HP announced its EliteBook X G2 business laptop series at CES 2026, marking the first time a single platform offers processors from all three major chipmakers. The lineup includes Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm variants with serious AI performance packed into ultra-light aluminum designs.
The EliteBook X G2q runs Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite chips delivering up to 85 TOPS of NPU performance, making it one of the most capable Copilot+ PCs announced. The G2i uses Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with up to 50 TOPS AI performance, while the G2a features AMD's Ryzen AI 400 series silicon reaching 55 TOPS.
All three models share a 14-inch chassis with multiple display options including a 3K OLED panel with 120Hz variable refresh rate. Entry-level configurations weigh under 1 kilogram, a remarkable achievement for full-featured business laptops with this level of AI capability.
HP redesigned the keyboard with a top-mount design that makes it removable for easy access to internal components. This modular approach simplifies repairs and upgrades, potentially extending the laptop's lifespan while reducing IT service time.
The company also introduced the EliteBook X Flip G2i, a convertible version of the Intel model that supports laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. Its detachable display transforms the device into a standalone tablet when needed, maintaining the same specifications as the standard G2i.
For users who shuttle between workstations, HP unveiled the EliteBoard G1a, essentially a computer built inside a keyboard. The compact device connects directly to monitors without docks and weighs about half as much as typical laptops, though it lacks a built-in display for mobile use.
Display configurations range from WUXGA OLED panels with 300 nits brightness to 3K OLED options with 500 nits peak brightness. Users can choose between traditional LCD, OLED, and Tandem OLED displays, with touchscreen options reaching 800 nits brightness.
HP's platform-agnostic approach acknowledges that different users prioritize different strengths: ARM efficiency with Qualcomm, x86 compatibility with Intel, or balanced performance with AMD. This marks a shift from traditional one-size-fits-all enterprise laptop strategies, coming at a time when some competitors are questioning consumer interest in AI features.
The Intel-powered EliteBook X G2i and Flip G2i are expected to arrive in February 2026, while AMD and Qualcomm variants are expected to follow later in spring. HP hasn't announced pricing for any models in the series.
Enterprise features include Windows 11 Pro, Copilot+ AI capabilities, hardware-enforced security through HP Wolf Security for Business, and optional 5G cellular connectivity. Memory configurations reach up to 64GB LPDDR5X RAM with storage options up to 2TB PCIe.
HP's recent notebook designs have demonstrated real-world endurance under heavy workloads, with thermal management and sustained performance that avoids the sluggishness common in thin-and-light laptops. This engineering credibility suggests the EliteBook X G2 series could set new standards for what lightweight business laptops can deliver in the AI era.
