HP’s newest Elite x360 1040 2-in-1 G11 demonstrates why Intel-powered business laptops still deserve serious consideration. This latest iteration of HP’s premium business convertible combines impressive battery life with proven compatibility, making it a compelling choice for enterprise deployments.
The business laptop landscape is experiencing a significant shift with the emergence of Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ PCs, but HP’s approach with the Elite x360 suggests that conventional wisdom still holds merit. Rather than chase the latest trends, HP has focused on refining what matters most to business users: reliability, performance, and practical functionality.
At the heart of the system lies Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H processor, paired with a generous 32GB of RAM. This combination delivers more than just raw processing power – it brings the advantage of x86 architecture compatibility that businesses depend on. While Qualcomm’s offerings are making waves with their AI capabilities, Intel’s platform still maintains an edge in graphics performance through its Arc technology, and more importantly, ensures seamless compatibility with legacy business applications and peripherals.
Perhaps the most surprising achievement of this traditional approach is the laptop’s exceptional battery life. Despite housing a modest 68Wh battery, the Elite x360 managed to run for an impressive 17 hours and 42 minutes in PCMark’s light-use benchmark, which simulates typical office tasks and web browsing. Even more remarkably, video playback extended close to 20 hours, making this device a reliable companion for long workdays and international travel.
The display choices reflect HP’s practical business-first mindset. The review unit featured a 1,920 x 1,200 IPS touch panel operating at 60Hz. While this might seem conservative compared to the 120Hz displays becoming common in premium laptops, it helps achieve those impressive battery life figures. The screen covers 96% of the sRGB color space with excellent color accuracy, as evidenced by its average Delta E of 0.78. However, the peak brightness of 365 nits might prove challenging for outdoor use, and some users might wish for higher resolution for crisper text display.
The convertible design brings welcome flexibility to business users, with touch input providing an intuitive alternative for certain tasks. The glass-coated touchpad is generously sized, and the keyboard largely impresses with its quiet operation and comfortable typing experience. However, the half-height cursor keys with adjacent Page Up and Page Down buttons might require some adjustment time for users who frequently use keyboard shortcuts.
HP’s port selection looks to the future while maintaining essential legacy support. The laptop features three USB-C ports – including two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the left side and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port on the right – alongside a single USB-A port for older peripherals. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 and a 3.5mm audio jack provides necessary connectivity options, though the absence of a physical Ethernet port might disappoint some business users. Wireless connectivity comes via Wi-Fi 6E, which, while not the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, remains more than capable for current business needs.
The laptop doesn’t ignore the growing importance of video conferencing, featuring a high-quality 1440p webcam capable of capturing images at 2,560 x 1,440 resolution. It supports Windows Studio Effects, leveraging the CPU’s AI capabilities (rated at 34 TOPS) for features like eye contact and background blur. The system’s microphones include AI-powered noise reduction, and the speakers stand out as among the best in their class for business laptops.
Maintenance and longevity considerations haven’t been overlooked. The laptop’s serviceability is exemplary, with easy access to replaceable components like the Wi-Fi card, battery, and SSD through a simple process of removing four screws. While the RAM is soldered to the motherboard, HP offers flexibility in support options, allowing customers to purchase extended Care Pack coverage for up to five years of on-site service within the first year of ownership. The included one-year subscription to HP Wolf Security provides additional peace of mind through hardware-based protection.
The Elite x360 1040 G11’s physical specifications reflect its convertible nature, with a weight of 1.4kg and thickness of 14.7mm slightly exceeding typical 14-inch laptop dimensions. While its matte silver finish and conservative design won’t turn heads, the build quality and practical features make it a reliable choice for business deployments.
In a market increasingly focused on AI capabilities and architectural innovations, HP’s Elite x360 1040 G11 makes a compelling case for the traditional business laptop. It delivers where it matters most: reliable performance, excellent battery life, and proven compatibility with business-critical software and hardware. For organizations managing existing HP fleet deployments or those prioritizing practical functionality over cutting-edge features, this latest Elite x360 represents a safe yet sophisticated choice in the business laptop segment.
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