I have been testing the second-generation model for the last month. When I say testing, I mean that now that I have tried it, there is absolutely no way anyone will pry this stunning convertible laptop out of my hands!
It isn’t often that I would begin a product review by talking about the environment, but the HP Elite Dragonfly G2 is different. You might remember that the HP Elite Dragonfly G1 was one of the first devices to use recycled, ocean bound plastics in its design. The G2 has upped its environmental credentials, integrating more ocean bound plastics in the speaker enclosure and display bezel components, and using 100% sustainably sourced and recyclable packaging.
HP recently announced it has now used more than seven tonnes of recycled plastic bottles in its production. With eight million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans every year the Dragonfly alone cannot arrest the flow, but hopefully other vendors will follow HP’s lead.
In a recent HP Wolf Security study 76% of IT teams admit security took a back seat to business continuity during the pandemic. Criminals have not been slow to spot the opportunity that increasingly mobile work practices bring, and our dedicated Security Practice has been kept busy helping customers to adjust to new working patterns. Like a lot of people today, I am a hybrid worker, typically away from the office two or three days each week. This makes endpoint security especially important. The HP Elite Dragonfly G2 layers on the security features below, in and above the operating system making this the most secure business PC available today. The enhanced HP Wolf Security suite was designed to secure the hybrid workplace with always-on, inobtrusive endpoint protection that uses AI to identify and quarantine new attacks and self-healing BIOS technology. I particularly like the HP SureClick app which opens untrusted documents and websites in a virtual container so it traps any potential malware from spreading to your machine.
HP also boasts a dedicated shutter key to block the webcam. While this protects users from any malicious surveillance, it also reduces the chances of your child, cat, or significant other from making unplanned Zoom appearances. I must also give a special mention to a neat new security feature where you can have a Tile Tracker embedded in your laptop so you can quickly locate your laptop even if it is switched off.
Even that crystal clear screen sneaks in some extra privacy features when you enable HP SureView with a touch of a button. Viewed from the front, the display is sharp, but for someone walking by and hoping to peek over your shoulder in a visual hacking attempt, it will give nothing away. For anyone working with sensitive data, they can be more relaxed about working in open plan environments (or to hide your guilty viewing of The Bachelor from nosy traveling companions!).
It may be sleek and beautiful, but the HP Elite Dragonfly G2 is not all about show. If, like me, you usually have a lot of apps open at once, you will know that this can slow down most machines. During my test drive, I have joined Microsoft Teams meetings at the same time as working with everything from huge spreadsheets to video-laden presentations, and more open browser tabs than I’d like to admit. What can I say, working on the go means a lot of interruptions and flitting from task to task like a dragonfly swoops between landing spots. See what I did there? Take it from me – you can be confident this laptop will be fast enough for everything you will throw at it.
HP Elite Dragonfly G2 Specs
Not only was I lucky enough to try out a Dragonfly G2, but I also got it loaded with a Windows 11 Insider Preview to test out the new features. I love my job! The Windows snapping feature was a hit, making it easy to split the screen just how I wanted it. You can expect a more modern, clean look, with apps more centred instead of on the side. One of the features I look forward to is the integration of Android applications on Win 11.
My hybrid work style means I can be pretty tough on devices, but I still appreciate some creature comforts. One of my favourite aspects of the HP Elite Dragonfly G2 is the responsive keyboard. Generously spaced, it is comfortable and smooth, even for writing long reports. The improved Bang & Olufsen speakers are surprisingly powerful, so you won’t be straining to hear online meetings. Easily the most useful audio advancement, though, is the incorporation of AI Noise Removal. This handy feature suppresses background noise in video calls – I even joined a Microsoft Teams meeting with somebody mowing the grass outside my window, and nobody else noticed my noisy environment.
The HP Elite Dragonfly G2 is a sub 1kg device, and since it’s fitted with 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports and my USB C Monitor at work, I find I don’t need to take my charger with me anymore. If you travel for your job, the slightly heavier performance battery is a good option, providing up to 16.5 hours between charging. The battery takes just 30 minutes to recharge the first 50%, which I truly appreciate, as a mobile worker with a busy schedule. Speaking of working on-the-go, the HP Elite Dragonfly G2 ships with Wi-Fi 6 and 5G so you can be confident of getting a fast, reliable connection no matter where you are.
As with the Dragonfly G1, the G2 has passed HP and Military standard testing (MIL-SPEC 810), making it a good match for anyone working in extreme temperatures or rugged conditions. I may not work in the Antarctic, or a remote mine site, but I have accidentally dropped it, spilled some tea on it, and it still works a treat! Fortunately for me, the HP Elite Dragonfly G2 also features the HP EasyClean design, with a button that disables the touchscreen, trackpad, and keyboard while I mop up spills, sanitise, or whatever else is needed.
The HP Elite Dragonfly G2 is perfect for hybrid professional workers, incorporating exceptional security features, and balances lightweight form with rugged, heavyweight performance. Don’t just take my word for it – request a demonstration unit and experience the exceptional performance for yourself.