Super thin EliteBook a heavyweight performer

Noel Campion says the super thin HP EliteBook x360 1020 G2 has features to please most professional level users.

If you’re in the market for a powerful laptop that’s easy on the back, packed with powerful security features, then the HP EliteBook x360 1020 G2 is worth a look.

The EliteBook x360 can be considered an ultrabook, but it’s also a convertible laptop. The version that I received for the purposes of this review came with 16GB of RAM a 256GB SSD, Intel i7-7600U CPU running at 2.8GHz and a 12.5-inch, 1080P display with touch and pen support.

Squarely aimed at professionals, it weighs in at 1.13KG and measures 29 x 20.38 x 1.39 cm (W x D x H).

HP claims this to be the world’s thinnest and lightest business convertible, but with prices starting at €1,299, it has the price to match.

The EliteBook x360 is really small and light making it great to travel with. The design is similar to other HP convertibles with stylish looks, and a thin profile with a chrome HP logo on the lid that adds to the classy look.

The all-aluminium body provides a sturdy feeling of robustness with little flex in the screen or body. The screen has a sturdy double hinge, but you can’t open it with one hand like you can with a Macbook and other HP laptops for that matter. Not a big deal though.

The EliteBook x360 is a convertible and so it can be used in various screen modes including tent, tablet and laptop, but the keyboard can’t be detached. So, although you’ve got the power to get a lot of work done, the EliteBook x360 is an excellent device for media consumption whether it’s a long haul flight, or your daily commute to work, assuming you’re not driving!

The speakers are placed on the base and although not very loud, they work well and being tweak by B&O, they sound great for general use, plus, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack.

As a productivity device, the EliteBook x360 is a powerhouse for those who need it for general business purposes.

However, those looking for a laptop for media creation or gaming won’t find the Intel HD Graphics 620 GPU or max limit of 16GB enough for more than light games and short editing sessions. You can configure the SSD up to 1TB, which is more than enough for most users.

Key to this being a business-oriented laptop is all the security and system manageability features, some of which you have to configure at time of purchase.

For example, you get HP Sure Click which provides hardware-enforced security for web browsers, protecting your computer from websites infected with malware, ransomware or viruses.

If you want HP Sure View (stops those near the screen from being able to see what’s on your screen) you’ll have to order it when configuring your purchase.

Additional security measures include HP Sure Start Gen3 — which is an enterprise-ready BIOS management feature and HP Multi-Factor Authentication.

My review model came with Windows Hello support thanks to two cameras and a fingerprint reader, two tried and tested login options. The computer uses a TPM chip (Trusted Platform Module) to encrypt your biometric data and there is Intel vPro technology for remote management.

To manage all of these security options and features you get HP Client Security application, which makes setup and management easy.

The EliteBook x360 has a small form factor making it great for the road warrior, but this means compromises in other areas.

It does have two Thunderbolt 3/USB Type-C ports, only one of which can be used to charge it, a full-sized HDMI 1.4a port, 720p web camera, and Kensington Lock. You also get 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity.

HP claim up to 10 hours of battery life, but in the real world, it’s a lot less, like all other claimed battery endurance ratings.

However, a great feature is the fast charging that can get you to 50% in around 30 minutes, as long as you’re in sleep mode or turned off.

Missing are standard USB ports and an SD card reader, which means you’ll need a dongle that goes from USB Type-C to the standard USB port.

I understand that USB Type-C is the way forward, but when all of your peripherals require a dongle, it can be annoying, especially if you forget to bring one on a trip.

My review unit had the FHD IPS touch-enabled, super bright 700 nits screen. I found it excellent for editing my photos on the go thanks to accurate colours and decent viewing angles left and right. However, I found that up and down viewing changed shades a little more than I’d expect from an IPS display.

My device came with the 3M developed SureView technology and it is impressive. By simply pressing F2, anything on the screen becomes almost impossible to see if you’re not looking straight at the screen.

Ideal when you need privacy when in public or while sitting in the middle seat on a plane.

I know we all like different things on a keyboard, but I absolutely love the travel and feel on the keys of the EliteBook x360.

It was an absolute joy to speed touch type on and it felt comfortable, even for long periods.

The rather large trackpad also works great and is Microsoft Precision certified. This means it fully supports all the usual Windows 10 gestures.

The HP EliteBook x360 1020 G2 is an impressive laptop that has a compact form factor and is light.

You also get stellar security features that provide confidence and essential options for those who require these options for their business.

The HP EliteBook x360 1020 G2 is available in Ireland through DataPac for €1,898 ex VAT.