HP introduces the HP ZBook Ultra G1a and the HP Z2 Mini G1a. The laptop and mini desktop are powered by new processors from AMD that include a solid graphics component.
HP is introducing two new computers in its Z range at CES in Las Vegas. The Z series includes powerful workstations aimed at professionals who do not simply run office software but work with specialized tools. More than with the Elite series, therefore, horsepower is key. HP is tinkering with the naming for this latest generation of devices, as well as restarting the counter for generations.
ZBook Ultra G1a
First, a new laptop appears: the ZBook Ultra G1a. G1 means first generation, the a indicates AMD. The ZBook Ultra G1a is a 14-inch laptop that, while powerful, is also thin and light. To do so, HP calls on brand-new AMD AI Max Pro processors.
Those chips combine a powerful CPU with an exceptionally robust integrated GPU, with both chiplets having access to the same pool of memory. In a configuration with 128 GB of RAM, the GPU can claim 96 GB. That approach, reminiscent of Apple’s M chips, theoretically provides very high performance for the built-in GPU component.
The result is a workstation that HP says is the most powerful of its (mobile) kind. HP manages to make the laptop 20 percent thinner and 22 percent lighter than its predecessor, weighing about 1.5 kg.
The laptop is configurable with chips from an AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro 380 with six processing cores, to an AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ Pro 395 with 16 cores. Memory can be expanded up to 128 GB, of which up to 75 percent is assignable to the AMD Radeon 8000S GPU. Which variant of that GPU you get depends on the Ryzen chip.
Otherwise, expect a usual configuration, with USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), USB-A and DisplayPort present in the chasis.Charging is done at 100 watts with Power Delivery. For digital conferencing, you can get started with a 5 MP camera.
HP Z2 Mini G1a
The HP Z2 G1a Mini gets a similar treatment. This mini-desktop also features AMD Ryzen chips, with a choice of the same new MAX chips as the ZBook. Again, you can configure up to 128 GB of memory. Basically, the Z2 Mini is the desktop version of the ZBook Ultra. The new chip makes it both more efficient and smaller.
HP is announcing the laptop and mini-desktop at CES, but is not yet sharing pricing or availability for the local market.