Today’s workplace demands constant adaptation. Hybrid work models require flexibility, security threats are more sophisticated than ever, and the arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shifting from a future concept to a daily productivity tool. 

Your organisation’s devices are the critical link in navigating these challenges. Sub-par hardware can lead to security vulnerabilities, poor performance in critical applications, and a frustrating experience for your staff. 

This is why we are taking a close look at the new generation of HP EliteBook laptops. Advanced by AMD processors, these devices are built to provide a practical, high-performance, and secure foundation for both public and private sector organisations. 

The AMD Processor: A Practical AI Engine 

Several of these new devices are “Next Gen AI PCs.” It means the AMD processors inside include a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). 

In simple terms, an NPU is specialist hardware designed to run AI tasks efficiently. 

• Instead of: Using the main processor (CPU) or graphics card (GPU) for an AI-driven task (like real-time background blur during a video call or running a local AI assistant). 

• The NPU handles it: This frees up the CPU and GPU for the work you are actually trying to do. 

What this means for your business:  

• Better Performance: Applications remain fast and responsive, even during demanding video conferences or when using new AI tools. 

• Longer Battery Life: The NPU is highly efficient, drawing less power for these common tasks, which is critical for hybrid and mobile workers. 

• Improved Security: By processing more AI tasks locally (right on the laptop) less sensitive data needs to be sent to the cloud, reducing your attack surface. 

Security: A Resilient Foundation 

For any IT leader, security is non-negotiable. For a business owner, a breach is a critical risk. The HP EliteBook series addresses this directly with a multi-layered security approach. 

Models like the HP EliteBook 8 G1a feature HP Wolf Pro Security. Far from being just antivirus software, it is a resilient, hardware-enforced security solution. It provides: 

• Self-Healing BIOS: Can automatically recover from a firmware attack. 

• Hardware-Based Isolation: Traps malware in a virtual container to prevent it from infecting the rest of the PC. 

• Phishing Protection: Helps defend against credential theft from malicious websites. 

This provides the operational resilience required by enterprise and public sector organisations and the “peace of mind” that small business owners need to focus on their work. 

A Device for Every Role 

This new HP and AMD lineup provides choice, allowing you to standardise on a secure platform while equipping different users with the right tool for their job. 

• HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14″ Notebook: This is the premium option for executives and mobile professionals who need top-tier security and AI performance in a portable format. Powered by the AMD Ryzen™ PRO processor, it utilises a dedicated NPU to manage AI workloads locally to extend battery life, while delivering silicon-level security features that mitigate firmware attacks and protect sensitive corporate data. 

• HP EliteBook 6 G1a/G1ah 14″ Notebooks: These are the versatile workhorses of the fleet. They balance portability with robust performance, including options with the latest AMD Ryzen™ 5 processors and AI capabilities. 

• HP EliteBook 6 G1ah 16″ Notebook: Ideal for users who need more screen real estate, such as finance teams, data analysts, or developers. It provides the same enterprise-grade features and AMD power on a larger display. 

The XMA View: Beyond the Box 

Choosing the right hardware is the first step. Integrating it successfully into your environment is the next. 

As a HP Amplify Power Partner, XMA helps organisations procure, configure, deploy, and manage HP devices at scale. Our specialists understand the specific compliance and security needs of public sector bodies and the efficiency and reliability drivers for private enterprises. 

We provide the tools and services to ensure your new HP devices deliver real business value from day one. 

Ready to build a more secure and productive hardware fleet? Contact your XMA Manager today or email enquiries@xma.co.uk to discuss your requirements