The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 checks all the boxes for a premium business notebook. It's ultra-portable at just under a kilogram, has a 3:2 display optimised for work (with an optional integrated privacy screen), and comes with HP's full suite of security features. It also looks really attractive, especially the slate blue version. Who says business laptops have to be boring and bland?

While the previous HP Elite Dragonfly models were 2-in-1 Windows convertibles, the latest G3 is a clamshell notebook. You can open it flat to 180 degrees, but that's all. HP still has a touchscreen (3K2K OLED) option, but my review unit's 1,920 x 1,280-pixel display with a 1000-nits HP Sure View Reflect integrated privacy screen will likely be the more popular option. This privacy screen severely reduces the viewing angle, basically making it impossible for busy-bodies to see what's on your screen from the sides. Note that the display's viewing angles — even without the privacy screen enabled — are not as good as that of a typical notebook. That aside, the colours looks rich and lively. The privacy screen and the privacy shutter for the webcam are toggled via Function keys.

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The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is built to withstand its fair share of knocks. Its magnesium and aluminium body has apparently undergone 19 stress and environmental tests based on the MIL-STD-810H military standard. The notebook also offers protection from malware and cyber-threats. HP touts an array of security tools, from the HP Wolf Security suite to BIOS protection. In addition, there's the optional Tile app, a Bluetooth tracker to locate the laptop even when off. Typing on the G3 was very comfortable. I even felt that I made fewer typos than usual. The keys are large and tactile, while the touchpad is also bigger than the ones in most Windows laptops. The G3's 5MP webcam produces sharp images with less noise than most webcams. This infrared webcam also supports facial recognition. Or you can use its fingerprint sensor.

With its power-saving Intel 12th-gen Core i7 U Series chip, the HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is optimised more for stamina than performance. Its PCMark 10 score (4,572) is lower than the LG Gram 16 (and its P Series chip), which managed 5,016. But I didn't have any issues with everyday computing tasks like editing documents and writing emails. The laptop also completed the 3DMark Time Spy stress test without any issues. Sure, the G3 got slightly warmer during the test, but nothing too uncomfortable. More importantly, the G3 lasted a good 7hr 36min in our video playback test with the screen set to maximum brightness. The bundled USB-C charger is handy, while the charger's braided cable is a nice touch, too.

The HP Elite Dragonfly G3 is an excellent business laptop with good battery life and useful extras such as the optional privacy screen. Its ultra-portable design is great for mobile workers, while the 3:2 screen is ideal for productivity. And it looks stylish, too. But you can expect to pay a premium — prices start from S$3,029. You can get it from the HP Singapore Store or Lazada now.

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Note: Review unit provided by HP.