HP EliteBook X 14" G1i, Core Ultra 7 266V, 16GB, 512GB SSD

A featherweight business laptop with modern AI chops and great ports, but the 60Hz screen and 512GB storage hold it back. Buy it for work, not for play.

The Core Ultra 7 266V is no slouch for everyday work. With 16GB of LPDDR5X and a 512GB NVMe SSD, apps open fast and multitasking stays smooth. The Intel Arc 140V integrated GPU is a pleasant surprise, it's not going to run Cyberpunk, but it handles light creative work and AI-accelerated tasks without breaking a sweat. The 68Wh battery paired with that efficient chip means you'll likely get through a full workday without hunting for an outlet.

Against the Apple MacBook Pro M4 Max, the EliteBook loses on raw power and display quality, but it's lighter and runs Windows 11 Pro natively. The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro is a closer rival with a better screen, but HP's port selection and Thunderbolt support give it an edge for desk warriors. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 will absolutely destroy it in gaming, but that's not what this machine is for. If you need a no-nonsense business laptop with modern connectivity, the EliteBook holds its own.

Pricing is all over the place. In Canada, you'll see CAD 2,602 to CAD 3,065 across three listings, that's a CAD 463 spread for the same machine. Shop around before you buy. At the low end it's a fair deal for a premium business ultrabook. At the high end, you're paying MacBook Pro money for a laptop with half the storage and a 60Hz screen.

The HP EliteBook X G1i is a business laptop that actually feels modern. Intel's Core Ultra 7 266V brings real AI chops and surprisingly decent integrated graphics, all in a 1.20kg chassis that won't wreck your shoulder. The one thing to know? This is a productivity machine first, and it nails that job while politely ignoring gaming.

If you're looking for a gaming laptop or a machine for heavy video editing, this isn't it. Go get an ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 or a MacBook Pro instead. Also skip it if you need more than 512GB of internal storage without carrying an external drive.

The HP EliteBook X G1i is a solid buy for professionals who want a light, well-connected Windows laptop with modern AI features. Just don't expect it to be a gaming rig or a creative powerhouse. If you can find it at the lower end of the price range, it's a smart purchase. At full price, you're better off looking at a MacBook Air or a ThinkPad X1 Carbon.