By Administrator Introduction
The HP EliteBook series has long been synonymous with reliability, security, and professional aesthetics, making it a staple in corporate environments and a favorite among business travelers. Within this esteemed lineage, the HP EliteBook 840 G4 laptop holds a unique position. Released several years ago, it represents a specific point in time, balancing performance with portability and a suite of security features designed to protect sensitive data. But in a world of constantly evolving technology, does the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop still hold its own? Is it a worthwhile investment, or has it been eclipsed by newer, more powerful, and more feature-rich alternatives? This article delves into the core aspects of the HP EliteBook 840 G4 laptop, exploring its design, performance, security, and overall value proposition to help you determine if it remains a viable option in today’s laptop landscape. We’ll assess whether this particular EliteBook 840 G4 laptop is a timeless classic or has become a relic of the past.
Design and Build: Professionalism Embodied
The EliteBook 840 G4 laptop exudes a professional aesthetic. Its silver finish and clean lines convey a sense of understated elegance. The design is not flashy, but rather focuses on functionality and durability. HP opted for a combination of materials in its construction, predominantly aluminum and magnesium alloy, which contribute to its robust feel. The materials used don’t just provide structural integrity; they lend a premium feel to the device, something you’d expect from a business-class laptop.
The build quality of the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop is a key strength. It feels incredibly solid, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use. The laptop has been put through MIL-STD G testing. While individual test results vary based on configuration, this certification suggests a certain level of resistance to drops, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. The hinges are sturdy, providing smooth and reliable opening and closing of the lid. There’s minimal flex in the chassis, indicating a well-engineered and durable design.
When it comes to portability, the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop strikes a good balance. Its relatively lightweight design and slim profile make it easy to slip into a bag and carry around all day. This is an important consideration for professionals who are constantly on the move.
In terms of ports, the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop offers a decent selection. It typically includes several USB A ports, a USB C port, an HDMI port for connecting to external displays, and an Ethernet port for reliable wired network connectivity. This port selection provides flexibility for connecting a variety of peripherals and accessories. Wireless connectivity is handled by a dependable Wi Fi adapter and Bluetooth, ensuring seamless integration with wireless networks and devices.
Display and Audio: Adequate for Work, Not a Showstopper
The EliteBook 840 G4 laptop came with various display options, including High Definition and Full High Definition resolutions. The panel type is generally an In Plane Switching display. The screen quality is adequate for most business tasks, providing decent brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. Viewing angles are generally good, ensuring that the display remains visible from different positions. Many configurations also feature an anti glare coating, which helps to reduce reflections and improve visibility in brightly lit environments.
Audio quality on the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop is generally satisfactory for video conferencing and basic media consumption. The speakers are typically tuned by Bang & Olufsen, a reputable audio brand. While the audio won’t blow you away, it’s certainly adequate for conference calls, webinars, and listening to music while you work.
The integrated webcam on the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop offers a reasonable resolution and image quality for video conferencing. Some models may include a physical privacy shutter. This is a welcome feature for those concerned about privacy.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Designed for Productivity
The keyboard on the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop is designed for comfortable and efficient typing. The key layout is standard, and the keys offer decent travel and tactile feedback. The keyboard is comfortable to type on for extended periods, which is essential for professionals who spend a lot of time writing. Backlighting is often included.
The trackpad on the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop is generally responsive and accurate. It provides a smooth surface for navigation and supports multi finger gestures for scrolling, zooming, and other common tasks.
Performance and Hardware: Aging but Capable
The EliteBook 840 G4 laptop was available with a range of Intel Core processor options. Common configurations included i5 and i7 series processors. These processors provided sufficient performance for typical business tasks such as web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and email.
The laptop came with varying amounts of RAM, typically GB or GB of Double Data Rate Fourth generation memory. This amount of RAM is sufficient for multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously.
For storage, the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop typically features a Solid State Drive. Solid State Drive performance significantly improves boot times, application loading speeds, and overall system responsiveness compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives.
The EliteBook 840 G4 laptop relies on integrated Intel High Definition graphics for graphics processing. This integrated graphics solution is adequate for basic tasks but is not suitable for demanding applications such as gaming or video editing.
While benchmark results can provide a more objective measure of performance, they should be interpreted with caution. Real world performance is often more important. In everyday use, the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop performs well for typical business tasks. It’s capable of handling web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and video conferencing without any major issues.
Battery Life: Lasting Through the Workday
The battery capacity of the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop varies depending on the configuration. In terms of real world battery life, the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop can typically last for a full workday on a single charge, depending on usage. Tasks such as web browsing and word processing consume less power than more demanding activities such as video playback or gaming.
Security Features: A Business Focus
The EliteBook 840 G4 laptop places a strong emphasis on security. HP Sure Start is a key security feature that protects the Basic Input Output System from malware attacks.
A fingerprint reader is often included, providing a convenient and secure way to log in to the laptop. The fingerprint reader is generally accurate and reliable.
Trusted Platform Module is another important security feature that helps to protect sensitive data. Trusted Platform Module provides hardware based encryption and authentication.
In addition to these core security features, the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop may also include other security software such as HP Client Security, which provides additional protection against threats.
Software: Clean and Efficient
The EliteBook 840 G4 laptop typically comes preinstalled with Windows Pro. The operating system provides a stable and secure platform for business applications. The amount of preinstalled software is relatively minimal, which helps to keep the system running smoothly.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
The HP EliteBook 840 G4 laptop has several strengths. Its durable design, comfortable keyboard, decent battery life, and comprehensive security features make it a suitable choice for business professionals. However, it also has some weaknesses. Its integrated graphics limit its suitability for demanding applications. The hardware is becoming dated, and newer laptops offer better performance and features. Finally, the price may be a barrier for some users. While it may be available at a lower price now, there are other options at comparable pricing with newer technology.
Alternatives: Exploring the Competition
When considering alternatives to the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop, several options come to mind. Dell Latitude laptops offer a similar blend of durability, performance, and security. Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are also known for their robust build quality and excellent keyboards. Newer EliteBook models offer improved performance and features compared to the 840 G4. The choice between these alternatives depends on individual needs and preferences. Some users may prefer the Dell Latitude for its sleek design, while others may prefer the Lenovo ThinkPad for its legendary keyboard. Newer EliteBook models offer the benefits of updated processors, improved graphics, and enhanced security features.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Specific Needs, but Consider Newer Options
The HP EliteBook 840 G4 laptop remains a solid choice for specific needs. Its durable design, comfortable keyboard, decent battery life, and comprehensive security features make it a suitable option for business professionals who prioritize reliability and security. However, its integrated graphics and aging hardware limit its suitability for demanding applications. In today’s market, the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop is best suited for users who need a reliable and secure laptop for basic business tasks and are willing to accept its limitations in terms of performance and graphics. For users who require more performance or graphics power, or who want the latest features and technologies, newer laptops may be a better choice. Before making a purchase, carefully consider your individual needs and budget, and weigh the pros and cons of the EliteBook 840 G4 laptop against other available options. Consider your daily usage, and determine if the needs match the laptops capabilities.
