As a full-time freelance writer, I spend my work days bouncing between coffee shops, co-working spaces, and wherever else I can find a quiet spot with Wi-Fi. My laptop is my office, my assistant, and even my lifeline when looming deadlines are just around the corner. When I got the chance to test the new HP EliteBook 1040 G11, I didn’t think it would make a big difference in how I work—but I was wrong. This AI-powered laptop has made my day-to-day easier in ways I didn’t even know I needed.

Uninterrupted Productivity, Even When I Forget to Charge

The other day, I was halfway through an assignment that was due in just a few hours when I realized two things: I hadn’t charged my laptop the night before, and I’d left my charging cable at home. But with the HP EliteBook 1040 G11’s up to 20-hour battery life, I didn’t have to stress about running out of power. 

The laptop’s built-in AI also comes into play here with HP Smart Sense. It automatically adjusts performance needs to conserve power when I need it most—like when I’m deep into research with twenty tabs open or switching between writing apps and video calls.

Looking and Sounding Presentable, Even in a Busy Coffee Shop

As a freelancer, I am my own brand, and I often find myself video chatting with clients and interview subjects without the luxury of a dedicated office or perfect lighting. This built-in AI-enhanced 5MP IR camera and AI-driven audio have become my secret weapon for looking and sounding my best, no matter where I’m working.

HP’s Poly Camera Pro software has spotlight and auto-framing to keep me centered and adjust the lighting on the fly, even when I’m sitting in a cozy (read: dimly lit) corner of a coffee shop. Additionally, the four Poly studio tuned speakers, AI Noise Reduction and Dynamic Voice leveling optimize microphone and sound ensuring I can hear and be heard. It’s like having a mini studio setup in my backpack.

AI That Feels Like an Actual Assistant

With its own dedicated key on the keyboard, Microsoft Copilot—the AI assistant built into the HP EliteBook 1040 G11—is a seamless part of my workflow. And unlike many robotic AI assistants I’ve encountered, Copilot has personality—it’s genuinely fun to interact with. I can ask it to help organize my projects, break down complex topics, or even distract me with an interesting fact when I need a quick mental break (without the risk of doom scrolling on social media).

Security That Has My Back

Speaking of security, I often handle sensitive client data, so protecting it is crucial. The HP EliteBook 1040 G11 comes equipped with the HP Wolf Pro Security for Business preconfigured enterprise-level PC protection which creates a single solution that doesn’t require an IT-managed PC environment and helps small and medium sized businesses stay protected from new and known threats. It’s also a Microsoft Secured-Core PC, which protects the laptop down to the firmware level. For someone who works remotely and doesn’t always have control over the network I’m connecting to, this level of safety feels like a game-changer.

Light, Thin, and Responsibly Crafted

At just 1.18 kg, I can carry the EliteBook 1040 G11 around all day without feeling weighed down. And with up to 2TB SSD storage, I have all the space I need for my portfolio of projects. Plus, 70 per cent of major parts on this PC contain recycled materials and the packaging is made from 100 per cent sustainably sourced materials. As someone who tries to make eco-friendly choices where I can, it’s nice to know that HP shares this commitment. 

With this laptop, I’m not just keeping up with my workload—I’m getting ahead of it. It’s made my day-to-day smoother, more efficient, and even a little more fun. For anyone looking to level up their freelance game, the EliteBook 1040 G11 should definitely be on your radar.