EliteBook 840 Gen 2

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 (5th Generation, Broadwell-U) processors, including Intel Core i5-5200U, i5-5300U, i7-5500U, and i7-5600U. Select models feature Intel vPro technology.
• RAM: DDR3L-1600MHz SODIMM memory, with two accessible slots supporting up to a maximum of 16GB (configured as 2x8GB modules).
• Storage: Options include traditional SATA Hard Disk Drives (up to 1TB 7200rpm), SATA Solid State Drives (up to 512GB), and M.2 SSDs (up to 256GB, supporting both PCIe and SATA interfaces). A 32GB M.2 flash cache for Intel Smart Response Technology is also available. Dual storage configurations are supported.
• Display: 14-inch diagonal anti-glare LED-backlit displays. Available resolutions include HD (1366x768), HD+ (1600x900), and Full HD (1920x1080). Optional Full HD touchscreen models feature Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Both TN and IPS panel types are offered, with TN being more common in lower-tier configurations.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500. An optional discrete AMD Radeon R7 M260X GPU with 1GB GDDR5 dedicated memory is available on some configurations.
• Ports: Four USB 3.0 ports (one charging), DisplayPort, VGA, a drop-jaw Ethernet (RJ-45) port, headphone/microphone combo jack, a dedicated docking connector, and an SD card reader. An optional SIM slot is present for mobile broadband.
• Connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.0. Optional Qualcomm Gobi 4G LTE provides mobile broadband capabilities.
• Other Features: Includes a 720p HD webcam (on select models), an integrated dual-microphone array, DTS Studio Sound, a spill-resistant keyboard (with optional backlighting), an optional fingerprint reader, and optional NFC.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 2 is designed as a robust enterprise-grade laptop, balancing performance with durability and connectivity. Its 5th Generation Intel Core processors, while not cutting-edge by current standards, provide ample power for typical office productivity tasks, web browsing, and light multitasking. The inclusion of two SODIMM slots for RAM allows for easy upgrades up to 16GB, which significantly enhances system responsiveness, especially when paired with an SSD. The diverse storage options, including M.2 SSD support, offer flexibility for balancing speed and capacity.

The comprehensive port selection, featuring multiple USB 3.0 ports, DisplayPort, and VGA, caters well to a business environment, reducing the need for external adapters. The optional discrete AMD graphics card provides a modest boost for visual tasks beyond basic integrated graphics. However, the display quality can vary significantly; while Full HD IPS options offer good clarity, some configurations utilize TN panels with limited viewing angles and lower contrast, which can impact the user experience.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: The EliteBook 840 Gen 2 originally shipped with Windows 7 Professional (with downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro). It officially supports Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Community and third-party resources indicate potential compatibility with Ubuntu Linux and FreeDOS, and some users report success with Windows 11, though official support from HP for Windows 11 is not provided.
• End of Support Date: HP does not provide a public end-of-life date for this specific model. However, as a device released around 2015, official manufacturer support for driver updates and warranty services for newer operating systems has largely concluded.
• Available Drivers: Drivers for supported operating systems (Windows 7, 8.1, 10) are available on HP's official support website. Additionally, third-party driver aggregation sites offer a wide range of drivers for various components, including those for newer OS versions, though their reliability may vary.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 2 offers reasonable operating system flexibility, particularly for Windows 10, which remains widely supported. Its initial design for Windows 7 and 8.1 ensures robust driver availability for these platforms. While it can run newer operating systems like Windows 11, users may encounter limitations with official driver updates directly from HP, potentially relying on generic drivers or community-sourced solutions for optimal functionality. For enterprise deployments, sticking to officially supported OS versions ensures better stability and security patching. The availability of drivers from various sources, even if not directly from HP for the latest OS, means the hardware remains functional.

Security Status

• Security Features: The EliteBook 840 Gen 2 integrates several enterprise-grade security features. These include HP Sure Start, a self-healing BIOS that detects and recovers from corruption, and HP BIOSphere, which offers customizable security settings for critical system data. It supports HP Client Security for comprehensive endpoint protection. Hardware features include an optional fingerprint reader, an optional smart card reader, and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for hardware-based encryption. For configurations with traditional hard drives, HP 3D DriveGuard protects data from impacts. A security cable slot is also present. Select models with Intel Core i5/i7 processors support Intel vPro technology for enhanced remote management and security.
• Vulnerabilities: As a system from 2015, the EliteBook 840 Gen 2's 5th Generation Intel processors are susceptible to general CPU-level vulnerabilities such as Spectre and Meltdown, which require operating system and microcode updates for mitigation. No specific major vulnerabilities unique to the 840 Gen 2 hardware are widely reported beyond these industry-wide concerns.
• Recommendations: To maintain a strong security posture, it is recommended to keep the BIOS and all drivers updated to the latest available versions, particularly microcode updates for CPU vulnerabilities. Users should enable and configure all available hardware security features, including TPM and the fingerprint reader. Employing strong, unique passwords and ensuring the operating system receives regular security patches are critical for ongoing protection against modern threats.

Analysis on the Security Status

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 2 provides a solid foundation of security features for an enterprise laptop of its generation. HP's proprietary technologies like Sure Start and BIOSphere offer robust protection at the firmware level, which is crucial for preventing low-level attacks. The inclusion of TPM, fingerprint, and smart card reader options caters to various authentication and data encryption requirements common in business environments. While the hardware security features are comprehensive for its time, the aging processor architecture means it is inherently exposed to certain vulnerabilities that require software-level mitigations. Therefore, continuous vigilance with operating system updates and security best practices is essential to maintain its security integrity in today's threat landscape.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: The EliteBook 840 Gen 2 demonstrates good performance for its class in synthetic benchmarks like PCMark, indicating smooth operation for general system tasks. Geekbench scores are available for configurations with Intel Core i5-5200U and i5-5300U processors. Nero Score benchmarks show below-average performance for system AVC software decoding and encoding, and AI tagging, but significantly improved results when hardware acceleration is utilized.
• Real-world Performance: The laptop is well-suited for everyday office productivity, including document creation, web browsing, email communication, and video conferencing. It handles HD video playback smoothly and supports light multitasking. Configurations with the optional AMD Radeon R7 M260X discrete graphics card can manage low-end 3D graphics applications and some older games.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: The EliteBook 840 Gen 2's performance is comparable to other business-class laptops from its era, such as the Lenovo ThinkPad T450s and Dell Latitude E7450.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 2, powered by 5th Generation Intel Core processors, delivers reliable performance for its intended use as an enterprise workhorse. For standard business applications and general computing, the system operates smoothly and efficiently. The performance is notably enhanced by the presence of an SSD and sufficient RAM, with 16GB being the recommended maximum for optimal multitasking. While it is not designed for demanding tasks like intensive video editing, complex CAD, or modern gaming, its capabilities are more than adequate for the majority of daily business operations. The optional discrete graphics card provides a slight performance edge for applications that can leverage it.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the HP EliteBook 840 Gen 2 generally highlight its robust build quality and suitability for business environments. Many users praise its durable magnesium and aluminum chassis, which has undergone MIL-STD 810G testing for resilience against environmental stresses. The input devices, particularly the keyboard and trackpad, receive positive remarks for their comfort and responsiveness. The extensive array of ports is consistently appreciated for its practicality in an office setting. Its upgradeability, with easily accessible RAM and storage slots, is a significant advantage, allowing users to extend its lifespan and improve performance. Battery life is often cited as good, especially benefiting from the power efficiency of the Broadwell processors.

However, a recurring point of criticism revolves around the display quality, particularly for models equipped with TN panels. Users report issues with low brightness, poor contrast, and narrow viewing angles, which can detract from the visual experience. While some configurations offer Full HD IPS displays, the variability in panel quality is a notable drawback. Some users have reported instances of slowness or freezing, often attributed to configurations with traditional HDDs or insufficient RAM, underscoring the importance of SSD and RAM upgrades. The fingerprint reader, while a useful security feature, has occasionally been noted for inconsistent reliability.

Summary

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 2 stands as a testament to HP's focus on durable, manageable, and secure business laptops. Its primary strengths lie in its robust construction, comprehensive suite of enterprise-grade security features like HP Sure Start and TPM, and excellent connectivity options, including a wide array of ports. The laptop's design emphasizes upgradeability, allowing users to easily enhance RAM and storage, which significantly extends its practical lifespan and improves performance for modern workloads. For its era, the 5th Generation Intel Core processors provide reliable performance for general office productivity, web browsing, and light multitasking.

However, the asset's age presents certain limitations. The most notable weakness is the variability in display quality, with some configurations featuring TN panels that offer subpar brightness, contrast, and viewing angles compared to contemporary standards. While capable for daily tasks, the processor, even the i7 variant, is not suited for demanding applications, heavy content creation, or modern gaming. Users seeking optimal responsiveness should prioritize models with an SSD and consider upgrading to 16GB of RAM. The official operating system support is limited to Windows 10 and older versions, meaning newer OS installations may rely on generic drivers or community support.

In conclusion, the HP EliteBook 840 Gen 2 remains a viable option for basic office work, remote productivity, and as a reliable secondary device, particularly if upgraded with an SSD and maximum RAM. Its durability and security features make it a dependable choice for environments where these aspects are paramount and demanding computational tasks are not a primary concern. It is not recommended for users requiring high-performance computing, cutting-edge graphics, or the latest operating system features with full manufacturer support.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.