HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 review
The HP HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 ranks as the #549 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #224-ranked performance among 392 laptops. Consider the HP ZBook Studio G7 or HP ProBook 450 G9, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 is a mobile workstation designed for business and creative professionals. While its price may be a turn-off, the benefits of specialized hardware, including a professional graphics card, make it worth considering. Its durable design, sleek display, and robust performance (powered by an Intel Core i7 CPU and Nvidia T500 GPU) ensure seamless workflow management. Additionally, its battery life of up to 9 hours is adequate for most users. For those who need a lightweight business laptop, this option is viable despite its higher price tag.
Build
The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 boasts an all-metal build, making it sturdy and durable. Weighing in at just 3.74 pounds, this laptop is surprisingly lightweight without sacrificing strength. The design is sleek and refined, with a simple yet attractive gray color scheme. The 170-degree hinge provides a rigid and tight feel, while the screen itself doesn't flex. A Kensington lock, USB-A port, headphone microphone combo jack, and smart card reader are all conveniently located on the left side. On the right, you'll find the power port, HDMI port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and SIM card slot. Overall, the ZBook Firefly's build is solid and well-designed, making it a great option for professionals who need a reliable laptop that can keep up with their demands. If you're after top-notch build, consider HP Pavilion x360 15.
Display
The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 boasts a stunning 15.6-inch 4K IPS panel that covers 100% sRGB. The display is color-accurate, vibrant, and bright, making it ideal for creative professionals. I was particularly impressed with the anti-glare coating, which effectively handled reflections and glare. While there isn't a touch screen, photographers and video editors will appreciate the confidence-inspiring colors on display. Watching movies and videos is also a treat, with colors popping against the crisp image. Overall, the Firefly 15 G8's display is a highlight of this mobile workstation, offering impressive visuals for its intended users. It’s worth checking out HP ZBook Studio G8, delivering remarkable display.
Performance
The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 delivers impressive performance with its 11th gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA T500 GPU. This mobile workstation can handle demanding tasks such as running SolidWorks, coding, or editing photos without excessive fan noise. The 4-core, 8-thread CPU is power-efficient and offers higher performance while keeping temperatures in check. With 32GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 64GB), the laptop handles system-intensive tasks smoothly. Synthetic benchmarks reveal that the T500 GPU provides expected performance for a lightweight mobile workstation, making it suitable for most business and creative needs. Overall, the ZBook Firefly 15 G8's performance is robust and reliable, making it an excellent choice for professionals who require a powerful yet portable laptop. Give HP OMEN 15 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Battery and Charging
The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 boasts an impressive battery life, with up to 14 hours of runtime. In my tests, I achieved around 9 hours of use, which is more than sufficient for a full day's work. The laptop also supports fast charging via the included 65W power adapter, making it easy to top up on the go. This mobile workstation is designed for business and creative professionals who need a reliable power source throughout their busy schedules.
Connectivity
The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 features a solid port selection, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and a Kensington lock. However, it lacks an SD card reader, which is a drawback for creative professionals who frequently use cameras that hold SD cards. Consider discovering the power of HP EliteBook 850 G7, featuring the latest advancements in connectivity.
Features
The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 is a mobile workstation featuring a professional-grade graphics card, an all-metal build, and a durable design that withstands military standard tests. It boasts a 60Hz display, anti-glare coating, and a great keyboard with rubber domes for quiet typing. You might prefer HP Pavilion x360 15, designed with an upgraded features for a better experience.
Support and Maintenance
The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 offers reliable support and maintenance features for business users. It's designed to withstand military-grade tests and has a durable all-metal build. The laptop also undergoes rigorous quality control, ensuring it meets high standards. HP provides dedicated technical support, including phone and online assistance, making it an ideal choice for professionals who require dependable equipment.
Pros
1. A mobile workstation that's targeted to business and creative professionals, making it a reliable choice for specialized workflows.
2. It features a professional-grade graphics card, which ensures compatibility with software like Autodesk and guarantees a high level of performance.
3. The laptop's all-metal build makes it durable and resistant to wear and tear, with a sleek design that looks great both inside and outside the office.
4. The 170-degree hinge is rigid and tight, making it easy to use in any position, while the screen doesn't flex or bend easily.
5. The laptop has sufficient ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and a Kensington lock, making it easy to connect peripherals.
6. The 60Hz display is color-accurate, vibrant, and bright, with a wide range of colors (100 sRGB) that's perfect for creative professionals.
7. The keyboard is spacious, quiet, and unobtrusive, with good key travel and a numeric keypad, making it perfect for office work.
Cons
1. The laptop can be heavy at 3.74 pounds, although this is not unusual for a mobile workstation.
2. The lack of a SD card reader might be a drawback for some users who rely on cameras that hold SD cards.
3. The trackpad is not as precise as the Lenovo TrackPoint, which might take some getting used to.
4. The webcam is average quality and located above the display, but it does have a privacy shutter.
5. The battery life is good (up to 9 hours), but not excellent compared to some other laptops on the market.
6. The laptop's power adapter is only 65W, which might not be sufficient for heavy users who need more power.
7. The HP ZBook Firefly 15 G8 might be too expensive for average consumers who don't need the advanced features and security of a mobile workstation.
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