HP EliteBook 840 G3 vs Lenovo ThinkPad T470: The Ultimate Showdown on Performance and Durability

Choosing the right business laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two powerful contenders like the HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T470. Both laptops are renowned for their durability, performance, and business-centric features, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each laptop, helping you determine which one best suits your specific needs and preferences.

Design and Build Quality

The HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 both prioritize durability and a professional aesthetic. The EliteBook boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a magnesium-aluminum chassis that feels solid and premium. The ThinkPad, on the other hand, sticks to its classic, rugged design with a black matte finish and a reinforced magnesium-aluminum alloy frame.
Both laptops are MIL-STD-810G certified, indicating their ability to withstand drops, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. However, the ThinkPad’s iconic “ThinkPad” branding and the signature red trackpoint button add a distinctive touch that some users might find appealing.

Display

The HP EliteBook 840 G3 offers a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD). The screen is bright and vibrant, with good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The ThinkPad T470 also features a 14-inch display, but with a slightly lower resolution of 1366×768 pixels. Despite the lower resolution, the ThinkPad’s display is known for its excellent readability even in bright environments thanks to its anti-glare coating.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Both laptops excel in the keyboard and trackpad department. The EliteBook 840 G3 features a comfortable, backlit keyboard with a good travel distance and responsive keys. The trackpad is large and smooth, offering accurate multi-touch gestures. The ThinkPad T470, true to its reputation, boasts a legendary keyboard with a classic layout, deep key travel, and a satisfying tactile feedback. The trackpad is also responsive and accurate, but some users might prefer the familiar feel of the red trackpoint button for precise navigation.

Performance

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 offer powerful performance for everyday business tasks. The EliteBook is equipped with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and a variety of storage options, including SSDs. The ThinkPad T470 is also available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and SSD storage.
In terms of performance, both laptops are capable of handling demanding applications like spreadsheets, presentations, and video conferencing with ease. However, the EliteBook might have a slight edge in terms of graphics performance, especially if you opt for the higher-end configurations.

Battery Life

The HP EliteBook 840 G3 is known for its impressive battery life, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge. The Lenovo ThinkPad T470, on the other hand, offers decent battery life, typically lasting around 8-10 hours. Both laptops support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.

Ports and Connectivity

Both laptops offer a comprehensive selection of ports and connectivity options. The EliteBook 840 G3 features two USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, HDMI, VGA, and a microSD card slot. The ThinkPad T470 offers two USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, HDMI, Ethernet, and a microSD card slot. Both laptops support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Security Features

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 prioritize security. The EliteBook offers features like a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and HP Sure Start BIOS protection. The ThinkPad T470 includes a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and a dTPM (discrete Trusted Platform Module) for enhanced security.

Price

The HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 are priced competitively within the business laptop market. The EliteBook typically starts at around $800, while the ThinkPad T470 starts at around $700. The price can vary depending on the specific configuration and features you choose.

Choosing the Right Laptop

Ultimately, the choice between the HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• Choose the HP EliteBook 840 G3 if:
• You prioritize sleek design and a premium feel.
• You need longer battery life.
• You value a bright and vibrant display.

• Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 if:
• You prefer the classic ThinkPad design and rugged build.
• You value the legendary ThinkPad keyboard and trackpoint.
• You are on a tighter budget.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict is In!

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 are excellent business laptops that offer a compelling combination of performance, durability, and features. The EliteBook 840 G3 stands out with its sleek design, longer battery life, and vibrant display. The ThinkPad T470, on the other hand, appeals to users who prefer the classic ThinkPad design, legendary keyboard, and rugged build.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. Carefully consider the features and specifications of each laptop to make an informed decision.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Which laptop has a better display?
Both laptops offer good displays, but the HP EliteBook 840 G3 has a slightly better display with a higher resolution and better color accuracy.
2. Which laptop is more durable?
Both laptops are MIL-STD-810G certified, but the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is known for its extra-rugged build and reinforced chassis.
3. Which laptop is better for typing?
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is renowned for its legendary keyboard with a classic layout and deep key travel.
4. Which laptop has better battery life?
The HP EliteBook 840 G3 offers significantly longer battery life, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge compared to the ThinkPad T470’s 8-10 hours.
5. Which laptop is more affordable?
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 generally starts at a lower price point than the HP EliteBook 840 G3.