HP might have come a bit late to the ultrabook party and might have missed the first release wave, but things are really starting to shape up for the US-based company. After launching the Folio 13 and the Envy 14 Spectre, HP has just unveiled its third and possibly best ultrabook so far, the EliteBook Folio 9470M.
Targeting business consumers first and foremost, the EliteBook Folio 9470M looks like the perfect combination between style and functionality, rocking an elegant, yet sturdy exterior. With a weight of just over 3.5 pounds and a 19 mm (0.74 inches) thin “profile”, HP’s new ultrabook manages to fit in all the ports and connectivity options you might need, but still stay slim and look as fashionable as possible.
Sporting a 14-inch screen, the Folio 9470M will go up for sale in October and its pricing is actually pretty decent. The base version will be made available for as less as $1149, which is not a lot by ultrabook standards these days.
The EliteBook 9470M looks excellent right now!
Sure, that entry-level model will not come with the best possible performance level, but it should still perform okay, as it is set to be powered by a third-generation Ivy Bridge Intel Core processor. The rest of the tech specs will include up to 16 GB of RAM (probably 4 for the base version), as well as a choice of hard drive (500 GB capacity) or SSD (256 GB).
In terms of design and looks, the EliteBook Folio 9470M is not only fashionable and elegant, but at the same time robust as heck. The case is made out of brushed aluminum, so you shouldn’t worry about taking this ultrabook for a spin around town from time to time.
Sturdy and elegant, the perfect combination for any respected business user
As I already mentioned, this is a laptop oriented towards business users, so functionality is a must, which is why you will find full-size versions of all the ports that are usually downsized at ultrabooks. There are three USB 3.0 connectors (wow!), an Ethernet port, a DisplayPort, VGA out, TPM (Trusted Platform Module), a card reader and Kensington Lock. The laptop also features WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as 3G and 4G.
In terms of battery life, HP’s future ultrabook should be pretty great too, as it will come with a docking station promised to offer an autonomy of up to ten hours. We don’t know yet if that will cost you extra or if it will be included in the laptop’s price, but we should find out soon enough.
The biggest downside of the EliteBook Folio 9470M, as far as I can tell right now, will be its display, which will only come with a 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. That’s a bit disappointing, compared with the Envy 14 Spectre, for example, but then again it’s not that bad and will most likely not cancel all of the laptop’s strong points.
Unfortunately, we will have to wait until October to see this bad boy in action
There are a few details still kept under wraps, but keep in touch with our website and we will surely get back to you with everything you need to know about HP’s new EliteBook Folio 9470M. In the meantime, check out the video below and feast your eyes with an exclusive hands-on preview, brought to you straight from the laptop’s unveiling in Shanghai!
Renny
February 22, 2013 at 11:59 pm
Hi Adrian,
I’m after an ultrabook for home use. I rarely take it outside so battery life isn’t much of an issue as I would connect to power. I also connect a mouse, I just find it quicker especially when playing games in face book. I use the computer for research, paying bills and staying connected with family and friends overseas…so I keep slot of pics and docs on it. Which ultrabook or system would you recommend..please include a budget solution as well as high end result.
Many thanks, Renny
Mike
March 2, 2013 at 9:43 pm
Renny, pretty much all ultrabooks would fit your needs. So you should check out my lists of recommended ultrabooks, you’ll find those links on the homepage of the site