CES 2022 | HP EliteBook 1040 G9 upgraded with 12th-generation Intel vPro CPUs, 16:10 screen, and more

HP's high-end business notebook, the EliteBook 1040 G9, is one of the many laptops retrofitted with 12th-generation Intel Alder Lake processors at CES 2022. We reviewed the EliteBook 1040 x360 G7 and found it to be a competent performer. This time around, Intel Evo certification is included as well. The laptop will be available for purchase in March 2022; prices will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The EliteBook 1040 G9 ships with a 14-inch WUXGA (1,920 x 1.200 pixels resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio) IPS LCD screen. There are a few screen configurations one can choose from, including a variant with 250 nits brightness, and another with 400 nits and a tricked-out one with 1000 nits (HP Sure View Reflect and HP Eye Ease also included).

Under the hood, the HP EliteBook 1040 G9 features a vPro variant of an Alder Lake mobile processor, and HP has neglected to mention the exact model at this time. One can install up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of solid-state storage on the laptop. User upgradability of the said components (and Wi-Fi module/ battery) is relatively easy and can be done by removing only a few screws.

HP claims that the EliteBook 1040 G9's 51Wh battery can power the notebook for up to 13 hours. Connectivity options on the business laptop include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 and Tile. If needed, one can also add a 4G LTE/5G SIM card slot and an NFC module. We get two Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, one HDMI port, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack for wired peripherals.

The HP EliteBook 1040 G9 offers several layers of security, including an Absolute persistence module, HP DriveLock and Automatic DriveLock, Power-on authentication, TPM 2.0. A 720p HD webcam (with a privacy shutter) is also included. One can add Windows Hello functionality via an additional IR camera. Similarly, a fingerprint sensor can also be added for biometric authentication. The laptop is relatively portable and weighs just 2.60lbs (1.181kg), although that could increase depending on your configuration.