Users accustomed to more luminous screens may find themselves wanting more headroom.

The screen can fold flat, allowing the laptop to double as a makeshift desktop tablet. In practice, this is useful in limited scenarios rather than everyday use.

Audio is a highlight. The quad-speaker system performs well for a device this thin. Calls are clear and voice-based applications sound excellent. Music playback is respectable, although still constrained by the form factor.

Keyboard, touchpad and ports

HP gets the fundamentals right. The keyboard is responsive and comfortable for long typing sessions. The haptic touchpad is equally well executed and adds a sense of precision.

Port selection is generous for a modern laptop. On the left, there is an audio jack, a USB-A port hidden behind a pull-down cover and a USB-C port with a charging indicator. On the right, you will find two more USB-C ports, another charging light and a lock slot.

Like Apple, HP has dropped the microSD slot.

Connectivity

The EliteBook Ultra G1 supports WiFi 7, putting it at the leading edge of wireless connectivity. While many users will still be on earlier standards, this ensures the laptop is ready for faster networks as they become more common.

Performance and battery life

On paper, the combination of an Intel Lunar Lake processor and 32GB of Ram suggests strong performance.

In practice, it is less impressive. Everyday tasks run smoothly, but at this price you might expect more headroom. Comparable MacBook Air models, costing significantly less, can outperform it in a range of applications.

One notable detail is how quiet the system remains. Even under load, the fan rarely makes itself known.

Battery life is solid. Around 14 hours of video streaming is realistic, which is enough for long-haul travel. It is not class-leading, but it is more than adequate for business use.

AI: not the main event

HP positions the EliteBook Ultra G1 as an AI laptop, but the reality is more modest.

The machine lacks a dedicated GPU and the Intel processor is not heavily optimised for AI workloads. As a result, it feels more like a traditional business laptop with a few AI extras.

HP’s AI Companion is essentially a branded interface for GPT-4. It requires an internet connection and offers little beyond what you can already access through standard tools, aside from some system-specific functions.

There is also a dedicated Copilot button for Microsoft’s AI assistant. It is convenient, but not a compelling reason to choose this laptop.

Security sets it apart

Where the EliteBook Ultra G1 distinguishes itself is security.

HP Wolf Security for Business adds multiple layers of protection beyond standard Windows tools. This includes anti-phishing measures, BIOS tamper protection and system hardening features.

The trade-off is usability. Security prompts can interrupt workflows, particularly when installing software that is not on an approved list. Unlike some systems, there is limited scope to override these restrictions.

For individual users, this may feel intrusive. For corporate IT departments, it is a significant advantage. The ability to manage and secure fleets of devices will appeal to organisations concerned about risk.

Verdict

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1 is a premium business laptop aimed squarely at corporate buyers.

It excels in build quality, security and manageability. Performance is competent rather than exceptional, and the AI features do little to justify the marketing emphasis.

For individuals, there are better-value options with more power. For organisations that prioritise security and control, the EliteBook Ultra G1 makes a strong case, even at a high price.