Best Laptop for Business: HP EliteBook X vs Ultra G1i Compared

Choosing the right business laptop in 2026 can be complex, particularly for Australian organisations navigating AI-driven advancements and the demands of hybrid work. Whether you’re based in Sydney, Melbourne, or working remotely across regional Australia, having the right technology is essential. At HP, we recognise that business leaders and IT teams require devices that combine performance, security, and adaptability without compromise. The HP EliteBook X G1a 14-inch touchscreen laptop and the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i rank amongst our premier AI PCs, designed in collaboration with partners like Intel, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. These laptops provide seamless performance for executives, consultants, and IT decision-makers who need devices that deliver value across business productivity, collaboration, and security. This guide compares the EliteBook X G1a vs Ultra G1i across specifications, AI capabilities, design, and cost-effectiveness to help you identify the right choice for your business needs.

What Makes the Best Laptop for Business?

When selecting a business laptop, executives and IT decision-makers should consider four key priorities:

AI-enhanced productivity: Modern devices with Copilot+ PC experiences provide tools like contextual assistance, smart recall, and live captions that streamline daily workflows.

Enterprise-grade security: Solutions such as HP Wolf Pro Security and biometric authentication help safeguard sensitive information whilst meeting compliance standards, including those specific to Australian privacy regulations.

Portability with performance: The ideal device balances a slim, lightweight design with powerful hardware to support professionals wherever work takes them, whether that’s between offices in capital cities or connecting remotely from regional locations.

Longevity and ROI: A business laptop should offer reliable performance over several years, backed by warranty coverage, remote management capabilities, and clear upgrade options that maximise your technology investment.

Specifications Comparison: X G1a vs Ultra G1i

Performance: AI Capabilities

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i features Intel Core Ultra processors with a dedicated NPU that provides effective on-device AI processing, perfect for rapid tasks and intelligent business solutions. It includes Intel Arc Graphics to facilitate sophisticated content creation and smooth conferencing, whilst the responsive touch screen boosts efficiency for activities such as presentations, annotation, and collaborative work. The device provides strong all-day battery performance, and HP Fast Charge technology allows for a 50% recharge in only 30 minutes, ensuring that professionals remain productive throughout their workday.

The HP EliteBook X G1a is powered by AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 PRO 360 processor with advanced AI capabilities and AMD Radeon™ 880M Graphics, delivering exceptional performance for demanding business applications. The device features AI-enhanced functionality through HP Smart Sense, which uses AI to deliver the best balance of power and performance. Adaptive Dimming automatically dims your screen when you’re not looking at it, helping conserve battery life during long Australian workdays. With 64 GB of memory and 2 TB of storage, it provides ample capacity for complex data analysis, extensive media libraries, and resource-intensive applications.

Wireless Connectivity for Australian Workplaces

Both laptops feature cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, providing fast and reliable connections in dense wireless environments with gigabit data rates. This is particularly valuable for Australian businesses operating in modern office buildings or co-working spaces where network congestion can impact productivity. Wi-Fi 7 ensures your device maintains optimal performance whether you’re video conferencing, accessing cloud applications, or transferring large files.

Design and User Experience

The HP EliteBook X G1a features a premium ultrabook design with a stunning 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch screen, making it ideal for professionals who prioritise interactive workflows such as presentations, brainstorming, and document review. The OLED display delivers exceptional colour accuracy and contrast, crucial for design work, video editing, and client presentations. Its lightweight construction at approximately 1.32 kg makes it perfect for professionals who travel frequently between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and other Australian cities.

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i also features a 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display, focusing on durability and comfort for extended use. Both models share advanced video collaboration tools, including Poly Camera Pro with Auto Frame and AI-driven background adjustments, delivering a polished and professional presence in hybrid work settings. These features are particularly valuable for Australian businesses embracing flexible work arrangements and remote collaboration across time zones.

Security and Enterprise Features

Business security is non-negotiable, and both devices are protected by comprehensive security solutions that meet Australian enterprise standards:

• HP Wolf Pro Security Edition: Hardware-enforced protections across BIOS, OS, and browser
• HP Sure Start: Self-healing BIOS that automatically recovers from firmware attacks or corruption
• HP Sure Click & Sure Sense: Protection against ransomware, malware, and phishing attacks
• Windows 11 Pro: Enterprise integration with BitLocker encryption, vPro support, and Microsoft Endpoint Manager
• Auto Lock & Onlook Detection: Privacy-first features enhanced by AI sensors

For IT departments across Australian organisations, the EliteBook series supports remote fleet management, Intel vPro, and secure firmware updates. These features are essential for maintaining security compliance and managing devices across distributed Australian workforces.

The EliteBook X G1a adds an extra layer of confidence with HP Sure Click, which helps protect your PC from websites and read-only Microsoft Office and PDF attachments with embedded malware, ransomware, or viruses through hardware-enforced security. This is particularly important for Australian businesses handling sensitive financial, legal, or healthcare information.

Value Analysis and ROI for Australian Businesses

When evaluating these premium business laptops for Australian organisations, consider both the initial investment and long-term value:

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i offers a compelling balance of AI-powered productivity, enterprise security, and Intel processing power. With 32 GB of memory and 1 TB of storage, it provides robust performance for most business applications whilst maintaining a competitive price point for mid-sized Australian enterprises.

The HP EliteBook X G1a represents the premium tier with its AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 PRO 360 processor, 64 GB of memory, and 2 TB of storage. This configuration is ideal for large Australian organisations and specialised users requiring exceptional performance and scalability. The higher memory and storage capacity makes it particularly suitable for data analysts, architects, engineers, and creative professionals working with large files and complex applications.

Both models provide significant total cost of ownership savings due to their all-day battery performance, durable construction, and comprehensive warranty support. Australian businesses benefit from HP’s local support network and service capabilities across major cities and regional centres.

Common Questions About Business Laptops in Australia

What is the best laptop for business in 2025?

Both EliteBook X G1a and Ultra G1i are top choices for Australian businesses. The X G1a is best for power users requiring maximum memory and storage, whilst the Ultra G1i offers excellent value and flexibility for most business needs.

Which EliteBook offers better value for small businesses?

The EliteBook Ultra G1i often delivers the best mix of features and price for small and midsize Australian businesses, providing enterprise-grade capabilities without the premium price.

How do Copilot+ PC features benefit business productivity?

Copilot+ PC enables AI-powered workflows, from document summarisation to real-time translation, making daily tasks faster and smarter. For Australian businesses working with international clients, these features are particularly valuable for multilingual communication and content creation.

Is touch functionality worth the investment?

Absolutely, if your workflow involves presentations, design, or frequent collaboration. The OLED touch displays on both models provide exceptional responsiveness and colour accuracy.

What security features are essential for Australian enterprises?

Look for Wolf Pro Security, biometric authentication, firmware protection, and advanced privacy features. Australian businesses should also consider compliance with local data protection regulations and industry-specific security requirements.

How does Wi-Fi 7 benefit Australian businesses?

Wi-Fi 7 provides significantly faster speeds and more reliable connections in congested environments, which is particularly beneficial in modern Australian office buildings and co-working spaces where multiple devices compete for bandwidth.

Choosing the Right EliteBook for Your Business

Best Business Laptop for Maximum Performance and Storage

The HP EliteBook X G1a represents the pinnacle of business computing for Australian organisations requiring maximum performance and capacity. Powered by AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 PRO 360 processor with AI-enhanced features, this laptop excels in demanding enterprise environments.

• AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 PRO 360 processor (up to 5.0 GHz max boost clock)
• 64 GB memory for intensive multitasking
• 2 TB SSD storage for extensive data requirements
• 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display

The X G1a is perfect for data analysts, architects, engineers, and creative professionals who work with large datasets, complex CAD files, or high-resolution media. HP Smart Sense uses AI to optimise power and performance, whilst Adaptive Dimming helps conserve battery during long Australian workdays. The comprehensive port selection includes 2 Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, ensuring compatibility with modern monitors and accessories.

Best Business Laptop for Balanced Performance and Value

The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i delivers exceptional value for Australian businesses seeking AI-powered productivity and enterprise security. Featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 258V processor with Intel® Arc™ Graphics, this laptop handles business applications, video conferencing, and content creation with ease.

• Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 258V processor (up to 4.8 GHz)
• 32 GB memory for smooth multitasking
• 1 TB SSD storage for business applications and files
• 14-inch 2.8K OLED touch display

The Ultra G1i is ideal for executives, consultants, and professionals who need reliable performance for productivity applications, video conferencing, and collaborative work. HP Fast Charge provides 50% battery in 30 minutes, essential for busy professionals moving between meetings or travelling across Australia. With 3 Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, you can easily connect multiple peripherals and displays for enhanced productivity.

Conclusion

Whether you are an executive, IT decision-maker, or a mobile professional, both the HP EliteBook X G1a and HP EliteBook Ultra G1i lead the way in AI-driven business computing for Australian organisations. Each model is designed for security, efficiency, and sustainability, supported by top industry partners such as Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Adobe.

The EliteBook X G1a excels for power users requiring maximum memory and storage capacity, making it perfect for data-intensive work, complex modelling, and creative applications. The EliteBook Ultra G1i provides exceptional value for most business needs, delivering robust AI capabilities and enterprise security at a more accessible price point.

Both laptops feature cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, comprehensive HP Wolf Pro Security, and stunning 2.8K OLED touch displays that enhance productivity and collaboration. Australian businesses benefit from HP’s local support network, ensuring your investment is protected with responsive service and assistance.

Ready to discover your best laptop for business?

Explore our complete range of business laptops and EliteBook models to find the perfect solution for your organisation. Visit your nearest HP store or contact our business solutions team to experience these Next Gen AI PCs and unlock the power of AI-driven productivity for your Australian business.

For additional insights on business technology, explore our HP Tech Takes articles covering everything from desktops to printers and complete IT solutions.