New HP Elite Dragonfly laptops feature 11th generation Intel processors and 5G

HP is refreshing its business-focused Elite Dragonfly line this year with an updated G2 model and a new Dragonfly Max option. Both laptops will feature the latest 11th generation Intel processors and optional 5G connectivity. The Max model even improves on the built-in webcam and adds a second black color option to the lineup.

The 13.3-inch Dragonfly G2 and Dragonfly Max will ship with 11th Gen Intel processors, with the i3 only available on the G2 and i5 and i7 processor options available on both. Both can also be configured for up to 32 GB of RAM and up to 2 TB of M.2 SSD storage space. Both models will also include a single USB 3.1 charging port, two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, a single HDMI 1.4b port, and Nano SIM support.

Where the models really differ is in display setups and webcams. The Dragonfly Max will only be available with a 13.3-inch (1920 x 1080) HD display, while you can configure the Dragonfly G2 with either HD or 4K panels. Both will still include options for the privacy-focused HP Display, which includes technology to tint the screen so passers-by can’t eavesdrop on what you’re doing.

The Dragonfly Max will also include a 5 megapixel webcam, compared to 1.2 megapixels on the G2. This is an essential change in an era of remote working where traditional webcams for laptops are often insufficient. The Max also has four large array microphones for better video and audio calling, and retains the dedicated webcam privacy slider found on last year’s Dragonfly laptops. HP removed this manual slider on the G2 this year and replaced it with a keyboard button that activates the webcam shutter.

The Dragonfly G2 and Max will both include 5G options, with AT&T and T-Mobile networks supported in the United States. HP is also keeping the built-in Tile tracker that it introduced with the 2020 models. You can track the laptop like any other Tile device, as long as there is some battery life left.

HP says it expects the Dragonfly G2 and Max to be available in January, but the company is yet to announce pricing details. Since the base model of the 2020 Dragonfly G2 was $ 1,500, this year’s models are bound to be expensive options for businesses.