HP's EliteBook series has long been a staple in the business world, known for its powerful laptops that cater specifically to the needs of professionals. The brand's slogan, "real power for real work," perfectly encapsulates their commitment to delivering tools that enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace. However, a closer look at the pricing reveals a common truth in the domain of business-oriented technology: these devices often come with a considerable price tag. The latest model in the line, the EliteBook Ultra G1i, carries an impressive manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,429. Currently, it is available at a discounted rate of $1,999, making it one of the most expensive laptops I have evaluated in over a year. The only device that surpasses it in terms of cost is Apple's MacBook Pro, which is renowned for its even more advanced specifications.

Diving into the technical specifications of the EliteBook Ultra G1i, one might find that its hardware is relatively modest when compared to its Windows-based competitors. While the components are adequately outfitted for handling typical business tasks, they may not generate much enthusiasm among the more tech-savvy audience. Thus, one might wonder: what justifies the steep price of this laptop?

The key feature that HP prominently highlights is security. The EliteBook Ultra G1i is fortified with HP Wolf Security for Business, a comprehensive suite designed to provide multiple layers of protection beyond the standard anti-malware features found in most laptops. Users will quickly notice this enhanced security when attempting to install new software. If the software is not included on the authorized list managed by HP Wolf, a pop-up message will immediately appear, prompting the user to confirm their intention to proceed with the installation. This system bears resemblance to Microsoft's User Account Control system, but with a critical distinction: there is no option to override this security measure via the Control Panel, making it a more stringent safeguard.

In addition to merely blocking unauthorized installations, HP Wolf Security incorporates a variety of protective features. This includes anti-phishing measures, a BIOS tamper-prevention mechanism, and resilience-enhancing functionalities tailored for the Windows operating system. These tools are designed to assist IT departments in managing their fleets of laptops effectively. During my testing, I thoroughly explored the various security features and found that they successfully blocked all attempts at potentially harmful software I could devise. Although this level of security may seem excessive for individual users, businesses with elevated security requirements are likely to appreciate the value embedded in these offerings.

Examining the physical design of the laptop, the EliteBook Ultra G1i is crafted with a professional aesthetic in mind. Featuring a sleek matte black finish and a combination of gently curved corners with sharp edges, it embodies the classic look of corporate laptops that have dominated the market over the past decade. One particularly impressive feature is the screen, which is capable of opening to a flat 180-degree anglean incredibly practical design aspect for collaboration and presentations. The laptop's construction utilizes magnesium, striking a balance between durability and lightweight design, resulting in an impressive weight of just 2.6 pounds and a slim profile measuring only 19 mm in thickness.