Imagine 2024: HP Showcases AI-Driven Laptops and New Sustainable Hardware

At its annual Imagine event, HP unveiled its latest AI-powered laptops and hardware lineup at its Palo Alto, California offices.

As is the trend in 2024, HP is betting big on artificial intelligence, with AI being the key focus of the full keynote and the press sessions afterward. Thankfully, with a range of devices designed to harness the power of AI for enhanced productivity and creativity, HP has found real-world ways AI can make notable advancements to everyday work.

While the keynote was light on actual hardware, the star of the showcase was, without question, the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch—a sleek 2-in-1 laptop that brings Intel’s Lunar Lake to its AI PC lineup. This versatile device can switch between laptop, tablet, and tent modes, making it ideal for creative professionals and multitaskers. Under the hood, it’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra 200V processor, providing plenty of power for AI-intensive tasks, with over 50 TOPS ready for a range of workflows. The OmniBook Ultra Flip also boasts a stunning 3K OLED display, perfect for content creators who demand vibrant, accurate colours.

The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch will start at $1,449.99 USD. It’s not exactly cheap, but given the cutting-edge AI capabilities and versatile design, it looks to bring an impressive laptop to the market—one that is not only thin and light but also manages to pack solid specs for people looking to get the most from their laptop for both work and play.

While the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip is an impressive offering, especially for on-the-go work, sometimes you need even more power. For these workloads, HP introduced the EliteBook X, a 14-inch AI-capable laptop aimed squarely at business users. This powerhouse comes equipped with 64 GB of RAM and an AMD Ryzen Pro CPU , delivering an impressive 55 TOPS of neural processing unit (NPU) performance. That’s serious number-crunching capability, capable of handling even the most demanding AI workloads with ease.

On the gaming side, HP announced the HyperX Cloud MIX 2 wireless headset, showcasing a versatile audio solution for work, gaming, and everyday use. This latest addition to the Cloud MIX series boasts impressive battery life, offering up to 110 hours on Bluetooth and 72 hours using the 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. It retains some of the styling seen on past HyperX products but opts for a more subdued look, helping it blend seamlessly into both gaming and work settings.

The Cloud MIX 2 features Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation technology designed to minimize external sounds during commutes, work tasks, or gaming sessions. For those who prefer to stay aware of their surroundings, an Ambient Sound Mode is included. The headset also incorporates AI-enhanced microphones for clear communication and HyperX’s Signature Sound, driven by 40 mm drivers . With a $199 price point, the Cloud MIX 2 is an exciting new offering, especially for those looking for ANC headphones that work well both at home and on the go.

HP did not stop there and made a point of showcasing its emphasis on sustainability. The company noted that many of its new devices incorporate recycled materials, including recycled fishnets in some keyboard components. It’s a welcome nod to environmental concerns in an industry that often prioritizes performance above all else. It is also welcome to see HP working on ways to make Laptops a more sustainable business, with less being wasted and ending up in landfills as new models are rolled out.

I was hoping to see more hardware showcased at HP’s Imagine 2024, but the event paints a picture of a company fully embracing the AI revolution. With powerful hardware, innovative software tools, and a focus on sustainability, HP seems well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of both consumers and businesses in an increasingly AI-driven world. With CES 2025 just around the corner, I expect we will see more exciting announcements from HP in the coming months.