HP ZBook Firefly Gen 8

The HP ZBook Firefly Gen 8 is a mobile workstation designed for professionals requiring a balance of portability and performance. Available in 14-inch and 15-inch models, it targets users in creative, engineering, and educational organizations who need robust computing power on the go.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Features 11th Generation Intel Core i5 (e.g., i5-1135G7, i5-1145G7 vPro) or Core i7 (e.g., i7-1165G7, i7-1185G7 vPro) processors, part of the "Tiger Lake" family. These are quad-core CPUs.
• RAM: Configurable with up to 64GB of DDR4-3200MHz RAM. Models with discrete NVIDIA graphics often have soldered RAM, limiting configurations to 32GB, while integrated graphics models may offer two SODIMM slots for up to 64GB.
• Storage: Offers PCIe NVMe M.2 SSDs, with capacities ranging from 128GB up to 2TB. Some configurations include Intel Optane memory.
• Graphics: Includes integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics or a discrete NVIDIA T500 professional graphics card with 4GB GDDR6 dedicated memory.
• Display:
  • 14-inch: Features FHD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare panels with brightness options including 250, 400, or 500 nits, and color gamuts such as 45% NTSC, 100% sRGB, or 100% DCI-P3 (HP DreamColor). An optional 1000-nit HP Sure View Reflect integrated privacy screen is also available.
  • 15-inch: Offers FHD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare or touch panels with 250 or 400 nits brightness and 45% NTSC or 100% sRGB color coverage. A 4K UHD (3840x2160) IPS display with 400 nits and 100% sRGB is also an option.
• Ports: Includes two Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 Type-C 40Gbps ports (supporting USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, and HP Sleep and Charge), one HDMI 2.0b port, and one or two SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps ports (one supporting charging). An optional Smart Card reader and Nano SIM card slot for 4G/5G WWAN are also available. A headphone/microphone combo jack is present.
• Wireless Connectivity: Equipped with Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0/5.2. Optional 4G or 5G mobile broadband is available.
• Battery: Features a 3-cell, 53Wh or 56Wh Li-ion polymer battery with HP Fast Charge technology.
• Physical Characteristics: The 14-inch model starts at 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg) with dimensions of 12.7 x 8.45 x 0.7 inches (32.3 x 21.46 x 1.79 cm). The 15-inch model starts at 3.74 lbs (1.7 kg). The chassis is made partially from recycled aluminum and is MIL-STD 810H certified for durability.
• Other Features: Includes a spill-resistant keyboard, Bang & Olufsen audio, an HD webcam with a privacy shutter, and a fingerprint sensor.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP ZBook Firefly Gen 8 offers a robust set of specifications for a mobile workstation, emphasizing portability with its lightweight design and durable, partially recycled aluminum chassis. The 11th Gen Intel Core processors provide ample power for multitasking and productivity, while the option for discrete NVIDIA T500 graphics enhances capabilities for professional 2D and light 3D applications. Display options are a strong point, particularly the HP DreamColor panels, which offer excellent color accuracy crucial for creative professionals. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports ensures high-speed connectivity and versatility for peripherals and external displays. However, the RAM configuration can be a limitation, as models with discrete GPUs often have soldered memory, restricting future upgrades. While powerful for its class, it does not compete with higher-end workstations for extremely demanding tasks.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Ships with Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and includes a license for Windows 11 Pro. HP tested Windows 10, version 1909, on this platform. HP does not provide driver support for Windows 7 or 8 on systems with 7th generation and newer Intel/AMD processors.
• End of Support Date: Specific end-of-life dates are not publicly detailed, but as an 8th generation model, newer generations (G9, G10, G11) have since been released, indicating it is an older product line.
• Available Drivers: Drivers, firmware, and software are available for download from HP's official support website for Windows operating systems. Users may need to manually add Intel Optane drivers to their OS deployment images.
• System Compatibility: The ZBook Firefly Gen 8 is ISV (Independent Software Vendor) certified for leading professional applications like Autodesk and Adobe, ensuring optimized performance and reliability. It supports HP Thunderbolt Docks for expanded connectivity and multi-display setups. Wi-Fi 6 is backward compatible with previous 802.11 standards.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The ZBook Firefly Gen 8 offers solid compatibility with current Windows operating systems, including an upgrade path to Windows 11 Pro. Its ISV certifications are a significant advantage for professionals, guaranteeing stable operation with critical software. HP provides comprehensive driver support through its official channels. However, the lack of explicit end-of-support dates means users should monitor HP's official resources for long-term support information. The need for specific Intel Optane driver integration during OS deployment can be a minor hurdle for IT departments. Overall, the asset is well-supported for its intended professional use cases.

Security Status

• Security Features: Incorporates a suite of HP security technologies, including HP Sure Start (self-healing BIOS), HP Sure Click (malware isolation), HP Sure Sense (threat protection), HP Sure Admin, HP Sure Run, HP Sure Recover Gen3, and HP BIOSphere Gen6. It features an optional HP Sure View Reflect integrated privacy screen. Hardware security includes a physical webcam shutter, an integrated fingerprint sensor, and support for Windows Hello facial recognition (with an IR webcam). TPM 2.0 is present, and the device supports MS Bitlocker Encryption, DriveLock, and BIOS passwords. Secured-core PC functionality is available, requiring specific Intel vPro or AMD Ryzen Pro processors, 8GB+ RAM, and TPM 2.0.
• Vulnerabilities: General firmware vulnerabilities for the ZBook Firefly 15 G8 are listed in CVE databases, though specific details on individual vulnerabilities are not provided in the available information.
• Recommendations: Users should regularly update firmware and drivers to mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Activating and utilizing the full suite of HP Wolf Security features, such as HP Sure Start and HP Sure Sense, is recommended for enhanced protection against firmware and malware attacks. Employing multi-factor authentication via the fingerprint sensor or Windows Hello is advised.

Analysis on the Security Status

The HP ZBook Firefly Gen 8 boasts an impressive array of enterprise-grade security features, making it one of HP's most secure mobile workstations. The combination of hardware-based protections like a physical webcam shutter and fingerprint reader, alongside HP's comprehensive Wolf Security software suite, provides robust defense against various threats, from firmware attacks to malware. The availability of Secured-core PC functionality further enhances its security posture for eligible configurations. While general firmware vulnerabilities are noted in public databases, this is common for complex hardware, and HP's proactive security measures aim to address these. Continuous updates and full utilization of the built-in security tools are crucial for maintaining a strong security status.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: Powered by 11th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 "Tiger Lake" quad-core processors, the Firefly Gen 8 delivers strong performance for general productivity and multitasking.
• Benchmark Scores:
  • Geekbench 5.4: An i7-1185G7 configuration scored approximately 1,590 for single-core and 5,450 for multi-core performance, surpassing the premium laptop average of 4,467 for multi-core tasks.
  • PCMark 10: Achieves around 5,500 points, indicating strong performance in modern office tasks.
  • Handbrake (4K to 1080p video transcoding): Completes the task in approximately 17 minutes and 2 seconds.
  • Cinebench R15 OpenGL: With the NVIDIA T500 GPU, it reaches 165 frames per second.
  • Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm: Scores 36 frames per second with the NVIDIA T500.
• Real-world Performance: The workstation handles demanding workloads effectively for an ultrabook, excelling in 2D graphics, photo editing, full HD video editing, and basic 3D modeling. However, it may struggle with extremely intensive tasks or complex 3D rendering, where more powerful workstations are typically required.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: CPU performance shows a 20-25% improvement over the previous ZBook Firefly 15 G7. While capable, it falls behind more powerful workstations like the Lenovo ThinkPad P15 in CPU-intensive benchmarks. The NVIDIA T500 GPU is comparable to consumer-grade NVIDIA MX450 but benefits from higher clock speeds and professional Quadro certifications and drivers.
• Thermal Performance: Despite a single-fan cooling solution, the device generally runs cool, though the CPU and GPU can experience throttling under sustained heavy loads.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The HP ZBook Firefly Gen 8 delivers commendable performance for its class, particularly for a portable workstation. The 11th Gen Intel Core processors and optional NVIDIA T500 graphics provide sufficient power for professional applications focused on 2D design, photo editing, and light video work. Benchmarks confirm its capability for modern office tasks and moderate creative workloads. Its performance profile positions it as an excellent choice for mobile professionals who need more power than a typical ultrabook but do not require the extreme processing or graphics capabilities of a full-fledged desktop replacement workstation. The thermal management, while generally effective, indicates that sustained, highly intensive tasks might lead to some performance reduction due to throttling.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for the HP ZBook Firefly Gen 8 generally highlights its strengths in portability, design, and display quality. Users praise its lightweight and sturdy aluminum chassis, which provides a premium feel. The keyboard is frequently lauded as excellent, comfortable, and spill-resistant, making it ideal for extensive typing. The responsive touchpad and good selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, are also well-received. Many appreciate the beautiful and color-accurate HP DreamColor display options, which are crucial for creative tasks. Battery life is considered good for light to moderate use.

Conversely, some users note that the performance, while good for an ultrabook, may not meet the expectations of a "workstation-worthy" device for very heavy, demanding tasks. The speakers receive mixed reviews, often described as "meh" or lacking bass. The price for top-tier configurations can be a deterrent. While display options are generally good, base models can be dim or have less vibrant colors, and all display options are limited to 1080p resolution for the 14-inch model, with 4K only available on the 15-inch. Some configurations with discrete GPUs have soldered RAM, limiting upgradeability. Isolated reports mention inconsistent experiences with HP products and potential issues with Intel Optane drivers during OS deployment.

Summary

The HP ZBook Firefly Gen 8 stands out as a highly portable and well-designed mobile workstation, catering effectively to professionals who require a blend of mobility, robust security, and capable performance for everyday productivity and creative tasks. Its strengths lie in its lightweight, durable aluminum construction, excellent keyboard, versatile port selection including Thunderbolt 4, and exceptional color-accurate display options like the HP DreamColor panel. The comprehensive suite of HP Wolf Security features provides enterprise-grade protection, making it a secure choice for business environments. Performance, driven by 11th Gen Intel Core processors and optional NVIDIA T500 graphics, is strong for 2D design, photo editing, and light 3D modeling, with benchmark scores often exceeding premium laptop averages.

However, the Firefly Gen 8 has limitations. While capable, its performance may not satisfy users with extremely demanding 3D rendering or complex computational workloads, where higher-end ZBook models or dedicated desktop workstations would be more appropriate. The base display options can be less vibrant, and the 14-inch model lacks a 4K display option. The soldered RAM in some configurations limits future upgradeability, and the speakers are considered average. The premium pricing for higher-end configurations is also a consideration.

Overall, the HP ZBook Firefly Gen 8 is an ideal asset for mobile professionals, architects, designers, and power users who prioritize portability, security, and a high-quality visual experience for tasks that are not excessively GPU or CPU intensive. It is a strong contender for those needing a reliable, secure, and well-built machine for on-the-go productivity and light to moderate creative work.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.