Review: HP EliteBook Folio 1020, a luxury ultralight laptop

2023 Author: Donald Evans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-27 23:51

Hybrid devices between laptop and tablet have become very fashionable, but what is trending does not always really adapt to the needs of consumers. Our review of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 will show that for many users a traditional laptop is just right, without the need for a touch screen.

The HP EliteBook Folio 1020 is a perfect device for work, since it has a great orientation to productivity, although in the home environment it is also interesting. This is a laptop with a 12.5-inch screen that is committed to maximum lightness and autonomy, rather than raw power.

However, the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 will demonstrate in our review that it is a very high-end PC, with features to match at your price. It offers good specifications, luxury finishes, advanced security features and all the guarantees of a prestigious brand like HP.

We find ourselves with an ultrabook with Windows, a thin but advanced device, which is perfect for mobility We can anticipate that the experience will You liked it, but take a look at our review of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 to know all the details of the equipment.

HP EliteBook Folio 1020, Specifications

Before we go any further, let's take a look at the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 datasheet to verify that it is a really complete device. Here are its characteristics:

1. Display: 12.5 inches with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and a matte finish.
2. Processor: Intel Core M-5Y51 64-bit, 2 cores 1.1 GHz to 2.6 GHz.
3. GPU: HD Intel 5300 (integrated into processor).
4. RAM Memory: 8 GB.
5. Storage: 256 GB in SSD format, with microSD slot.
6. Connectivity: Wi-Fi ac (2x2) and Bluetooth 4.0.
7. Sensors: Fingerprint reader and 720p webcam.
8. Ports: 2 USB 3.0, HDMI and audio jack, Ethernet and VGA by adapter (included).
9. Finishes: Aluminum body, backlit keyboard and glass trackpad.
10. Resistance: MIL-STD 810G certified against shocks/drops, anti-splash keyboard.
11. Security: TPM module for data encryption and secure boot.
12. Battery: 4 cells, 36 W/h.
13. Operating system: Windows 7 Professional upgradable to Windows 10 Pro.
14. Dimensions: 31 x 21 x 1.57 cm and 1.17 kg.

Very careful design

At this point, we cannot expect surprises in the design of a notebook. We just have to mention that it is a traditional clamshell format, without a removable screen or touch functionalities. That's bad? It depends on the user, but many of us prefer traditional laptops They are better for working, and in the home segment they still make sense, because Windows needs to improve a lot on the touch level.

Of course, the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 stands out for how compact it is. Its 12.5-inch display makes it smaller than the typical 13.3-inch ultrabook, but not as limited as 11.6-inch netbooks. With a thickness of less than 1.6 centimeters and a weight of less than 1.2 kilograms, the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 is not only easy to carry in a bag, but it even fits in a briefcase. Of course, it is perfect for those who need to move a lot.

The finishes are very careful, with a body built in aluminum and magnesium The HP EliteBook Folio 1020 has the MIL-certification STD 810G, which confirms that it resists blows, falls, humidity, extreme temperatures and vibrations. But neither is it a laptop that is proof of any aggression, we must treat it reasonably.

Regarding the ports, it has two USB 3.0, an HDMI output and a 3.5 mm jackWe can expand the storage with a microSD card, and we have a port to connect an accessory (included in the box) that adds VGA and Ethernet. These connections are old and bulky, so it is normal that they do not come in the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 itself.

High-end screen and correct sound

The truth is that the screen of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 has stood out a lot in our review. This is a quality panel, with a convincing 1080p resolution There may be higher pixel count models on the market, but they don't make much sense. At this screen size, sharpness is already excellent, more resolution only penalizes performance and autonomy unnecessarily.

In addition, the screen offers vivid colours, with deep blacks and good viewing angles. The finish is matte, so we won't suffer troublesome reflections in places with a lot of light. Depending on our eyesight, we will use the standard size of the interface, or we will increase it in the Windows settings.

On the screen of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 we find a webcam that offers a 720p resolution. It is more than enough to carry out videoconferences, either in the family environment or in remote work meetings.

The sound is simply correct It has adequate volume, it also sounds clean and clear. We do not enjoy the audio typical of a multimedia laptop, it does not stand out especially, but it is adequate for daily use. However, if we are going to watch a lot of videos or listen to music, the included Bluetooth 4.0 will come in handy to connect an external speaker.

Fair performance, excellent autonomy

To analyze the performance of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 we must take one thing into account: fast storage and abundant RAM memory do not imply sacrifices for autonomy, but a processor demanding would drain our battery dizzyingly

So the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 opts for an Intel Core M-5Y51, which offers adequate performance for tasks like web browsing, office automation, photo retouching or social networks. However, it does not stand out in topics such as video editing at high resolutions, nor in video games. Of course, this is not a computer for serious gaming.

The Intel Core M-5Y51 no fan required, ensuring silence and enabling the slim design of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 The laptop does get a bit warm in demanding conditions, but it never really bothers you even if you hold it on your lap.

The truth is that the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 Moves Windows with great fluidity Both the system and the apps work fast, load quickly and They answer perfectly. Except in the case of very heavy programs, we will find a team that provides a great experience.

How is that possible with a simple processor? Well, because the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 has 256 GB of super-fast SSD storage, which boosts its performance. In addition, it includes 8 GB of RAM, so it will be difficult for apps to run out of memory.

We wanted to pass a benchmark test to give you an idea of ​​the capabilities of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020. We chose PCMark 8, a popular benchmark for Windows. Here is the result:

On the other hand, the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 has Wi-Fi ac (2x2), so we are guaranteed access to Extremely fast internet. Many networks do not yet support this standard, but in any case, we are prepared for the future thanks to this network connection.

Regarding autonomy, it is difficult to give an exact verdict, although the result is surprising in any case. We can get very close to the 9 hours of autonomy that the manufacturer promises, but it depends on the use of the equipment. With a low brightness and web browsing, it will last us a whole day of work. With maximum brightness and demanding applications, we can stay at less than half.

Premium keyboard and trackpad

The keyboard and trackpad of light notebooks are often a weak spot, and we're pleased to see that the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 performed more than well in our review. Both of these elements work well, and are suitable for users who need to compose long documents

The keyboard is backlit, which is handy in dark environments, and resists spills The keys offer acceptable travel considering the thinness of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020, and the keyboard size is full. Of course, a neat look.

The trackpad is made of glass, is large enough to work comfortably, and is responsive. Accepts multi-finger gestures, making it easy to use. In general, he is pleasant to work with.

We don't like the included charger that much, and not just because of the design, but because the power brick dangles in the middle of the cord, instead of being connected to the wall socket. Of course, at least the power supply block is quite small

Enterprise-Class Security

In domestic environments security is important, but in companies it becomes critical to take care of data. That's why the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 offers the added peace of mind of fingerprint access, which in Windows 10 can be leveraged directly with Windows Hello.

The fingerprint reader may not be as fast and accurate as a smartphone, but it works well once we get used to the system to slide your finger across the sensor.

The HP EliteBook Folio 1020 features a TPM module that increases overall security, and enables secure boot of the operating system. In addition, the company offers various software solutions to facilitate equipment management, and data erasure in case of loss.

Intel vPro technology provides a number of additional capabilities that are valuable in an enterprise environment, enabling strong data encryption These features may not be key for the user in their day to day, but some organizations will require them in their devices.

Windows, reliable as always

It is not the goal of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 review to delve into an operating system that we all know, but we should mention that it comes with Windows 7 Professional 64-bitThis is a logical alternative, as many companies continue to use this popular version.

What if we are going to use the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 in our home? Well, we can freely upgrade to Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, so the decision is up to us. We shouldn't find any problems with Ubuntu or FreeDOS either, because HP lists them as compatible on its US website, although few users will opt for such specialized alternatives.

We have analyzed the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 with Windows 10, and the experience has been more than positive As we have already mentioned, the The system is very fluid, it looks great on a screen of this quality and we enjoy full support for functions such as the Cortana voice assistant or Windows Hello, to use the fingerprint reader.

Honestly, at the software level we must applaud the decision to allow us to choose Windows 7, since not everyone wants or you can choose Windows 10 right now.

HP EliteBook Folio 1020 convinces in our review

The truth is that we liked the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 in our review. It is a small and light laptop oriented towards mobility, which fulfills its objectives The autonomy is excellent and the power is adequate for the vast majority of applications. day to day tasks. All this without neglecting security, with good finishes and sufficient ports.

It is clear that the price of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 is high, but we are talking about a first class laptop, suitable for use home, but also to integrate into any business organization. In addition, it offers a 3-year warranty, even for the battery. We can certainly recommend the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 as a very solid alternative for anyone looking for a high-end ultra-light notebook.

The strong points of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 that we found in our review are:

1. Excellent finishes, great resistance and a good keyboard/trackpad set.
2. A good high resolution screen.
3. It is not designed for advanced tasks, but it performs very well on a day-to-day basis.
4. Incredible autonomy, without being excessively thick.

The weak points of the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 that we found in our review are:

1. The charger is not up to the level expected from a laptop like this.
2. The sound is correct, but it doesn't stand out.

Buy: HP EliteBook Folio 1020 (Amazon) or HP EliteBook Folio 1020 (eBay)