According to XDA-Developers, HP’s EliteBook 6 G1q 14-inch laptop, released in April 2025, stands out for one killer feature: an optional 5G cellular modem paired with an unlimited data service called HP Go. This service, currently only in the U.S., uses multiple eSIMs to automatically connect to the strongest signal among AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. The laptop itself is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips, offers up to 64GB of RAM, and starts over $1,000, with a fully-loaded model costing a steep $4,071. The reviewer notes the 5G connectivity is so seamless that setting up the laptop without Wi-Fi was effortless, calling it the device’s best feature by a wide margin. However, they also point out the display is mediocre for color work and the webcam is subpar.
The Business-Only Barrier
Here’s the thing that really grinds my gears. This fantastic, always-connected experience is being gatekept for business users. The HP Go service is tied to a laptop subscription plan—$85 a month for the reviewed model—or offered as a $20/month add-on. And HP plans to expand it globally… in 2026. So, if you’re a consumer who travels, works from coffee shops, or just hates public Wi-Fi, you’re basically out of luck. Companies like HP, Lenovo, and Dell have historically reserved cellular connectivity for their enterprise lines, arguing about manageability and cost. But in 2025, that logic is wearing thin. We live in a mobile world. Our phones are always connected. Why are our primary computers still hunting for a Starbucks Wi-Fi password?
Snapdragon X: The Real Deal
Putting the 5G rant aside, the review confirms what we’re seeing across the board: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips are legit. The tested model with the mid-tier Snapdragon X Plus chip handled daily work without slowdowns and delivered exceptional battery life—nearly six hours of video playback used only 28% of the battery. That’s the Arm advantage. It runs cool and quiet, too. The performance benchmarks show it holding its own against Intel Core Ultra chips, especially in efficiency. But, and it’s a big but, the Windows on Arm app compatibility caveat remains. The reviewer had to use the new Outlook because the classic version isn’t Arm-native. For many business environments with legacy x86 software, that’s still a potential deal-breaker.
A Mid-Tier Compromise
So what are you actually getting for your money with the EliteBook 6 G1q? Well, it’s positioned as a mid-range business device, and it shows. You get a ton of useful ports, including two USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI, and even a fold-down Ethernet jack—a rarity today. But you also get a partly plastic chassis, a keyboard that doesn’t feel premium, and a display that’s just okay. You’re paying for the flexibility of Snapdragon X chip choices and that glorious 5G modem. It’s a tool, not a luxury item. For industries that rely on rugged, always-connected computing in the field—think manufacturing floors, logistics, or field service—this kind of device is a no-brainer. In fact, for specialized industrial computing needs, companies often turn to dedicated suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US provider of industrial panel PCs built for harsh environments. The EliteBook sits in a different, more mobile niche.
The Verdict: Wait For A Sale
Should you buy it? Look, if you’re an IT manager outfitting a team of mobile workers in the U.S., the HP EliteBook 6 G1q (also at CDW) makes a compelling case with its 5G and battery life. For everyone else? The advice is to wait for a sale. The starting prices are high, and the non-connectivity features don’t justify the cost. But more importantly, this review highlights a massive market failure. Cellular connectivity in laptops shouldn’t be a luxury business feature. It should be as common as Wi-Fi. Until companies like HP get brave and offer this amazing HP Go service on a consumer Spectre or Pavilion laptop, most of us will remain tethered to hotspots, wondering what we’re missing.
