HP Dragonfly Folio G3 Evaluate: A 2-in-1 for discerning enterprise customers

Value When Reviewed

$2,474.20

Finest Costs In the present day: HP Dragonfly Folio G3

$2749.00

On the earth of enterprise PCs, few wish to stand out or make waves. That’s why HP’s Dragonfly line has continuously impressed with its mix of modern, high-quality machines which are mature. The Dragonfly Folio 2-in-1 is now a tried and true idea, which acts like a traditional laptop computer more often than not till you pull the display ahead, both to previous the keyboard or all the way in which flat. No detaching items to interrupt or lose.

The newest within the Folio household is the HP Dragonfly Folio G3, based mostly on Intel chips and an improved design. This laptop computer makes a really constructive first impression, however is it an impression that may final?

Searching for extra laptop computer choices? Try our roundup of the most effective laptops obtainable at present.

HP Dragonfly Folio G3: Specs and options

Our evaluation unit options the next specs:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-1265U (10 cores, 12 threads: 2 efficiency, 8 effectivity) with vPro
• Reminiscence: 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM, soldered down (as much as 32 GB configurable)
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• Show: 13.5-inch 3:2 WUXGA+ (1920×1280) IPS LCD touchscreen
• Storage: 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe strong state drive
• Webcam: 8MP
• Connectivity:  2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 3.5mm combo audio
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth TKTK, 5G WWAN (optionally available)
• Biometrics: Home windows Hi there facial recognition
• Battery capability: 68 Wh
• Dimensions: TKTK (W) x TKTK (D) x TKTK (H) inches
• Weight: 3.06 kilos, 3.86 kilos with AC adapter
• Value: $2,474.20

HP Dragonfly Folio G3: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

The HP Dragonfly Folio G3 makes an awesome first impression. From the second you’re taking the fake leather-wrapped machine from its field, you possibly can really feel the solidity of its construct. Its steel deck has nary a flex, and has comfortable smoothed edges that don’t dig into your fingers or wrists. Though you received’t get a whiff of recent automobile scent from its plastic leatherette outer case, it helps but make this pc really feel smooth and alluring to make use of.

Even the 2-in-1 motion, which may really feel floppy or fragile has a satisfying really feel to it. Robust magnets preserve the display in place for normal laptop computer use, and a agency pull brings it ahead to one in all two positions. All in all, there’s a dedication to design and class with the Dragonfly Folio G3 that I’m unsure I’ve seen in one other pc, a lot much less a business-targeted mannequin.

Alongside the edges are ports and vents so subtly carved in that I didn’t discover them at first. This was to the machine’s detriment the primary few occasions, as I attempted to plug the USB-C charger into the groove proper subsequent to the port, as an alternative of the port itself. There’s a small click-in tray for the SIM card must you get a model with 5G built-in, and the other facet has a wi-fi charging pad and docking slot for the included pen (however extra on that later). It’s minimalist however in a manner that’s totally different from Apple’s MacBooks or Dell’s premium XPS fashions. From its embossed HP brand to its darkish steel end the entire affair is delicate, modern, and exhibits a way of maturity.

If I can leverage any criticism on the Folio G3 it’s that the entire contraption feels cumbersome in comparison with different laptops. One thing concerning the steel building plus the dense plastic leather-based makes it appear heavier and thicker than it really is. It’s solely a bit over 3 kilos, however one thing just like the Floor Professional 9 is sort of a half-pound lighter, whereas the business-focused ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 is below 2.5 kilos. It’s clear that the additional grams go in the direction of the Dragonfly Folio’s robust-feeling display mechanism and premium steel elements. 

HP Dragonfly Folio G3: Connectivity

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

Provided that this machine was designed for on-the-go staff who have to make an awesome impression in conferences (whether or not there’re on Groups or within the room), I didn’t anticipate a ton of ports. Because it stands, you get 2 Thunderbolt 4-friendly USB-C ports on the lefthand facet, with a 3.5mm headset jack close by. Surprisingly, solely one in all these ports can settle for cost, one thing I haven’t seen on many current laptops. This meant that sometimes, I’d come again to a pc that wasn’t totally charged. The proper port is the one closest to you, and I’d additionally double test that the pinhole charging mild’s illuminated to make sure it’s taking up energy.

By way of wi-fi choices, the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 comes normal with Intel Wi-Fi 6E, the most recent by way of requirements. Moreover, my evaluation pattern got here with a 5G WWAN modem, additionally by Intel. Customers can select to make use of the interior eSIM to subscribe to a knowledge plan, or insert a bodily SIM into the small slot on the machine. Whereas I used to be unable to check the 5G connectivity, the wi-fi was pretty much as good as I’d anticipate from a laptop computer in 2022.

HP Dragonfly Folio G3: Keyboard, pen, and trackpad

Though shallow, the keyboard on the Dragonfly Folio G3 is solely very good. It has an virtually mechanical preciseness to it, with every key giving a particular and easy-to-feel snap whenever you’ve hit it good. If I’ve to be away from my chonky desktop mechanical keyboard, that is the sort of home-away-from-home I really like typing on for hours on finish. The keyboard is backlit, though it solely has a few ranges of brightness. The complete perform row has a ton of helpful shortcut keys, together with a mute button, digicam killswitch, airplane mode toggle, and even a user-programmable button marked with three diamonds.

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

Within the scheme of issues, the touchpad right here is sort of the equal of the keyboard. Its huge glass floor lets your fingers glide alongside, and palm detection was near-perfect. Gestures have been precisely interpreted—all in all it’s simply the sort of touchpad each laptop computer deserves. Whilst you received’t discover any high-tech haptic motors inside, the clicking of this trackpad provides you a constructive response but it surely’s not too harsh. Goldilocks would adore it.

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

Should you like taking handwritten notes, the Dragonfly Folio features a pen within the field. The pen magnetically docks and expenses on the facet of the Folio, and has a singular magnetic docking tab that retains it from getting knocked off. Whereas it will possibly come free in a bag, I discovered it stays put very effectively. Artists won’t love this pen as a consequence of some noticeable jitter when drawing straight traces, however for annotation, doodles, or regular notetaking duties, it really works simply wonderful.

HP Dragonfly Folio G3: Show, audio system, and webcam

If there was any side of the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 that gave me pause, it could the show. The three:2 side IPS display is completely wonderful in use, with good colours and strong distinction. The decision is completely chosen, at 1920×1280 there aren’t any bizarre scaling points and textual content appears lots crisp. It’s simply that at this premium value, I’d anticipate one thing further particular.

Apple’s 14- and 16-inch MacBook Professional fashions have next-gen mini LED screens with unbelievable colours and HDR-grade highlights. Dell gives OLED panels on a bunch of its computer systems. Why does the luxurious Folio G3 get such a fundamental display? (For what it’s price, HP says they provide an OLED on this Dragonfly mannequin, but it surely’s particular order solely, and the overwhelming majority of fashions will include this ho-hum IPS LCD).

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

Fortunately, the 8 megapixel webcam does a greater job at making the Dragonfly really feel tailored for work eventualities. Though it’s not the sharpest digicam I’ve ever seen on a laptop computer, you’ll be well-exposed and visual whether or not you’re sitting to the facet of the show or head-on because of a large area of view. There’s additionally an auto-zoom characteristic that can punch in in your face or head-and-shoulders to maintain you within the image in the event you transfer round. It’s clear that by chopping down an 8MP picture, there’s little or no loss in total high quality in the event you activate it so that you’ll look roughly pretty much as good. Microphones can even seize sound from a wide selection of positions, even in the event you’re throughout the room from the Dragonfly Folio.

An infrared sensor close to the digicam that may inform whether or not or not somebody is actively in entrance of the pc. I assumed it was slightly aggressive concerning the time it dims the display with its Stroll Away Lock setting, however for many who work in an open workplace, it might be a pleasant characteristic to have.

Whereas HP may have skimped on the audio system, the Dragonfly Folio G3 manages to place out some spectacular sound. I used to be particularly impressed with the midrange and the way in which that spoken-word content material remained clear and with out distortion except you push quantity previous 80%. That basically emphasizes the design parameters of the microphones, webcam, and audio system right here: fairly glorious for Groups or Zoom conferences.

HP Dragonfly Folio G3: Software program

HP saved the added software program to a minimal right here, solely retaining apps for options that in any other case wouldn’t have settings. There’s an “Straightforward Clear” app that disables the pc’s enter gadgets for two minutes, letting you clear the display, keyboard, and mouse with out unintentional inputs. The myHP app has further settings that you could be or could not discover helpful, together with auto display dimming and a privateness alert that each use the webcam. Inexplicably, the device that may management the pc’s infrared presence detection, referred to as HP Auto Lock & Awake, is simply accessible through the Settings app.

Maybe essentially the most aggressive included app is HP’s Wolf Safety suite, which is so necessary it additionally will get a sticker subsequent to Intel’s on the laptop computer’s palmrest. That is HP’s umbrella branding for its system administration, antivirus, and monitoring instruments. This could be a plus for organizations which are already within the HP fold but when your organization makes use of totally different software program to maintain its laptops protected, it may imply every system must be reimaged. Contrasted with different antivirus suites, Wolf appears comparatively sedate, hardly ever popping up notifications and by no means bullying the person into paying for a subscription.

HP Dragonfly Folio G3: Efficiency

With its Intel Core i7-1265U the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 2-in-1 stays cool and quiet below most circumstances. Whereas it solely has two efficiency cores, what you’ll get is greater than ample for regular duties.

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

We use the PCMark 10 benchmark to get a birds’ eye overview of a laptop computer’s day-to-day efficiency. The i7-1265U is quick for a low-power chip but it surely’s undoubtedly not essentially the most spectacular processor obtainable in a skinny laptop computer. We are able to see this within the PCMark take a look at trying on the distinction between the Dragonfly Folio G3 and the performance-focused enterprise machine from Dynabook, the Portege X40. The HP is sweet sufficient for many normcore enterprise wants, although, so don’t let the lackluster rating make you assume it’s gradual by any stretch.

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

We use Cinebench R15 to get an concept of how effectively all a laptop computer’s cores work collectively in an intensive 3D rendering take a look at. The HP Dragonfly Folio G3 was behind the competitors by a bit. We all know that the Dragonfly Folio G3 was designed to maintain cool and quiet, and between that and its lower-power U-series chip, we are able to see the way it scores rather a lot decrease than a machine just like the Dynabook Portege X40, with its performance-focused, hot-running design.

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

Provided that this can be a very skinny enterprise laptop computer, you shouldn’t anticipate superb graphics efficiency from the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 2-in-1. It has the usual Intel Xe Graphics you discover on machines that value a bit extra, and that value far much less as effectively. Once more, the distinction we see right here comes right down to HP’s tuning to deal with a cool, quiet pc moderately than any important variations within the processors.

IDG / Brendan Nystedt

Battery life wasn’t a powerful swimsuit for the HP Dragonfly Folio G3, clocking 10 hours and 5 minutes in our looping video take a look at. Should you worth battery life in your online business machine, the ARM-equipped Floor Professional 9 ran rings across the Dragonfly Folio G3, clocking in at virtually 16 hours below the identical take a look at. A business-oriented ARM ThinkPad logged an additional 2.7 hours of runtime in comparison with the HP as effectively. It’s clear that if energy and software program compatibility aren’t a difficulty in your group, that Home windows on ARM needs to be thought of on this value vary. 

HP Dragonfly Folio G3: Conclusion

The HP Dragonfly Folio G3, taken by itself, is a compelling machine. It has an awesome design and keyboard and touchpad. Plus, it features a pen. About the one space the place I can ding this machine is that for the value, you in all probability deserve a much more premium show. The IPS touchscreen used right here is totally wonderful, however removed from superb.

It actually isn’t till we throw in some competing machines that it turns into rather less compelling. For its dimension, HP has caught to a extra regular, cooler U-class Intel chip that’s completely wonderful however doesn’t blow the doorways off. That’s the place it’s clear that this can be a pocket book for normcore enterprise customers. There are a ton of different premium machines that may match it on battery life for higher energy, or beat it on runtime whereas tackling enterprise duties (assuming you stick with the Microsoft ecosystem) about as effectively.