HP TECH TAKES /...
Exploring today's technology for tomorrow's possibilities
Subscribe
HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10: A Complete Review
Harry Stewart
|
November 6, 2023
Need a high-performance workstation you can whisk between meetings? The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 delivers.
Custom-designed for high-intensity workflows, this potent little laptop boasts slick, business-ready aesthetics. Unlike its chunky 16-inch sibling, the compact 14-incher comes in a tiny, lightweight case, ideal for fast-paced professionals on the move.
We’re doing an in-depth HP ZBook Firefly 14 review so you can decide whether it’s the right option for you.
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 vs. other HP ZBook workstations
The HP ZBook is an upmarket workstation laptop series designed for high-intensity users. Several different product types reside within the extended ZBook family:
- The premium HP ZBook Fury has top-end specs catering to users with demanding computational needs.
- The HP ZBook Power is a budget-friendly workstation, striking an enticing balance between power and price.
- The HP ZBook Studio caters to creative professionals with its high-resolution display and potent graphics processing unit (GPU).
- The HP ZBook Firefly puts portability at the forefront, packing impressive potency into a lightweight chassis for users on the move.
The “14,” if it weren’t apparent, represents the size of its crisp touch screen display. “G10,” on the other hand, means it’s the 10th Generation of this long-standing product.
But are workstation laptops worth it? These high-end machines are overkill for everyday apps like Microsoft Office. But for users running data-heavy workloads - think animation, engineering, and architecture - a workstation is essential.
Introducing the HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10
You now understand how this portable HP workstation laptop fits into the ZBook range. Let’s examine the key benefits of the HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10.
High-end hardware specs
Even the most affordable ZBook Firefly is no slouch. Despite its diminutive size, this slender device packs a punch with a potent processor and plenty of RAM. A sizeable solid-state drive (SSD) provides stacks of storage and rapid load times.
The specific specs vary between models. But expect to find the following hardware under the hood:
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen™ 7/9
- RAM: 16GB - 32GB
- Storage: 512GB - 1TB SSD
Silky smooth graphics
Whether rendering 3D images or showcasing visual presentations, the HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 has a GPU for you.
Intel models ship with an NVIDIA® RTX™ A500. Released in 2021, this potent GPU offers professional-level performance in a compact chassis that squeezes into a 14-inch mobile workstation. Although unsuitable for high-intensity machine learning or video editing, this dedicated GPU is a notable step up compared to an integrated unit.
AMD Firefly models typically have a Radeon™ 780M Graphics. This flagship AMD integrated GPU comes standard with most Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 processors. With 12 cores (768 shaders) and a 2.8 GHz maximum clock speed, you get enough grunt for day-to-day business tasks.
Sleek, business-ready aesthetics
Like other ZBook workstations, the Firefly 14 G10 boasts a slick, no-nonsense appearance to fit seamlessly into any business setting. A durable aluminium chassis combines with razor-thin bezels for a sleek, contemporary look. The lightweight laptop measures a meagre 1.92 cm at its thickest point to enhance the slimline aesthetic.
The premium backlit keyboard comes in matt black, creating a tasteful contrast to bolster function and form. On the top panel, an embossed HP logo adds a subtle, sophisticated touch.
Crisp, high-resolution display
As a state-of-the-art business laptop, the HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 has a widescreen ultra-extended graphics array (WUXGA) display in an in-plane switching (IPS) panel.
Boasting 1920 x 1200 pixels, these ultra-wide displays cram in more horizontal pixels to create additional on-screen real estate. This 16:10 aspect ratio lets you see more content simultaneously, minimising scrolling time and optimising productivity.
The HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 has a touch screen display to enhance accessibility and streamline navigation. The screen comes with 250 or 400 NITs, ensuring a vibrant, easy-to-read display even in high ambient light. An anti-glare coating makes life easier when working outside or near sunlit windows.
Feather-light portability
Although the precise figure varies between models, expect the ZBook Firefly 14 G10 to weigh about 1.4 kg. Its maximum thickness is a meagre 1.9 cm, while slim bezels make the length and width 22.4 cm and 31.5 cm, respectively.
It’s by no means the lightest laptop from HP - the 14-inch DragonFly, for example, weighs a smidgen less than 1 kg, as does the 13-inch HP Pavilion Aero. But these slimline ultrabooks don’t pack the punch of a beefy ZBook workstation.
Considering the raw power under the hood, the Firefly 14 G10 offers an unbeatable performance-to-weight ratio. And just as well. Because that’s precisely what HP designed this portable little workstation to do.
Long-lasting battery life
Size and weight aren’t the only portability considerations. As power points aren’t always within arm’s reach, a lengthy battery life makes remaining productive easier for on-the-go professionals.
The Firefly 14 G10 ticks this lithium-ion box with a long life 3-cell, 51 Wh Li-ion battery. That kind of juice should see you through an entire workday with moderate use. Should you drain the battery faster by running high-demanding apps, HP Fast Charge brings it back to 50% in as little as 30 minutes.
Seamless connectivity
Despite its petite stature, the compact ZBook Firefly 14 G10 hosts a broad range of ports. Users can slot a solid selection of peripherals and cards into its slimline frame. While the precise ports vary between models, expect many (if not all) of the following:
- 1 HDMI
- 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A
- 2 Thunderbolt™ 4 with USB4 Type-C
- 1 headphone/microphone combo
- 1 smart card reader
- 1 WWAN SIM slot
- 1 Nano lock slot
Rapid wireless connectivity comes courtesy of a premium Intel or MediaTek WiFi/Bluetooth card.
Operating system & software
Aimed squarely at business users, the ZBook Firefly 14 G10 ships with Windows 11 Pro. The premium version of Microsoft’s latest operating system has advanced security and networking features to streamline managerial procedures.
The workstation also includes a free 12-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. With apps spanning graphic design to web development and photography to video editing, this powerful software suite caters to a broad range of industries.
Top-tier security
The ZBook Firefly 14 G10 includes a 12-month subscription to HP Wolf Pro Security Edition, a potent end-point security solution offering enterprise-level protection.
Other noteworthy security management features include HP Sure Click, HP Secure Erase, a privacy shutter, and HP Sure Sense - to name a few.
Seamless collaboration
Conference calls are a pivotal part of any on-the-go worker’s day. And the ZBook Firefly 14 G10 rises to the occasion with a top-quality webcam and microphone combo.
The crisp 5MP front-facing camera has an 88-degree field of view, as well as HP Auto Frame to keep you at the centre of the screen. AI-powered noise reduction minimises unwanted background sounds, while Bang & Olufsen speakers afford high-quality audio.
The best HP ZBook Firefly G10 workstations on the HP UK Store
You’re up to speed on what makes the HP ZBook Firefly G10 shine. Now, let’s look at two alluring options in the HP UK Store.
HP ZBook Firefly G10 14 - Intel Core i7 & NVIDIA RTX A500: Best premium
Professionals who demand top-tier specs should invest in this premium Intel i7 version of the ZBook Firefly G10 14. Aside from its zippy 13th Generation processor, this sturdy workhorse has 32GB RAM for seamless multitasking and high-intensity workflows.
A 4GB NVIDIA RTX A500 makes it ideal for rendering 3D images on the fly. Whether you’re a professional architect or a CAD guru, this premium workstation delivers the performance you need.
Not fussed about a dedicated GPU? Try this AMD Ryzen 9 alternative instead. Its integrated AMD Radeon 780M is sufficient for everyday use.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 1355U (13th Generation)
- RAM: 32GB RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 35.6 cm (14”), WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX A500 Laptop GPU (4GB GDDR6 dedicated)
HP ZBook Firefly G10 14 - Intel Core i5 & NVIDIA RTX A500: Best budget
Does the above option look a little overkill? Then consider this toned-down HP ZBook Firefly G10 14 model instead.
Featuring a 13th Generation Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it doesn’t pack as much grunt as the previously mentioned model. However, these specs are nothing to sneeze at - you’ll get plenty of power for everyday use.
The big benefit here, of course, is the price. This budget-oriented model retails at a significantly lower cost, making it a prudent option when you don’t need top-tier specs.
Again, if you don’t want a dedicated GPU, consider this AMD alternative with a superior Ryzen 7 processor.
- Processor: Intel Core i5 1335U (13th Generation)
- RAM: 16GB RAM
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 35.6 cm (14”), WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX A500 (4GB)
Summary
High-end hardware, boardroom-ready aesthetics, and a lightweight design make the HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10 a top contender among professionals seeking a potent yet portable device.
But there’s more to this premium little workstation. A crisp WUXGA display, pre-loaded software suites, top-quality collaborative tools, and enterprise-level security add to its appeal.
If you’re looking for a powerful and portable workstation, look no further than the HP ZBook Firefly 14 G10. Take another look at our two recommendations or see what else is available in the HP UK Store.
