2024 HP EliteBook Unboxed: A Sneak Peek into the Future

Wow, the screen has almost no glare at all! And it’s so slim—pretty amazing. I’ve got the new EliteBook X360 here, and I’m really excited about its battery life. I’ve seen early reports saying it can last just under 20 hours for video playback, which is incredible. This is the X360 1040 G11 2-in-1 model, so you can use it as a laptop or flip it around to use it as a tablet with pen input. There’s also going to be a non-X360 version of the EliteBook 1040 G11, but if you want a versatile device that can switch between laptop and tablet modes, the X360 is definitely the way to go.

Here’s a look at what’s inside the box: Right off the bat, you’ll notice the latest AI features are built right in. The package includes a stylish metallic pen with a cover over the charge port and two functional buttons. You’ll get a small Type-C cable to charge the pen and a handy tool for swapping out the pen nib when it needs replacing. Along with these, there’s a compact power brick and a braided USB Type-C cable that delivers 65 watts of power. An extension cable is also included for when you need to stretch a bit further from the wall outlet.

Now, about the device itself—it feels cool to the touch immediately. It’s built from metal, which is perfect for business users and road warriors who need something durable. This X360 model comes in a sleek, lighter shade of silver that’s almost white, making it less prone to fingerprints and smudges. The HP branding is clearly visible. It has a good mix of ports: a full-size HDMI port, two Thunderbolt ports, a microphone-in, and a headset-out jack. On the other side, there’s a USB-A port, another Type-C connector, and a SIM card slot for optional wireless connectivity, depending on your configuration.

The display on this device is impressively matte, with virtually no glare, which is a rare find. You have a few options when it comes to the display—this one is a 400-nit touch version, but there’s also a non-touch option available. You can choose between BrightView or anti-glare, and what we’re looking at here is the anti-glare, which is honestly one of the best I’ve seen. If you opt for the OLED model, you’ll get a stunning 2.8K resolution.

Since this device is geared towards business use, it comes with HP Wolf Security features, including HP Wolf Protect and Trace, and HP Sure Recover Gen 5. There’s also a handy dedicated key for OneTouch access to Microsoft Copilot. All of this is powered by the new Intel Core Ultra chip inside the X360, making sure it can handle the AI features with ease.
Here’s something pretty neat: this PC actually adjusts based on how you’re using it. If it’s on your lap, it cools down by 5°C for comfort. But when you set it on a table where it can breathe better, it cranks back up to full performance. The gray keyboard looks sleek, and when you hold the device, you’ll notice how impressively thin it is. It weighs just 3.06 lbs and is only 17.45 mm at its thickest point. It’s thinner at the front, giving it a modern, streamlined appearance. There’s also a manual cover for the front-facing camera, so you can easily slide it over when you want privacy. The glass trackpad, centered perfectly, feels smooth to the touch, and the dark gray keyboard isn’t just stylish—it’s functional too. The backlighting is clearer, and the color does a good job of resisting smudges and dirt. The chassis is sturdy with minimal flex, which is a nice bonus. I might be going on a bit, but the keyboard is really that good!

They’ve clearly put a lot of effort into improving the sound quality of this device, and we’ll be testing that out soon. But first, let’s dive into the 360-degree feature. What does it really bring to the table?

For starters, there’s the tent mode, perfect for presentations or sharing content in a meeting. It hardly takes up any space. You can also use this mode to watch a movie, especially when you’re working with a small surface. Then, you can fold the device completely flat, turning it into a tablet—ideal for using a pen to scroll, tap, sketch, or take notes. The pen stays securely attached magnetically, so you won’t have to worry about losing it. There’s something satisfying about using a matte touchscreen, too. It feels more like writing on paper, unlike glossy screens that remind you you’re writing on glass.

As for battery life, they claim you can get up to 19 hours of video playback—19 hours and 34 minutes in their tests, even with the speakers running. Speaking of video and speakers, let’s check them out now.
Growing up in a rough neighborhood, we used to say, “You can get further with a kind word and a gun than just a kind word.” Now, when it comes to using that NPU, it’s packed with features that make video conferencing better—like background blur, automatic framing, and maintaining eye contact. If you’re on Zoom, the AI won’t just make you look good; it’ll also adjust your voice with adaptive dynamic voice leveling, so you sound clear, no matter the noise around you. What really amazes me is how efficient these devices have become. Imagine a sleek, 3-pound 2-in-1 like the X360 delivering top-notch performance and nearly 20 hours of battery life. We’ve come a long way.

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