HP Elite Dragonfly G2 (Source: HP)
HP's "lighter than air" business laptop is now a series thanks to the two newest additions—the Elite Dragonfly Max and Dragonfly G2. Both laptops get Intel's latest 11th-generation chipsets, built-in Tile tracking, and optional 5G connectivity. The G2 is an upgraded model of its predecessor, while the Max is a new machine, which comes with a better webcam and a new Sparkling Black option on top of the original blue colour.
The Dragonfly G2 and Max vary when it comes to the display configurations and webcams. The Max will only have a 13.3-inch HD display, while the G2 gets HD and 4K options. Both still have HP's privacy-oriented screen that tints the screen when people are passing by.
If you want a better webcam, the Dragonfly Max comes with a 5-megapixel camera. The G2 retains the 1.2-megapixel resolution of its predecessor. The Max even gets four wide-array microphones for better audio quality, and it still has the dedicated manual privacy slider found on the previous Dragonfly laptops. However, the G2 doesn't have that anymore. Instead, it gets a button on the keyboard to activate the webcam shutter.
The HP Elite Dragonfly G2 doesn't have a manual shutter for its webcam. In its place, there is a keyboard button that activates the shutter. (Source: HP)
Tile tracking was already available before, but you needed to attach the Tile tracker. Now, it's built into the WLAN module. You can track this laptop as long as it has some battery left.
The i3 variant of Intel's processor will only be available on the G2. But i5 and i7 will be available on both 13.3-inch devices. RAM gets an upgrade up to 32GB and a max storage of up to 2TB M.2 SSD. Both models get a single USB 3.1 charging port, two USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports, a single HDMI 1.4b port, and Nano-SIM support.
The HP Elite Dragonfly Max comes in a new Sparkling Black colour as well as this original blue shade. (Source: HP)
Both machines feature "premium" keyboards that are backlit and spill-resistant. And both offer features like on-lap detection, Context Aware, and Intrusion Detection. On-lap detection lowers the temperature to prevent the laptop from getting too warm on your lap. Context Aware knows when the device is in your bag, shortens boot time by "10+ seconds," and optimizes battery life when you're on the go. Intrusion Detection alerts you when someone else opens the laptop or when it is compromised.
HP improves the webcam on the Elite Dragonfly Max with a 5-megapixel lens. (Source: HP)
Both are still relatively light. The G2 comes in under a kilogram, while the Max is a bit heavier at 1.1kg.
HP plans to launch both devices this month, but pricing isn't available right now.
You can read the rest of our CES stories over here.