By Administrator Introduction
The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m. The name alone conjures images of sleek business meetings, airport lounges, and the burgeoning era of the ultrabook. Released in the early part of the last decade, this laptop aimed squarely at the professional market, promising a blend of portability, power, and security. But in a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, does the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m still hold any relevance? Is it simply a relic of the past, or can it still offer value in today’s landscape? This review seeks to answer those questions, diving deep into its design, performance, and overall suitability for the modern user. We’ll explore the pros and cons, and ultimately, determine if this once-cutting-edge ultrabook is still a viable option.
Design and Build: A Business Aesthetic
The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m projects a serious, business-like aesthetic. Constructed primarily from a magnesium alloy, the chassis feels surprisingly solid and durable, even after all these years. This isn’t a flashy laptop designed to turn heads; it’s a tool built to withstand the rigors of daily use. The silver finish is understated and professional, and the overall design is clean and functional. Its dimensions, while not the absolute thinnest or lightest by modern standards, are still very respectable for an ultrabook of its time, achieving a good balance between screen size and portability.
The focus on durability is evident throughout. The hinges, often a weak point in laptops, feel robust and well-engineered. It gives a sense that it’s been made to last a decent amount of time and can be relied on when transporting. This is further strengthened by the fact that this laptop received certain certifications relating to its ruggedness and ability to withstand different environments. This commitment to build quality is a definite point in its favor, particularly for users who need a laptop that can handle travel and the occasional bump.
A critical aspect of any laptop is its connectivity, and the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m offers a reasonable selection of ports for its era. You’ll find a number of USB ports for connecting peripherals, a DisplayPort for external monitors, an Ethernet port for wired network connections (a feature increasingly rare on modern ultrabooks), and audio jacks. The port selection is functional and covers most common needs. Placement is generally well-thought-out, providing easy access without being overly clustered.
The keyboard and trackpad are key interfaces for any laptop, and the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m’s offerings are generally well-regarded. The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, with a decent amount of key travel and tactile feedback. The layout is standard, with well-spaced keys, minimizing accidental key presses. The trackpad is a decent size and offers good responsiveness, making navigation smooth and accurate. It supports multi-touch gestures, enabling easy scrolling and other common functions. Some models also include a pointing stick located in the center of the keyboard, a feature that some users find helpful for precise cursor control.
Performance: Capable But Dated
Performance is where the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m shows its age. It came equipped with a range of Intel Core i-series processors. While these processors were capable in their time, they are significantly less powerful than modern CPUs. For everyday tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and email, the 9470m remains usable. However, demanding applications, such as video editing or running complex simulations, will likely push it to its limits. It will complete the tasks, but it is unlikely to be as swift as a more up-to-date laptop.
The amount of RAM and the type of storage also affect performance. The laptop typically came with a certain amount of DDR RAM, which is adequate for basic multitasking. However, upgrading the RAM can provide a noticeable boost in performance, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously. Storage options varied, with some models featuring traditional hard disk drives and others equipped with solid-state drives. The difference in performance between the two is substantial. Solid-state drives offer significantly faster boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness. If you’re considering purchasing a 9470m, an SSD is highly recommended.
Graphics capabilities are another area where the 9470m falls short. It relies on integrated graphics, which are suitable for basic tasks like displaying web pages and playing videos, but they are not designed for gaming or other graphically intensive applications. Demanding games will likely be unplayable, and even less demanding games may require low settings to achieve acceptable frame rates.
Overall, the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m’s performance is adequate for basic productivity tasks but struggles with more demanding workloads.
Display: Functional But Not Spectacular
The display is another area where the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m reflects its age. It typically features a screen of a certain size with varying resolution options. While these resolutions were standard for the time, they are noticeably lower than the high-resolution displays found on many modern laptops.
The panel type also influences image quality. Some models came with TN panels, which offer faster response times but suffer from poor viewing angles and color accuracy. Other models featured IPS panels, which provide better viewing angles and more accurate colors but may have slower response times. In general, the display on the 9470m is functional but not spectacular. It’s adequate for basic tasks, but it may not be ideal for users who require high levels of color accuracy or wide viewing angles. One positive is the anti-glare coating, which helps to reduce reflections and improve visibility in bright environments.
Battery Life: Manageable but Limited
Battery life is a critical factor for any portable device, and the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m offers a manageable but somewhat limited experience. Its battery capacity, when new, allowed for a reasonable amount of usage between charges. However, over time, battery life inevitably degrades. Depending on usage patterns, you can expect to get a certain number of hours on a full charge. Intensive tasks, such as video playback or running demanding applications, will drain the battery faster.
Charging time is another factor to consider. It takes a reasonable amount of time to fully charge the battery. Given the age of the laptop, it’s also important to note that replacement batteries may be difficult to find or may not offer the same performance as the original battery.
Software and Features: Business Ready
The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m typically came pre-installed with the operating system. It also includes a range of security features designed to protect sensitive data. These features may include a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and HP BIOS security. The fingerprint reader allows for secure and convenient login, while the TPM chip provides hardware-based encryption. HP BIOS security helps to protect against unauthorized access to the system’s firmware.
In addition to security features, the 9470m may also come with other pre-installed HP software. This software may include utilities for managing system settings, updating drivers, and backing up data.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
The Positives
The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m has some points of strength.
- Durable Build Quality: The magnesium alloy chassis provides excellent durability, making it ideal for users who need a laptop that can withstand travel and daily use.
- Lightweight and Portable Design: Its design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Good Keyboard and Trackpad: The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, and the trackpad is responsive and accurate.
- Security Features: Security features provide added protection for sensitive data.
The Negatives
Of course, there are also a few weakpoints to bear in mind.
- Older Hardware: The CPU and graphics are outdated.
- Limited Display Options: The display lacks the high resolution and color accuracy of modern laptops.
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life: Battery life may be limited.
Target Audience and Alternatives: Who Is This For?
The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m is still suitable for users on a budget who need a reliable and portable laptop for basic tasks. It’s a good option for students, writers, or anyone who needs a secondary laptop for travel. It may also be a suitable choice for businesses that require a secure and manageable device for employees who perform basic tasks.
If you’re looking for a more powerful or feature-rich laptop, there are many alternatives available. Newer laptops offer faster processors, better graphics, higher-resolution displays, and longer battery life.
Pricing and Availability: A Secondhand Bargain
The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m is typically available on online marketplaces and used computer stores. Prices vary depending on the condition of the laptop and the configuration.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic or a Relic of the Past?
The HP EliteBook Folio 9470m is a capable ultrabook that offers a blend of portability, durability, and security. While its hardware is outdated, it remains a viable option for users who need a basic and reliable laptop for everyday tasks. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t require the latest and greatest features, the 9470m may be worth considering. However, if you need a more powerful or feature-rich laptop, you may want to explore newer alternatives. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and budget. It’s a testament to good design and build quality, showing that even older technology can still have a place in the modern world. Whether or not it’s a good choice for *you* is something you’ll have to decide yourself.
