HP EliteBook 8 G1i 14

A light 14 inch EliteBook with an H-series chip, for people whose work is heavy

The HP EliteBook 8 G1i 14 is part of HP’s 2025 business range, where the new EliteBook 8 series takes over from the EliteBook 840. Our unit has the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, a performance chip that most thin business laptops do not carry, with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD in a 1.39kg body.

It is part of our range of business laptops.

What you get

Intel Core Ultra 7 255H

The 255H is an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor with 16 cores and 16 threads, boosting up to 5.1GHz. The H means it is built for sustained performance rather than the lowest power draw, so it stays quick under big Excel models, Power BI reports, code builds, virtual machines and light video work. It has Intel Arc graphics built in and an NPU rated at 13 TOPS, a small AI engine that handles camera effects and noise removal on calls.

16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD

Unlike many thin laptops, the 8 G1i uses two standard DDR5 memory slots rather than soldered memory, and HP supports up to 64GB. You can start at 16GB and add more later when your workload grows. Ask us before you buy memory. The 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD keeps start-up and file opening fast.

14 inch 16:10 screen

The screen is 14 inches in a 16:10 shape, a little taller than older laptops, so you see more rows of a spreadsheet or page. HP builds this model with several panels, from 1920 x 1200 anti-glare screens to a 2.5K 120Hz option and an 800 nit Sure View privacy screen. Ask us which panel this unit has if brightness or resolution matters to you.

Ports

On the left you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports at 40Gbps, which charge the laptop and run monitors or a dock, plus HDMI 2.1 and a headset jack. On the right are a 10Gbps USB-C port, a USB-A port and a lock slot. HP offers a wired Ethernet port and a smart card reader as factory options, so ask us if you need either.

Wireless, webcam and audio

HP fits Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E, both with Bluetooth. The 5MP webcam has a physical shutter, and there are ambient light and colour sensors that adjust the screen to the room.

Security and management

Every unit has a TPM 2.0 chip and HP Wolf Security for Business, including HP Sure Start, which checks the BIOS and restores it if it is tampered with. It ships as a Secured-core PC. A fingerprint reader is a factory option, so ask us to confirm it on this unit.

Size, weight and battery

HP quotes a starting weight of 1.39kg and a maximum thickness of under 19mm. The 62Wh battery supports HP Fast Charge, roughly half a charge in 30 minutes with the laptop off or asleep. The keyboard is spill resistant, and backlit on most configurations.

Who it suits

The 8 G1i 14 suits finance analysts, engineers, developers, data teams and managers who run heavy software but still carry a laptop every day. It also suits companies that want a current EliteBook they can keep for five years, with memory they can upgrade. If your day is email, Word and a browser, the cheaper HP EliteBook 6 G1i 14 will feel just as quick. If you want a touchscreen that folds into a tablet, see the options below.

Operating system

We install Windows 11 on it before delivery, so it is ready to use when it arrives. If you would rather run a different operating system, tell us when you order.

How it compares

The HP EliteBook 8 G1i 16 is the same laptop with a 16 inch screen and a number pad. The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G11 adds an OLED touchscreen, a 360 degree hinge and 32GB of RAM. From other brands, the Dell Latitude 7450 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 are the closest premium 14 inch rivals.

Full product details are on HP’s official site.

Looking after it

Charge it through a surge protector or a UPS, because a surge when power returns can damage the board through the charger. The H-series chip produces more heat under load than a U-series chip, so work on a hard surface and keep the vents clear. If the laptop lives plugged in at a desk, HP’s Battery Health Manager in HP Power Manager limits charging so the battery lasts longer. Clean the screen with a dry microfibre cloth and the keyboard with a soft brush.

Works well with

The Logitech MX Anywhere 3S is a compact mouse for travel. At a desk, the UGREEN Swivel Laptop Stand raises the screen, and the Logitech MK540 keyboard and mouse give you a full-size setup.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the EliteBook 6 and 8?

The 8 is the more premium series, with better build, more panel options and, on this unit, a faster H-series processor.

Can I upgrade the RAM?

Yes. It has two DDR5 slots and supports up to 64GB. Ask us before you buy memory.

Is it a touchscreen?

HP sells touch and non-touch versions. Ask us to confirm the panel on this unit.

Can I charge it with USB-C?

Yes. All three USB-C ports support charging.

Does it have an Ethernet port?

Ethernet is a factory option on this model. Ask us, or use a USB-C adapter.

Does it have Intel vPro?

No. The Core Ultra 7 255H is not a vPro chip. If your IT team needs vPro, ask us for a vPro model.

Does it come with Windows?

Yes. We install Windows 11 before delivery. If you prefer another operating system, tell us when you order.

Buying from Encom Digital

Everything we sell is genuine HP. Prices on this page exclude VAT, and every order comes with a KRA-compliant VAT invoice, which your accounts team will need if you are buying for a company.

We offer same-day delivery within Nairobi and deliver to the rest of Kenya. You can pay by M-Pesa, card or bank transfer. If you are fitting out an office, a school or an NGO, ask us for bulk and corporate pricing.

Call or WhatsApp us on +254 714 962 072, email us, or visit us at Rehema House, 4th Floor, Standard Street, Nairobi, Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 6PM.