HP ZBook Firefly 14 G8 Mobile Workstation – 14″ – Core i7 1085G7 – 16 GB RAM – 512 GB SSD

The ZBook Firefly 14 G7 occupies just 32.3cm by 21.46 cm of desktop space, and is 1.79 cm thick. The styling is restrained, with mid-tone slate grey predominant both inside and out. It loosens up a bit with the characteristic ZBook ‘Z’ on the lid, which is somewhat reminiscent of a superhero’s marque.

Another notable styling point is the angled design of back edge of the chassis and bottom of the lid. It’s a subtle feature, showing good attention to detail.

The laptop’s 170-degree screen hinge doesn’t quite reach flat to the desk, which is a pity but not a deal-breaker. HP rather optimistically calls the screen bezels ‘narrow’ in its product information, but no measurements are given in the product specifications. The top bezel easily accommodates the 720p webcam which has its own sliding privacy cover; some models, including my review unit, also have an IR sensor for Windows Hello authentication and an ambient light sensor.

There are two configurations for the 14-inch screen available off the page in the UK. My review unit had a 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel with an anti-glare finish. It does reflect a little bit, but not enough to be irritating. At its maximum 400 nits the display was too bright for everyday working, but it would deliver presentations wonderfully.