HP’s EliteBook X G1a: The Business Laptop That Competes with the MacBook Pro

For years, MacBook Pro users have enjoyed the sleek design, reliability, and performance of Apple's iconic laptop. However, Windows users often struggle to find a device that provides the same level of sophistication, power, and premium build. Enter HP’s 14-inch EliteBook X G1a, which may just be the closest thing to a MacBook Pro for Windows enthusiasts.

With a hefty price tag and powerful enterprise-grade hardware, this laptop combines the best of both worlds: a minimalist, MacBook-like design with the power and connectivity that business professionals demand. Let’s take a closer look at whether this is truly the MacBook Pro alternative for Windows users.

A Sleek Design with a Purpose

HP's decision to overhaul its business laptop lineup and create the EliteBook X series has yielded impressive results. The EliteBook X G1a is the first laptop from this series that I’ve tested, and it’s a business machine designed to provide a premium experience for professionals.

On the surface, the EliteBook X G1a features a minimalist design, much like its MacBook counterpart. The matte WUXGA display and sleek form factor give it a professional yet understated look, suitable for meetings, presentations, and on-the-go productivity. It’s the type of laptop that blends effortlessly into any professional setting.

The version I tested came with an AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 14-inch matte WUXGA IPS display. HP also offers more premium configurations featuring an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor and OLED display for those who need even more power.

Performance for Power Users

The EliteBook X G1a was designed with power users in mind, and it certainly delivers on that promise. With the latest Ryzen AI chips, this laptop is built to handle demanding enterprise tasks and creative workflows with ease. Whether you’re editing videos in Da Vinci Resolve or working on a complex spreadsheet, the EliteBook X G1a doesn’t break a sweat.

"The laptop is fast and responsive, with benchmarking numbers that back its claim of being a powerful enterprise machine," said Kyle Kucharski in his review. In terms of performance, the EliteBook X G1a performs similarly to its competitors, with impressive Geekbench 6.2.2 scores of 2,818 for single-core and 14,585 for multi-core performance.

In comparison, the Apple MacBook Pro M4 comes in with a slightly higher Geekbench multi-core score of 14,849, but for the price, the EliteBook X G1a is a strong contender. It proves that you don’t need to opt for a MacBook to get top-tier performance.

An Ergonomic Experience That Keeps You Comfortable

One of the most impressive aspects of the EliteBook X G1a is how comfortable it is to use over long periods of time. The keyboard, in particular, is one of the standout features of this device. "It's utterly silent, with a snappy tactile feel with key travel that (almost) feels mechanical," said Kucharski. Whether you're typing up a report or coding late into the night, the keyboard’s tactile feedback makes long typing sessions comfortable.

The trackpad, while premium, could benefit from a haptic feature for a more refined experience, especially at this price point. Nonetheless, the trackpad is smooth, responsive, and performs well for everyday use.

The I/O That Works for You

Connectivity is key for professionals, and the EliteBook X G1a doesn’t disappoint. With a total of three USB-C ports (one of which is Thunderbolt 4), a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack, this laptop has every port you could need.

Kucharski highlighted that “the abundant I/O selection solidifies its practicality,” making it easy to connect to external monitors, projectors, or any other peripherals you might need during a workday. For those who rely on multiple devices, this versatile port selection ensures that you won’t need to worry about adapters or limited connectivity.

Heat and Battery Life: The Two Trade-Offs

Like many high-performance laptops, the EliteBook X G1a runs hot under heavy workloads. The laptop’s fans kick in during sustained use, making it run warmer than some of its competitors in the same class. However, the laptop doesn’t throttle under pressure, ensuring that you can rely on it for demanding tasks without any performance drops.

When it comes to battery life, the EliteBook X G1a performs decently, offering about 11 hours during our standard battery test. While this is good, it’s not as impressive as some of its competitors. For instance, HP’s own OmniBook X 14 can last over 20 hours on a single charge, making it a better option for users who prioritize battery life.

However, as Kucharski notes, “the EliteBook X G1a is more focused on providing reliable muscle during working hours,” and if you need a laptop that can handle intensive tasks without sacrificing performance, this laptop is a solid choice.

Is the HP EliteBook X G1a Worth the Price?

The EliteBook X G1a is priced starting at $2,184, which is steep for a business laptop. However, for those who need a workhorse that offers both power and style, this machine offers excellent value. It’s a premium option for professionals who require top-tier performance, a comfortable typing experience, and robust connectivity options.

That said, if you’re on a budget, consider the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, which offers similar performance at a lower price point. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the EliteBook X G1a, it’s still a reliable choice for business users.

The Bottom Line: A Premium Business Laptop

The HP EliteBook X G1a is undoubtedly one of the best business laptops available today. It combines powerful performance, a minimalist design, and the connectivity features that professionals need. While it doesn’t match the MacBook Pro in terms of battery life or cooling, it provides an excellent alternative for Windows users who require a high-end machine for productivity and creative work.

If you’re looking for a durable, reliable, and powerful laptop for your professional needs, the EliteBook X G1a could very well be your perfect match.