The new Dragonfly Folio G3 is the third attempt at hp in this unique 2-in-1 design, which uses a “leather-like” folio case (as HP puts it) to transform it into different modes.
The Dragonfly Folio G3 can sit upright like your normal everyday laptop, but when you need to be more immersed in your screen, you can pull it forward. It will cover the keyboard and leave you with just the screen and trackpad. Or you can pull the screen forward and turn the whole machine into a tablet, albeit a fairly thick one.
That makes it very different from standard 2-in-1 laptops like the aluminum Surface Pro with its detachable keyboard.
This design was first attempted with the HP Specter Folio in 2018 and then the HP Elite Folio in 2021. But this time, the Dragonfly Folio G3 exists in the same vein as HP’s other Dragonfly laptops, such as the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook and the HP Elite Dragonfly Max. These are high-end, premium devices made for businesspeople who don’t want to fall back on something old-school like a ThinkPad or traditional business laptop.
But overall, the Dragonfly Folio G3 looks very similar to last year’s Elite Folio. It’s a 13.5-inch 3:2 device that still folds and unfolds the same way. The Dragonfly Folio G3 is a little heavier (3.09 pounds) and thicker (0.7 inches) this time around, but you get a bigger 56-watt-hour battery instead.
The other significant changes include the option of a higher resolution OLED screen (3K2K) and improved performance. The Elite Folio used a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, while the new Dragonfly Folio uses a more conventional Intel processor. The Dragonfly Folio G3 comes with the latest 12th Gen Intel processor, with a choice between an i5 and an i7 in non-vPro and non-vPro configurations. HP didn’t specify which exact processors would be included, but previous devices in the Folio lineup have been fanless designs.
The G3 has an integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics unit and up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM. HP hasn’t said how much RAM the base model comes with, but the Elite Folio started at 8GB. It also ranges from 256GB up to 2TB of storage space on Solid State Drives (SSDs).
HP also includes a compatible stylus in the box, so you won’t have to fork out an extra $100 to get one, like you do with some other brands (looking at you, Microsoft, and Apple). The G3 also comes with an Elite Premium keyboard, which matches the keyboard found on HP’s other Dragonfly business laptops and Specter devices. The touchpad, meanwhile, is large at 120mm by 80mm and is a clicky mechanical trackpad.
There are some nifty new features packed with this unconventional laptop. For starters, the stylus is magnetic and can fit into the side of the G3, where it will charge wirelessly. This is similar to the line apple ipadbut it’s unusual for a laptop.
HP also includes some of its own custom software experiences with the G3, like an automatic privacy alert. The 8MP high resolution camera sensors can detect if someone is looking over your shoulder and warn you accordingly. The onboard AI can also detect background lighting and automatically adjust the camera output accordingly.
Finally, the Dragonfly Folio G3 comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There’s not much I/O here, but again, you’re not going to be editing RAW images on this device.
The HP Dragonfly Folio G3 starts at $2,379 and is available starting today.
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