HP EliteBook Folio G1 | Geek Node Archive

Manufacturer HP
Where we got our copy Edelman
Where to buy Hp Online

Senna-tor

Published June 28, 2017

Being a previous HP user with very fond memories of my old Elitebook, I naturally leaped at the opportunity to review a newer, more modern version of a laptop that once stole my heart.

Once the unboxing process was done and my excitement levels had peaked, I unveiled a laptop that reminded me of everything the EliteBook range is supposed to be. This is designed for the elite (just as the name suggests). You could picture this device in the hands of top executives, CEO’s and the like. The G1’s sleek design and premium build was geared towards those who desire good performance in a small portable package.

The first thing that surprised me once I had picked up the notebook was the incredible lightness of the device, which wasn’t something new for a laptop of this size; but being crafted from aluminium, I expected for there to have been a bit more weight. The next thing that surprised me, was the thickness of the device. Even with the lid closed, it was thinner than anything else I have ever used (thinner than the MacBook Air in particular). Once I opened the lid of the G1, I was met with a radiant display and a well spaced keyboard. The “Bang & Olufsen” logo at the top right corner of the keyboard reminds you that only the best sound has made it into the G1.

The performance of the G1 was impressive. I tested the G1 with the usual daily tasks as well as a bit of graphic editing where I was pleasantly surprised with the responsiveness of this little powerhouse. The G1 is a 12.5–inch with a 6th generation Intel Core m7 processor and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. It also comes with a 512GB SSD. These specs are delivered in a package that is just a size of 29.2 x 20.9 x 1.24 cm with a weight of 1.07 kg. The weight and size does vary with configuration, but using the heavier spec, I found the device to be very light and very compact.

Having a laptop that is both very light and compact does unfortunately mean that you do have to compromise on connectivity. The G1 comes with 2x USB C ports both on the right hand side of the laptop and 1x audio jack (headphone/microphone combo) on the left. One of the USB C ports is used for charging the device however, if you are interested in a small, light and compact device such as the G1, this would mean that you have 2x ports to use while you’re mobile.

If you are planning on using anything other than USB-C (USB-A or HDMI in particular), this would mean that you would have to purchase adapters for the G1. USB-C adapters aren’t too pricy depending on where you get them from, however, I feel it would be more beneficial to get a docking station instead.

That would give you your HDMI, VGA and USB Type A connectivity and charge your laptop; all in one compact unit and would occupy just one of your two ports.

As they have done in other premium models, HP have equipped the G1 with four integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers, ensuring that the G1 sounds just as good as it looks. The premium keyboard that HP have installed on the G1 is not only backlit (as would be expected in this price range) but also spill-resistant.

I found the battery life to be poor however, lasting around 5 hours of intense application usage before needing to be attached to power.

The keys on the G1’s keyboard were soft, well spaced and very comfortable. It took me no-time at all to adjust to the layout and feel right at home with it. The backlit keys make typing in dim/dark places a breeze and in this price-range (above R 20 000 – R 30 000) it’s a feature that we have all come to expect.

Although I found that the clickpad was a bit too sensitive and difficult to use. Whatever my intention was, it felt as though the clickpad would do the opposite. I found myself using the touchscreen more than the clickpad, not because I wanted to, but rather out of frustration. I’m sure though, that with a bit more time with the G1, I would have learned to live with it.

I used the Folio G1 as my daily laptop for just under a month and thus can conclude by saying that this is a fantastic professional laptop full of performance surprises. This is the perfect companion to executives looking for a small and light laptop without the need to compromise on performance.

I loved my time with the Folio G1, however, I just feel that it is overpriced for what you get. I feel that there are better laptops/ultrabooks out there for less money. Although the design of the G1 is striking and appealing to me; I cannot shake the feeling that it is so similar to that of the MacBook Air, it’s almost as if HP modelled this laptop after the MacBook’s success.

Being a previous HP user with very fond memories of my old Elitebook, I naturally leaped at the opportunity to review a newer, more modern version of a laptop that once stole my heart. Once the unboxing process was done and my excitement levels had peaked, I unveiled a laptop that reminded me of everything the EliteBook range is supposed to be. This is designed for the elite (just as the name suggests). You could picture this device in the hands of top executives, CEO’s and the like. The G1’s sleek design and premium build was geared towards those who desire good performance in a small portable package. The first thing that surprised me once I had picked up the notebook was the incredible lightness of the device, which wasn’t something new for a laptop of this size; but being crafted from aluminium, I expected for there to have been a bit more weight. The next thing that surprised me, was the thickness of the device. Even with the lid closed, it was thinner than anything else I have ever used (thinner than the MacBook Air in particular). Once I opened the lid of the G1, I was met with a radiant display and a well spaced keyboard. The “Bang & Olufsen” logo at the top right corner of the keyboard reminds you that only the best sound has made it into the G1. The performance of the G1 was impressive. I tested the G1 with the usual daily tasks as well as a bit of graphic editing where I was pleasantly surprised with the responsiveness of this little powerhouse. The G1 is a 12.5–inch with a 6th generation Intel Core m7 processor and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. It also comes with a 512GB SSD. These specs are delivered in a package that is just a size of 29.2 x 20.9 x 1.24 cm with a weight of 1.07 kg. The weight and size does vary with configuration, but using the heavier spec, I found the device to be very light and very compact. Having a laptop that is both very light and compact does unfortunately mean that you do have to compromise on connectivity. The G1 comes with 2x USB C ports both on the right hand side of the laptop and 1x audio jack (headphone/microphone combo) on the left. One of the USB C ports is used for charging the device however, if you are interested in a small, light and compact device such as the G1, this would mean that you have 2x ports to use while you’re mobile. If you are planning on using anything other than USB-C (USB-A or HDMI in particular), this would mean that you would have to purchase adapters for the G1. USB-C adapters aren’t too pricy depending on where you get them from, however, I feel it would be more beneficial to get a docking station instead. That would give you your HDMI, VGA and USB Type A connectivity and charge…

Tech Review: HP EliteBook Folio G1

2017-06-28

Senna-tor

HP EliteBook Folio G1

Score - 7

70 7

You could picture the EliteBook Folio G1 in the hands of top executives, CEO’s and the like. The G1’s sleek design and premium build was geared towards those who desire good performance in a small portable package.

User Rating: 3.95 ( 2 votes)

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Rael has always been drawn to anything that has a circuit board and power. He loves being able to get his hands dirty and has a passion and reputation for being extremely handy. Its no surprise then that he has made IT his profession. Through his passion and love for all things electronic (both PC and gadgets) he has grown his knowledge base to a level where most people who know him often seek his advice and respect his opinion on all things IT.