Key Takeaways
1. The EliteBook 6 G1q offers solid performance and features at a more affordable price compared to other EliteBook models.
2. It has more ports than some pricier models, but lacks an integrated Smart Card reader.
3. The Snapdragon-powered model cannot support a discrete GPU, unlike Intel versions which can be upgraded.
4. The integrated NPU in the EliteBook 6 G1q is more powerful, reaching up to 45 TOPS, enhancing AI feature performance.
5. The absence of a Smart Card reader may affect compatibility due to the Snapdragon processor running on Windows ARM.
The EliteBook 6 G1q, powered by Snapdragon, offers a solid performance and feature set, especially considering it’s one of the more affordable models in the EliteBook range. It actually comes with more ports than some of the pricier EliteBook 8 14 models. However, it is missing an integrated Smart Card reader, regardless of the configuration or SKU chosen.
Configurations and Limitations
In our latest review, we pointed out that the Qualcomm EliteBook 6 G1q 14 cannot be equipped with an integrated Smart Card reader, unlike the AMD and Intel versions of this same model. Additionally, it does not support a discrete GPU, whereas the Intel version can be upgraded with an optional GeForce RTX 3050. The absence of a Smart Card reader is probably related to the Snapdragon processor, which operates on Windows ARM, rather than the standard x64, thus affecting compatibility.
Performance Advantages
On the plus side, the EliteBook 6 G1q 14 boasts a more powerful integrated NPU that reaches up to 45 TOPS, compared to less than half that on the Intel or AMD models. Because of this, the Snapdragon system tends to be faster and more efficient for running Co-Pilot+, HP Poly Cam Pro, and other features that are powered by AI. Depending on your office’s reliance on a Smart Card reader, the system has its own set of advantages.