HP EliteBook Showdown: Which is the Ultimate Business Laptop? (820 vs 840)

In the realm of business laptops, HP’s EliteBook series reigns supreme, offering an unparalleled blend of performance, durability, and style. Two standout models from this prestigious lineup are the EliteBook 820 and 840. With their sleek designs, robust security features, and powerful hardware, these laptops are formidable contenders in the workplace. However, discerning professionals often face a dilemma when choosing between these two exceptional devices. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the HP EliteBook 820 and 840, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs.

Design and Portability: A Balancing Act

The HP EliteBook 820 and 840 share a similar design philosophy, prioritizing durability without compromising portability. Both laptops feature a robust magnesium alloy chassis that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The 820 is the more compact of the two, with a 12.5-inch display and a weight of just 2.7 pounds. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals who value mobility and prefer a lightweight device that can be easily carried around.

In contrast, the 840 boasts a larger 14-inch display while maintaining a relatively slim profile. It weighs 3.2 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the 820 but still manageable for commuting or travel. The larger screen provides ample workspace for multitasking and viewing spreadsheets or presentations.

Display: Clarity and Visual Fidelity

The display is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a business laptop. The HP EliteBook 820 and 840 offer different display options to cater to varying preferences. The 820 features a 12.5-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It delivers sharp images, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles. The 840, on the other hand, comes with a larger 14-inch IPS panel offering a higher resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. This provides even greater detail and clarity, making it ideal for tasks that require precise visual accuracy.

Performance: Powerhouse vs Efficiency

The HP EliteBook 820 and 840 are equipped with cutting-edge hardware that ensures seamless performance for demanding business applications. The 820 is powered by Intel’s 8th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, while the 840 features more powerful 10th-generation Core i5 or i7 CPUs. Both laptops offer ample RAM and storage options, allowing you to configure a system that meets your specific performance requirements.

In terms of graphics, the 820 relies on integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, while the 840 offers the option of dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics. This dedicated GPU provides a significant performance boost for graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing or CAD modeling.

Battery Life: Uninterrupted Productivity

Battery life is a key consideration for professionals who spend extended periods away from power outlets. The HP EliteBook 820 and 840 deliver impressive battery life to keep you productive throughout the day. The 820’s smaller size and more efficient components contribute to its longer battery life, lasting up to 16 hours on a single charge. The 840, with its larger display and more powerful hardware, offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 12 hours.

Security: Protecting Your Digital Assets

Security is paramount in the business world, and the HP EliteBook 820 and 840 offer robust security features to protect sensitive data. Both laptops come equipped with a fingerprint reader and a TPM 2.0 chip for secure authentication and data encryption. Additionally, they support HP Sure Start Gen5, a self-healing BIOS that automatically recovers the system in case of a firmware attack.

Connectivity: Seamless Integration

Modern business laptops need to offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options to facilitate seamless integration into various work environments. The HP EliteBook 820 and 840 provide a generous selection of ports and wireless connectivity features. Both laptops include two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader. They also feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot

The HP EliteBook 820 and 840 are premium business laptops with price tags to match. The 820 starts at around $1,000, while the 840 is priced slightly higher at around $1,200. The price difference reflects the larger display, more powerful hardware, and longer battery life of the 840.

Alternatives to Consider: Expanding Your Options

While the HP EliteBook 820 and 840 are excellent choices for business professionals, there are a few alternatives worth considering. The Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 offers a similar blend of performance and durability with the added versatility of a 360-degree hinge. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is another lightweight and powerful option with a sleek carbon fiber chassis.

Which HP EliteBook Is Right for You?

The choice between the HP EliteBook 820 and 840 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If portability is your top priority, the 820’s compact size and lightweight design make it an ideal choice. However, if you prioritize a larger display, more powerful hardware, and longer battery life, the 840 is the better option.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which laptop is more suitable for frequent travelers?
A: The HP EliteBook 820 is the better choice for frequent travelers due to its lighter weight and more compact size.

Q: Which laptop offers the best graphics performance?
A: The HP EliteBook 840 offers the option of dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics, providing a significant boost for graphics-intensive tasks.

Q: Which laptop has the longer battery life?
A: The HP EliteBook 820 has a longer battery life of up to 16 hours, compared to the 840’s battery life of up to 12 hours.