Your current laptop probably feels and works good enough, maybe even great. No matter: HP wants to replace it. And it has just the product for you – eleven of ’em, to be precise.
At a day-long event in New York City, the world’s leading laptop maker unveiled a dizzying array of products that amounted to a complete revamp of its entire premium portfolio of laptop and convertible 2-in-1 products in the Envy and EliteBook lines, as well as a smattering of interesting accessories – monitors, docking stations, and a classy as hell all-in-one computer with a staggering 34-inch screen and Alexa built right into the base station.
It’s important to note the word premium above. HP has five laptop brands; the unveiling focused on the two “premium-est” premium brands. That’s the consumer-focused Envy lineup, and the commercial-focused Elite products. The company glossed over recent changes to the ZBook line, which is aimed at creative professionals, and only briefly touched on updates to the gaming-focused Omen products. The Spectre brand (also top of the line stuff) was mentioned, but not updated.
HP says it aimed to bring innovations introduced at the high end of its product portfolio down to more mainstream models, and it envisions more consistency across product lines. All of it is meant to address younger users who have very different ideas of what work means – and how technology should enable it.
“It’s not that crazy to work from everywhere right now,” explained Rachel Sumekh, CEO of Swipe Out Hunger, who spoke on a panel at the event featuring members of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. “A typical day for me is anywhere from 12 to 14 hours,” explained Karan Jerath, another panelist.
Across the new products, you’ll see several elements touching on a few big themes.
Privacy: In 2016, HP announced that it was building 3M’s privacy screens directly into its laptops. We tested them out at the time, and if you’re into privacy, you’ll find them pretty awesome. That said, the technology was limited to lower resolution displays. The new lineup includes a second generation Sure View filter that allows for more vivid colors and supports brighter, higher resolution screens, although it still doesn’t work with 4K.
Security: Thanks to a custom chip on the motherboard called the HP Endpoint Security Controller, HP claims to have baked in security. It powers things like HP Sure Start, a “self-healing BIOS” that makes it easier for you to recover from a corrupt BIOS or a faulty system image. Several models also include a physical shutter over the laptop camera.
Speed: An HP Fast Charge feature on several models works akin to fast charging on your cell phone. Rather than sipping from the outlet to charge your laptop over the course of several hours, HP’s laptops can chug DC current to rapidly charge the battery. The Envy x360 15 goes from zero to 50 percent in about 45 minutes for example – something anyone with a brief layover in the airport will appreciate.
Collaboration features: HP unveiled keyboards designed for collaboration two years ago — they include dedicated keys to answer and place calls, reply to texts, and so on. Collaboration is a key part of the laptop, so this year the company revealed “world-facing mics” on several products. This is a third microphone on the cover of the laptop, facing the world when the display is open. It helps the system correctly cancel out ambient noise. Look for HP PhoneWise as well, software to lets you integrate your phone with your laptop. You can read and reply to messages and even place calls directly from your laptop.
Inking: A new generation of pens is available for some models, which include tilt sensors to support delicate shading work and have a button on the end to launch apps via Bluetooth. They also include a clever design touch — slide the pen open to reveal a USB Type C port for charging. There’s also a proximity alert, to prevent you from leaving the pen in a conference room.
Design: HP has attempted to improve the look and feel of its laptops across the board, with a move toward higher end, CNC-machined aluminums and a more premium look and feel. It’s noticeable, and something customers will certainly appreciate. There are also design flourishes of note throughout the line. HP’s Envy laptops have a unique pattern discretely laser etched on them to replicate the look of Damascus steel, a pattern often seen on fancy chef’s knives. And the Envy all-in-one’s base has a subtle woodgrain pattern.
It’s also worth noting how many of these systems include some form of discrete graphics. While HP didn’t focus on gaming – that’s what the Omen brand is for – these laptops can let their hair down when it’s time to have fun. We’re pleased to see discrete graphics fan out across HP’s product line, as it ultimately means a better overall experience for everyone who buys one.
The 2018 HP Envy lineup
HP Envy x360 13
(May 2018, starting at $759.99)
An all-new arrival, this 13-inch convertible is one of the first 2-in-1s to boast an AMD Ryzen processor with Radeon Vega Graphics. Battery life is quoted at up to 11 hours. It also offers the optional HP Sure View privacy screen and.
HP Envy x360 15
(AMD version: May 2018, starting at $749.99. Intel version: $869.99)
The larger Envy x360 15-inch offers a choice between Intel and AMD processors, with Intel versions having optional support for Intel’s Optane storage technology. Other options include a 4K display and the HP Sure View privacy screen. This model supports HP Fast Charge and quotes up to 12 hours and 45 minutes of battery life.
HP Envy 13 Laptop
(May 2018, starting at $999.99)
Available in pale gold or natural silver, this thin and light laptop offers performance and security in a gorgeous design. It uses 8th-gen Intel quad-core processors paired with optional Nvidia MX150 graphics. Battery life is quoted at up to 14 hours. A fingerprint reader is standard, and HP’s Sure View privacy screen is optional.
HP Envy 17 Laptop
(May 2018, starting at $1,049.99)
The hardware in this much larger Envy laptop is similar to the Envy 13, but optional Intel Optane storage joins the party. The screen supports up to 4K resolution, as well.
HP Envy Desktop
(May 2018, starting at $799.99)
Perfect for those who want to power to create in a standout package. Along with powerful processors, discrete graphics, and Intel Optane memory, this device features round, diamond-cut corners. Intel 8th-generation multi-core processors are offers alongside Nvidia Geforce GTX graphics up to the powerful GTX 1080, giving this desktop serious gaming chops in high-end configurations.
HP Envy AiO 27 and Envy Curved AiO 34
(May 2018, starting at $1,399.99)
Meet the world’s widest curved all-in-one with Alexa (available on the 34-inch only). Perfectly suited for the living room or media room, the ultra-wide curved display features a thin sculpted aluminum stand to portray a floating display experience, along with a dark ash woodgrain finish in the base. Hardware includes Intel8 processors paired with optional Nvidia Geforce GTX 1050 graphics.
The 34-inch version is expected to be available later this year.
The 2018 HP EliteBook lineup
Here’s a quick look at the new products the company unveiled, along with position statements from HP.
HP EliteBook x360 1030
(June 2018, starting at $1,449)
Channel your inner mobile warrior with the world’s smallest business convertible. This sleek device is the world’s lightest 13-inch business convertible, with 4G LTE and up to 18 hours of battery life for a PC that only sleeps when you do. The EliteBook x360 works wherever you may roam. It even has a display specifically built to be usable outdoors.
HP Elite X2 1013
(June 2018, starting at starting price of $1,499)
Introducing the world’s smallest business detachable. Designed for those who want to make an impression, this powerful device features ultra-thin bezels, quad-core processors, support for up to 4G Cat9 LTE, along with the HP Rechargeable Active Pen and Optional HP Sure View.
HP EliteBook 1050
(May 2018 starting at $1,899)
Where design and performance intersect. Meet the world’s first ultra-slim notebook with NVidia GeForce GTX graphics. This beautiful PC is designed for the person who won’t let life slow them down. Hard drive capacity is upgraded up to 4TB of solid state storage, and HP’s Privacy Camera is optional.
HP EliteOne 1000 AiO
(June 2018, starting at $1,279)
Meetings come to life on this gorgeous all-in-one (AiO), transforming your workspace into a rich video conferencing solution and powerful workhorse. The first AiO purpose-built for collaboration is also the world’s first business-class 34-inch curved, AiO with discrete graphics.
HP EliteDisplay S14
(July 2018, starting at $219)
Say hello to your new travel buddy – the world’s first 14-inch USB Type-C portable display, perfect for those who need a quick boost in their productivity.
