HP EliteBook 8470p Laptop Specs: A Detailed Overview

Introduction

The HP EliteBook 8470p, a stalwart in the world of business laptops, once held a prominent position in boardrooms and classrooms alike. Designed with durability and reliability in mind, it catered to professionals and students seeking a dependable machine for everyday tasks. While not the newest device on the market, the EliteBook 8470p continues to be a relevant option, particularly for those on a budget seeking a robust and functional laptop. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the HP EliteBook 8470p’s specifications, delving into its design, performance capabilities, connectivity options, and more. We will examine its strengths and weaknesses in the context of today’s computing landscape, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether this classic laptop still meets your needs. Understanding the specifications of the HP EliteBook 8470p will assist you when finding a laptop to support your daily routines.

Design and Build Quality

The HP EliteBook 8470p is characterized by its professional and understated design. Eschewing flashy aesthetics, the laptop emphasizes functionality and durability. The chassis is typically constructed from a combination of brushed aluminum and magnesium alloy, providing a sturdy and premium feel. This robust construction contributes significantly to the laptop’s ability to withstand the rigors of daily use, a key factor in its popularity among professionals who demand a dependable workhorse. The dimensions of the laptop strike a balance between portability and usability, making it suitable for both office and on-the-go use. The form factor is traditional, with a focus on practicality rather than cutting-edge design trends. The overall look and feel exude professionalism, making it a suitable choice for business environments.

A defining characteristic of the EliteBook 8470p is its exceptional durability. HP designed this laptop to withstand the challenges of daily use and even unexpected accidents. One important aspect of its ruggedness is its compliance with MIL-STD eight-ten-G testing. This military-grade standard ensures that the laptop can withstand a variety of environmental stressors, including extreme temperatures, humidity, vibration, and dust. Furthermore, the keyboard is often designed to be spill-resistant, providing an extra layer of protection against accidental liquid damage. This robust build quality significantly enhances the lifespan of the laptop, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a long-lasting device.

The portability of the HP EliteBook 8470p is another factor to consider. While not as sleek or lightweight as modern ultrabooks, it offers a reasonable degree of portability. The weight of the laptop generally falls within a comfortable range for carrying in a backpack or briefcase. The thickness of the laptop is also manageable, allowing it to fit easily into most laptop bags. While you might find lighter options on the market today, the EliteBook 8470p strikes a good balance between portability and the ruggedness afforded by its robust construction.

Display Features

The HP EliteBook 8470p typically features a fourteen-inch display, offering a comfortable viewing experience for a variety of tasks. Several display options were available at the time of its release, including varying resolutions. Some models featured a resolution of thirteen sixty-six by seven sixty-eight, which is adequate for basic productivity tasks. Other models offered a higher resolution of sixteen hundred by nine hundred, providing a sharper and more detailed image. The panel type used in these displays is often TN (Twisted Nematic), which is a common technology that offers acceptable performance for everyday use.

The display quality of the EliteBook 8470p is generally considered adequate for its intended purpose. Brightness and contrast levels are usually sufficient for comfortable viewing in typical indoor environments. However, color accuracy may not be as high as more modern displays, and viewing angles can be somewhat limited. This means that the image quality may degrade when viewed from off-center positions. Some models feature an anti-glare coating, which helps to reduce reflections and improve visibility in brightly lit environments. While the display may not rival the vibrant and high-resolution displays found on newer laptops, it provides a functional and practical viewing experience for everyday tasks.

Performance and Hardware Components

The performance capabilities of the HP EliteBook 8470p are determined by its internal hardware components. The laptop offers a range of processor options from Intel’s Core i series, including both Core i five and Core i seven models. Common processors include the Core i five three-three-twenty-M and the Core i seven three-six-ten-QM. These processors feature varying clock speeds and core/thread counts, impacting the overall performance of the laptop. The Core i seven models, in particular, offer enhanced performance for demanding tasks such as video editing and software development.

The EliteBook 8470p supports a generous amount of memory, allowing for smooth multitasking and efficient handling of applications. The maximum RAM capacity typically supported is generous, enabling users to run multiple programs simultaneously without experiencing significant performance slowdowns. The RAM type is typically DDR three, which was a standard at the time of its release. The laptop usually features multiple RAM slots, allowing users to easily upgrade the memory capacity as needed. This upgradability is a significant advantage for those seeking to extend the lifespan of the laptop.

Storage options for the EliteBook 8470p vary, offering a choice between traditional hard disk drives and solid-state drives. Hard disk drives provide ample storage space at a lower cost, making them suitable for users who require large storage capacity for files and media. Solid-state drives, on the other hand, offer significantly faster performance, resulting in quicker boot times and application loading speeds. The capacity of the storage drive can range from modest sizes to larger sizes, depending on the configuration. The interface used for storage is typically SATA, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of storage devices.

The graphics capabilities of the EliteBook 8470p are handled by either integrated graphics or an optional dedicated graphics card. Most models feature integrated Intel HD Graphics four thousand, which is adequate for basic graphics tasks such as web browsing and office productivity. Some models may include a dedicated graphics card, such as the AMD Radeon HD seven fifty-seventy-M. This dedicated graphics card provides enhanced performance for graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing. The presence of a dedicated graphics card can significantly improve the overall multimedia experience.

The laptop usually includes an optical drive, allowing users to read and write data to CDs and DVDs. This feature is particularly useful for installing software, watching movies, and backing up data. The optical drive typically supports a variety of formats, including DVD-RW, providing versatility for different types of media.

Connectivity and Ports

The HP EliteBook 8470p offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a variety of peripherals and external devices. The laptop features numerous Universal Serial Bus ports, including both Universal Serial Bus three point zero and Universal Serial Bus two point zero ports. Universal Serial Bus three point zero ports offer significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to Universal Serial Bus two point zero, making them ideal for connecting external storage devices and other high-bandwidth peripherals. The laptop also includes a DisplayPort, which allows for connecting to external monitors and displays with high-resolution output.

The inclusion of a VGA port provides compatibility with older monitors and projectors, making it suitable for use in various presentation settings. An Ethernet port enables a wired network connection, providing a reliable and stable internet connection. Audio jacks allow for connecting headphones and microphones. Some models may include an eSATA port, which provides high-speed data transfer capabilities for external storage devices. A card reader is often included, allowing users to easily transfer data from memory cards.

Wireless connectivity is also well-supported on the EliteBook 8470p. The laptop supports a variety of Wi-Fi standards, enabling users to connect to wireless networks with ease. Bluetooth connectivity allows for pairing with wireless devices such as headphones, speakers, and keyboards. The Bluetooth version supported varies depending on the specific model. The combination of wired and wireless connectivity options makes the EliteBook 8470p a versatile device for both office and on-the-go use.

Keyboard and Touchpad Features

The keyboard on the HP EliteBook 8470p is designed for comfortable and efficient typing. The keys offer reasonable key travel and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience. The keyboard is often designed to be spill-resistant, protecting against accidental liquid damage. The presence of a numeric keypad depends on the specific model.

The touchpad provides a convenient way to navigate the operating system and interact with applications. The size and surface of the touchpad are optimized for comfortable use. The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures, allowing for easy scrolling, zooming, and other common functions. Dedicated buttons are often included below the touchpad, providing tactile feedback for mouse clicks. Some models also feature a TrackPoint pointing stick, which offers an alternative method of navigation.

Audio and Webcam

The audio system on the HP EliteBook 8470p delivers adequate sound quality for everyday use. The speakers provide clear and audible sound for music, videos, and other multimedia content. A microphone is also included, allowing for voice recording and video conferencing.

The webcam on the EliteBook 8470p provides basic functionality for video calls and online meetings. The resolution of the webcam is generally sufficient for clear video communication. The image quality is adequate for typical use cases.

Battery Life Expectations

The battery life of the HP EliteBook 8470p depends on the battery specifications and usage patterns. The laptop is typically equipped with either a six-cell or nine-cell battery. A nine-cell battery offers longer battery life compared to a six-cell battery.

Expected battery life under different usage scenarios varies. Web browsing and light office tasks may yield several hours of battery life. More demanding tasks such as video playback and gaming will consume battery power more quickly. The power adapter provides a convenient way to recharge the battery.

Operating System Capabilities

The HP EliteBook 8470p originally shipped with an older operating system. Compatibility with later operating systems is possible, allowing users to upgrade to more modern versions of operating systems.

Pros and Cons

The HP EliteBook 8470p offers several advantages. Its durability is a key strength, making it a reliable choice for users who need a rugged laptop. Performance is adequate for basic tasks, and the port selection is comprehensive. The laptop is often available at an affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

However, the EliteBook 8470p also has some drawbacks. Its hardware is outdated compared to modern laptops. The display quality may not be as high as newer displays. Battery life can be limited depending on the battery condition.

Conclusion

The HP EliteBook 8470p remains a reliable and budget-friendly laptop option. It’s a good choice for students and anyone needing a durable secondary laptop. While its features should be weighed against more modern alternatives, it remains a suitable option for certain applications. Consider if the HP EliteBook 8470p Laptop Specs meet your needs.