HP EliteBook 840 G6 Laptop Review 2023 Powerful Performance with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD

Description

Design and Build Quality

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 immediately strikes you with its sleek and lightweight design, making it a great companion for professionals on the go. Weighing just 3.36 pounds and measuring only 0.7 inches thick, this laptop is surprisingly portable without feeling flimsy. The silver finish gives it a premium look, while the sturdy construction ensures it can withstand daily use. I’ve carried this laptop around in my backpack, and it slid in effortlessly without adding much bulk, which is always a plus. The 14-inch screen size also hits the sweet spot between portability and usability for someone like me who juggles multiple tasks.

The keyboard deserves a special mention. It’s ergonomically designed, and the keys have just the right amount of travel, making typing comfortable even during long sessions. I did notice that the touchpad, while responsive, felt a tad small – especially when you’re accustomed to larger trackpads. Still, the overall build quality makes this product feel like a workhorse ready to tackle demanding environments.

Performance and Speed

Let’s talk about performance because this is where the EliteBook 840 G6 really shines. The 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz is no slouch. Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, multitasking is a breeze. I tested this with multiple Chrome tabs, a few Excel spreadsheets, and even some light photo editing – and the machine didn’t break a sweat. The 256GB SSD ensures quick boot times and rapid file access, which has been a game-changer for me when working on tight deadlines.

What I appreciated most was the Intel UHD Graphics 620, which, while integrated, handles casual graphics tasks fairly well. Streaming videos in 1080p resolution was smooth, and there were no noticeable lags. However, this isn’t a laptop for heavy gaming or video editing. I tried running a moderately demanding game, and it was clear this laptop is optimized for productivity rather than high-end gaming.

Display and Visual Experience

The 14-inch display on this laptop offers a 1920×1080 resolution, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. Watching videos and presentations was genuinely enjoyable, with colors appearing natural and text remaining sharp. However, I did notice that the screen’s brightness could struggle a bit in direct sunlight or extremely well-lit rooms. That said, for indoor use, it’s more than adequate.

One small gripe I had was the slightly thicker bezels around the screen, which feel a bit dated compared to today’s thin-bezel trends. Still, the overall viewing experience is pleasant, and the size is perfect for both work and entertainment.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and portable design perfect for on-the-go professionals.
• Powerful performance with an Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM.
• Fast SSD storage that ensures quick boot and file access.
• Clear, sharp visuals on a 14-inch, 1080p display.

Areas of Concern

• Touchpad could feel small for users accustomed to larger trackpads.
• Screen brightness might not be sufficient for outdoor use or overly bright environments.
• Integrated graphics are not suitable for heavy gaming or professional video editing.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is another area where this laptop impressed me. The lithium-ion battery comfortably lasted through a full day of moderate usage, including web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. While it may not be groundbreaking, it’s dependable enough for daily productivity without constantly reaching for the charger.

Connectivity options are abundant, with two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, and 802.11abg wireless support. I found the wireless performance to be reliable, even in areas with weaker Wi-Fi signals. The lack of a USB-C port, however, felt like a missed opportunity, as many of today’s accessories and devices are shifting toward USB-C compatibility.

Competing Products

In comparison to Dell Latitude 5400 and Lenovo ThinkPad T490, the HP EliteBook 840 G6 holds its ground well in terms of performance and portability. While the Dell Latitude offers slightly better battery life, the EliteBook wins with its sleeker design and faster SSD storage speeds. On the other hand, Lenovo’s ThinkPad T490 features a more robust keyboard but is slightly heavier, making the EliteBook a better option for those prioritizing mobility.

Where this laptop excels is in offering a balanced combination of power and portability, whereas competitors often excel in one but compromise on the other. However, Lenovo’s ThinkPad does edge out slightly in terms of durability and port selection, which might be worth considering for users needing more rugged features.

Worth Every Penny

From a price-to-quality ratio, the EliteBook delivers exceptional value for its feature set. While it may not have the latest bells and whistles, such as a 4K display or dedicated graphics card, it excels at what it’s designed for: everyday productivity and reliability. The refurbished nature of this unit, labeled as Grade B, does mean you’re getting a product that’s been rebuilt to like-new performance at a fraction of the cost. For those who need a dependable work laptop without breaking the bank, this is an excellent choice.

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