August 19, 2025

The HP EliteBook 8 G1a is a classy business laptop designed for today’s professionals. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 7 350 processor and loaded with smart security, it starts at ₹1,30,000. After using it for over two weeks, here’s the full spicy scoop. Design & Build: This laptop looks sharp and fresh with a cool shade that’s between silver and white. At just 1.39 kg, it’s light but not ultra-light like top ultrabooks. The body uses recycled materials which make it sturdy. Say goodbye to annoying brand stickers cluttering the deck – HP moves them to the bottom, which is a relief for neat freaks! Ports are generous: two Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, and USB-A cover all your connection needs. There’s even a SIM card slot option for always-on data, but sadly, it’s not included by default at this price. Display: The 14-inch 1080p screen with 16:10 ratio is great for work, thanks to its matte finish that fights glare brilliantly. With 800 nits brightness, you won’t struggle in bright rooms or outdoors. Cleverly, it has a privacy filter that kicks in automatically if someone tries to peek over your shoulder. Don’t expect movie magic here though – no HDR or high refresh rate, just serious business vibes. Keyboard & Trackpad: The keyboard feels satisfying and responsive with smooth-backlit keys perfect for typing marathons. The glass-topped trackpad is a standout – smooth, precise, and big enough for easy multi-tasking. But wait, no haptic feedback here, which might sting for the price tag. Performance: Here’s the twist. The Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with 8 cores and 16 threads sounds powerful, but real-world speed is just okay. Cinebench scores are decent but not mind-blowing. Heavy creative tasks or gaming expose its limits. The integrated Radeon 860M graphics handle routine work fine but don’t expect wonders. On the AI side, the 50 TOPS NPU works well for smart tricks like background blur and transcription. AI & Security: HP packs top AI features with the built-in NPU, HP AI companion software, and Poly Camera Pro that actually impresses. For security, HP Wolf Security keeps your data fortress-strong with BIOS-level safety, real-time threat blocking, and secure browsing – ideal for corporate users. Battery Life: The EliteBook earns top marks here! The 62Wh battery easily powers a whole day filled with web, videos, and calls. In tests, about 8 hours at 50% brightness is solid business-class stamina. Plus, the 100W USB-C charger juices it up fully in just an hour. Pros: - Premium, clean design using recycled materials - Strong keyboard and super smooth glass trackpad - Impressive AI features with 50 TOPS NPU - Excellent battery life with fast charging - Robust enterprise security Cons: - AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 feels just average - Display limited to work, not entertainment - Trackpad lacks haptic feedback - SIM slot not standard Bottom Line: The HP EliteBook 8 G1a is a solid choice for business users craving strong security and handy AI features. Its build quality and battery life shine, but don’t expect flashy graphics or top-end gaming speed. If you want a reliable, secure, AI-smart workhorse, this laptop gets a thumbs up!

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Tags: Hp elitebook 8 g1a, Amd ryzen ai, Business laptop, Battery life, Ai features, Enterprise security,