What To Know
- The 840, on the other hand, is a larger 14-inch machine, offering a more spacious display and a comfortable typing experience.
- The HP EliteBook 820 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack.
- The HP EliteBook 820 and 840 feature a fingerprint reader, a webcam with a privacy shutter, and HP Sure View, which protects your screen from prying eyes.
Choosing the right business laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the HP EliteBook series, the 820 and 840, often leave professionals wondering which one fits their needs best. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and design of both models to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Sizes
Both the HP EliteBook 820 and 840 boast a sleek and professional design, embodying the hallmark of HP’s EliteBook series. However, their key difference lies in their size. The 820 is a compact 12.3-inch ultrabook, ideal for those who prioritize portability and mobility. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it easy to slip into a bag and carry around all day.
The 840, on the other hand, is a larger 14-inch machine, offering a more spacious display and a comfortable typing experience. While still relatively portable, it’s slightly bulkier and heavier than the 820, making it a better choice for those who value screen real estate and a more robust typing experience.
Display: Immersive Visuals for Productivity
Both models offer impressive displays that are crucial for business professionals. The 820 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920×1280 pixels, providing sharp and vibrant visuals for presentations, spreadsheets, and even creative tasks. The touchscreen functionality adds an extra layer of convenience for navigating menus and interacting with applications.
The 840 offers a larger 14-inch display with a choice of resolutions, including Full HD (1920×1080) and 4K (3840×2160). The 4K option delivers stunning clarity and detail, making it ideal for professionals who work with graphics, video editing, or require a high level of visual accuracy. However, the higher resolution might consume more battery life.
Performance: Powering Through Demanding Workloads
When it comes to performance, both the HP EliteBook 820 and 840 are equipped with powerful processors that can handle demanding business applications and multitasking with ease. The 820 utilizes Intel’s 11th Gen Core processors, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
The 840, on the other hand, is available with the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors, delivering even more processing power for demanding tasks like video editing, data analysis, or running complex simulations. Both models offer a range of configuration options, allowing you to choose the processor and RAM that best suit your specific needs.
Connectivity and Ports: Staying Connected and Productive
Both laptops offer a wide range of connectivity options to keep you connected and productive. The HP EliteBook 820 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The Thunderbolt 4 ports offer high-speed data transfer capabilities and support for external displays.
The 840 provides even more connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The additional USB-A ports offer compatibility with a wider range of peripherals, while the HDMI port allows you to connect to external monitors or projectors.
Battery Life: Powering Your Day
Both the HP EliteBook 820 and 840 offer impressive battery life that can easily handle a full day of work. The 820 boasts an estimated battery life of up to 10 hours, while the 840 can last up to 12 hours on a single charge. However, actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, screen brightness, and other factors.
Security Features: Safeguarding Your Data
Both laptops prioritize security, offering a robust set of features to protect your sensitive data. The HP EliteBook 820 and 840 feature a fingerprint reader, a webcam with a privacy shutter, and HP Sure View, which protects your screen from prying eyes. These security features ensure that your data remains safe and secure, even in public spaces.
Which Laptop Is Right for You?
Choosing between the HP EliteBook 820 and 840 ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. If portability and mobility are paramount, the 820 is the clear winner. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to take anywhere. However, if you prioritize screen real estate and a more robust typing experience, the 840 offers a larger display and a more comfortable keyboard.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
HP EliteBook 820:
- Best for: Professionals who prioritize portability and mobility.
- Pros: Compact size, lightweight design, touchscreen display, long battery life.
- Cons: Smaller display, less powerful processor options.
HP EliteBook 840:
- Best for: Professionals who value screen real estate, a comfortable typing experience, and maximum performance.
- Pros: Larger display, more powerful processor options, more connectivity options, longer battery life.
- Cons: Bulky and heavier than the 820.
Beyond the Comparison: A Final Verdict
Both the HP EliteBook 820 and 840 are excellent business laptops that offer a blend of performance, portability, and security features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you need a compact and portable laptop, the 820 is an excellent option. However, if you prioritize screen real estate and maximum performance, the 840 is the better choice.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Are these laptops good for gaming?
A: While both laptops can handle some casual gaming, they are not designed for high-end gaming. Their integrated graphics are not powerful enough for demanding games.
Q: Can these laptops be used for video editing?
A: The HP EliteBook 840 with its more powerful processor options can handle basic video editing. However, for professional video editing, you might need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Q: What is the difference between the 820 and the 840 series?
A: The main difference is the size and screen size. The 820 is a 12.3-inch ultrabook, while the 840 is a 14-inch laptop. The 840 also tends to have more powerful processors and more connectivity options.
Q: Which one has a better webcam?
A: Both laptops have decent webcams with a privacy shutter for added security. However, the 840 typically has a higher resolution webcam.
Q: What is the price difference between the two?
A: The HP EliteBook 820 is generally priced lower than the 840, due to its smaller size and less powerful components. However, the price can vary depending on specific configurations and promotions.
