On April 23rd, HP unveiled a series of AI-enhanced PCs in New Zealand, marking a significant shift towards integrating artificial intelligence into everyday computing.
Recognising the growing reliance on AI in various software and systems, HP has integrated its Core Ultra/Meteor Lake system with its Neural Processing Unit in these devices to optimise AI performance, compatibility, and efficiency.
The new range includes the HP Elite/Pro series laptops tailored for business users, Z by HP workstations for creative professionals, Pavilion PCs for budget-conscious consumers, Spectre 2-in-1 devices, and the OMEN Transcend 14 Gaming Laptop, which is ideal for both gaming and creative endeavors.
This article will cover everything you need to know about HP’s latest AI-enhanced PCs.
What is Intel’s Neural Processing Unit?
Late last year, Intel unveiled its Core Ultra chip, named Meteor Lake, which focuses on enhancing AI capabilities in PCs. Intel describes this development as its “biggest architectural shift in 40 years.”
The chip introduces several new technologies, with the most significant being the inclusion of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in its system-on-a-chip architecture. This is the first time Intel has integrated an NPU, which is specifically designed to handle AI workloads.
As a result, the NPU can carry the bulk of the workload when performing AI tasks, allowing the CPU and GPU to manage other functions. This integration is expected to improve application performance, extend battery life, and increase overall efficiency.
The majority of the device’s HP announced are equipped with Core Ultra chips meaning they have dedicated NPUs for enhanced AI integration. See below:
HP AI-Devices Released in New Zealand
HP Elite/Pro Series
HP has released new PC solutions within its Elite and Pro series, now featuring AI capabilities powered by Intel vPro technology.
These systems are equipped with Intel Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors, and additionally, HP has integrated its Smart Sense technology, which automatically adjusts the PC’s settings based on user behaviour to optimise performance and power consumption.
At the top of the range are the HP Elite 1040 Series Notebook PCs which offer up to 21 hours of battery life and significant improvements due to AI integration including 80% better graphics performance, 38% less power consumption for AI tasks, and 132% faster AI video editing than previous models.
Below that is the 840 Notebook range which is marketed as a device for enterprise workers in managerial-type positions. And at the bottom of the range is the 640-range designed for corporate and public sector organisations.
HP Pavilion
The latest HP Pavilion PCs are targeted towards Gen Z customers. They include built-in AI engines and are developed with performance, mobility and quality in mind.
Z by HP
HP’s ZBook range is designed with creatives in mind. These mobile workstations are equipped with Intel Core Ultra 5,7 and 9 processors and dedicated AI units, they’re designed to ensure reliability, security, and mobility for creative professionals.
The devices released include the ZBook Power G11 designed to support demanding workflows such as 3D modelling and AI-powered content creation. It features a 16-inch premium design and is equipped with an NVIDIA RTX 3000 Ada Laptop GPU. The device can also be configured with NVIDIA RTX 500 and 1000 Ada Generation Laptop GPUs.
And the ZBook Firefly G11 which aims to combine professional performance with portability. Equipped with the NVIDIA RTX A500 Laptop GPU for AI-accelerated performance and features dynamic power efficiency and long battery life.
HP Spectre
The HP Spectre x360 14-inch and 16-inch 2-in-1 Laptops are powered by Intel Evo with Intel Core Ultra processors.
They include a 9 MP camera with low-light adjustment, built-in security with walk away lock and privacy alerts, adaptive screen adjustments for power efficiency, and automatic performance optimisation.
They also have powerful AI technology for efficient content creation and collaboration, audio tuning by Poly for clear sound, and a 2.8K OLED screen with IMAX Enhanced Certification for vibrant visuals.
OMEN Gaming Laptops
HP released its latest OMEN Transcend 14 Gaming Laptop which is not only designed for gaming but creative tasks like video editing as well.
It features an IMAX Enhanced Certified 2.8K 120Hz VRR OLED display and a lattice-less sky printed RGB keyboard. It weighs 1,637 grams and offers up to 11.5 hours of battery life, equipped with a type-C PD 140W adapter.
The device is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU. It also includes an NPU for AI task
The chassis has been redesigned to incorporate a vapor chamber and Intel’s dual channel flow technology for heat management, all within a 12 mm base. And the audio system is tuned by HyperX.
HP also announced that its OMEN Transcend 16.1-inch Gaming Laptop PC has been upgraded with a 2.5K 240Hz OLED display option. Additionally, the OMEN 16.1-inch Gaming Laptop PC and Victus 16.1-inch Gaming Laptop PC have been updated with Intel® Core™ i7 HX processor (14th gen).