After using this HP laptop, I get why its ‘boring’ design is preferred by business users

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HP’s ZBook series aims to combine workplace-level performance with business features, as well 14-inch ZBook G1i expresses the form factor. It’s big, expensive, and loaded with hardware designed to burn through professional workflows in a nondescript, “all-business” profile.

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I used the ZBook 8 G1i as my primary driver for a week and got to appreciate its raw power, but with the glut of thin and light laptops on the market, one can’t compare them to laptops that are almost half as light, with marathon batteries to boot (and similar performance).

Still, the ZBook 8 G1i doubles down on its predictable business design by delivering exactly what you’d expect from a laptop like this: power, durability, and reliability, with a few configurations, including niche hardware options.

Predicted performance

Available in both 14 and 16-inch models, I tested the 14-inch ZBook 8 Gl1 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor and 64 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM. This model features data transfer speeds of up to 5600 MT/s and scales up to Intel Core Ultra 9 285H — Intel’s most efficient chip family, with more CPU cores, faster clock speeds, and better thermals than the energy-efficient U or iP series.

Combined with up to 2TB of PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMeTM SSD, you have a performance powerhouse that can handle professional workflows, data processing, and multitasking (and exorbitant prices. $3,000 at the top). For a more affordable setting, prices are around and under $2,000 — a prime business center location.

In the office, the ZBook 8 Gl1 is fast and efficient, but all that hardware gets warm. Daily use of demanding tasks such as file transfers or large installations tend to generate a fair amount of heat, especially on the left side of the device, where the battery is connected. That being said, nothing ever goes wrong in terms of standards, and thermals put in the work.

As a portable workstation, the ZBook 8 G1i has a nice keyboard and trackpad that makes for all-day use. The keys are fast and textured, and the touchpad is responsive and well positioned. The buttoned-up experience continues with the 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) display, which runs at up to 120Hz refresh, but it’s not the best.

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There is a discrete graphics option with an Nvidia RTX 500 Ada Generation Laptop GPU, a choice you don’t see very often (in fact, the first time I’ve tested one laptop) that works on paper on par with the GeForce GTX 1000 series.

HP cites this GPU as designed for AI workflows, but the 4GB of GDDR6 video memory — while sufficient for typical CAD or 3D workflows — is notably insufficient to earn the “Copilot+ PC” moniker.

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For many users, that’s fine, syncing with the laptop’s business workplace identity has a forward-thinking machine designed to use the latest AI models. Along those lines, this isn’t a gaming PC, as the aforementioned thermals, limited 4GB of VRAM, and business-minded display don’t translate into a flashy entertainment device.

Finally, I/O is expected to be good for a business-oriented workstation, with three USB-C ports (two of which include Thunderbolt 4 support), an HDMI port, an ethernet jack, a Kensington lock slot, and a USB-A port for good measure.

Another criticism

I found the battery life to be average, with some effort required on the user’s end to improve longevity. In the office, I used to reach 20% around 2 or 3 pm, and the remaining few hours of the work day I would slowly reduce it to zero, depending on the workload.

The 140W power adapter that comes with the ZBook 8 G1i charges quickly (up to 50% in 30 minutes), but again, heat production becomes a concern when plugged in, making it warm and kicking in fans (which aren’t very quiet).

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HP includes many security features from the Wolf Pro Security Edition, including HP Sure Admin, DriveLock, and Tamper Lock — all attractive features for IT teams. But it also leads to a constant stream of bloatware, popups, notifications, and offers from a wide range of HP services that the user should take advantage of.

In that sense, this is a laptop that is best positioned for the business buyer, as it is priced well beyond the reach of consumer prices. Even the model with Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 32GB of RAM, and Nvidia RTX 500 Ada GPU is listed $3,149 — a tough sell when the latest MacBook Pro M5 base model goes on sale $1,700.

ZDNET shopping advice

I HP ZBook 8 G1i is a powerful workstation available in multiple configurations, aimed at business teams that need powerful workstations for traditional, non-AI-powered workflows. It’s decidedly not a trendy, thin and light laptop with a marathon battery, but a business tool that sticks to a tried-and-true performance model.

Starting at 3.19 pounds and 0.7 inches thick, it’s a laptop that won’t look good in a bag, but the plethora of ports, Wi-Fi 7 support, and a long list of security management features make it at home in the office and secure on the desktop, enabling dual-monitor setups.