What you need to know
- HP is refreshing the EliteBook 1040 to G9.
- This top-tier business clamshell is getting Intel 12th Gen and a taller 16:10 display.
- Availability will be in March.
HP's signature business clamshell laptop, the EliteBook 1040 G9, is getting a much-needed refresh for CES 2022 (see our review of the G7).
Featuring Intel's latest 12th Gen mobile processors, optional 5G, and up to a whopping 64GB of RAM (that is user upgradeable), this top-tier laptop has everything for the mobile executive who only wants the best.
The EliteBook 14040 G9 finally drops the too cramped 16:9 aspect and opts for the increasingly mainstream (and taller) 16:10. Resolution is fixed at 1920x1200 to maximize battery life with options for ultra-low power 250 nit display, 400 nits, or the premium version with HP's Surve View Reflect privacy technology, which hits 1,000 nits. All are non-touch except for the 250 nit model.
Port are just the important ones, including a couple of Type-A, Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, headphone/mic, and nano-SIM slot. That SIM slot is for the optional 4G LTE or 5G modems that can be configured. Likewise, HP lets you tack on Tile (to track the laptop) and NFC for smartcards.
| Category | HP Elite 1040 G9 |
|---|---|
| Display | 14-inch, 16:10, 1920x1200250 Nits (Touch), 400 Nits Non-touch, 1000 Nits w/Sure View Reflect Non-touch |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel with vPro and Evo |
| Graphics | Intel |
| Memory | Up to 64GB 2x DDR5User upgradable |
| Storage | Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Front Camera | 5MP camera with separated 940nm IR camera |
| Security | Windows Hello IR |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6EBluetooth 5.2Optional: 4G LTE, 5G, NFC, Tile |
| Ports | 2x USB-A 3.1 (1x charging port, 1/side)2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)1s HDMI 2.0Nano SIM slotCombo Headphone /Mic |
| Audio | 4 Stereo Speakers with Discrete amplification, 73 dB / 400Hz2 Mics, Bang & Olufsen, HP Sound Calibration |
| Battery | 38Whr or 51Whr with Fast Charge |
| Dimensions | 315 x 225 x 17.95/19.2mm12.40 x 8.86 x .71 in/.76 in |
| Weight | Starting at 2.60 lbs. / 1.181kg |
| Colors | Silver |
Audio should be good, too, with quad speakers with discrete amplifiers at 73dB.
While HP's premier Dragonfly Max laptop had a 5MP camera, HP is now expanding that to all its premium devices, including the 1040 G9. Moreover, it has separated out the infrared (IR) camera (used for Windows Hello) from the RGB one (the webcam), which results in higher fidelity and a cleaner image. Previous cameras combined both IR and RGB into one with around 20% loss in pixels due to the IR technology.
HP also boasts that the EliteBook 1040 G9 "is at least 30% post-consumer recycled plastic in the bezel, at least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in the keycaps, and the outer box packaging is 100% sustainably sourced."
And if traditional clamshell laptops are not your thing, fret not as HP offers the same laptop as the x360 EliteBook 1040 G9 with touch, pen support, and a 360-hinge.
The HP EliteBook 1040 G9 and HP EliteBook 1040 G9 are expected to be available in March. Pricing will be available closer to product availability, though traditionally, this laptop starts near the $2,000 mark.
Check out our other recommendations for best business laptop for more ideas.
