HP EliteBook 840 Gen 4

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 7th Generation Intel Core ULV processors (Kaby Lake), including Intel Core i3, i5 (e.g., i5-7200U, i5-7300U), and i7 (e.g., i7-7500U, i7-7600U) options.
• RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 SODIMM, with two slots supporting 2133MHz or 2400MHz speeds.
• Storage: Dual storage options, including 2.5-inch hard drives and M.2 Solid State Drives (SATA-III and PCIe NVMe). Configurations include up to 512GB NVMe SSDs.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620.
• Display: 14-inch anti-glare options:
  • HD (1366x768) TN.
  • Full HD (1920x1080) TN.
  • Full HD (1920x1080) IPS.
  • WQHD (2560x1440) IPS.
  • Optional HP Sure View integrated privacy screen.
• Ports:
  • 1x USB 3.0 Type-C (data only).
  • 2x USB 3.0 Type-A (one charging port).
  • 1x VGA.
  • 1x DisplayPort 1.2.
  • 1x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45).
  • 1x 3.5mm audio jack (headphone/microphone combo).
  • 1x SD card reader (supports SD, SDHC, SDXC).
  • 1x Proprietary docking connector.
  • 1x Kensington lock slot.
  • 1x SmartCard reader.
  • 1x Fingerprint reader.
  • 1x Micro-SIM slot (for optional LTE).
• Wireless Connectivity: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (802.11ac Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 4.2, optional LTE (Snapdragon X5 module).
• Webcam: 720p HD webcam.
• Audio: Bang & Olufsen stereo speakers, dual microphones, HP Audio Boost, HP Noise Cancellation.
• Battery: 51 Wh Lithium-Ion, 3-cell.
• Dimensions & Weight: 18.9 x 338 x 237 mm (0.74 x 13.31 x 9.33 inches), starting at 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs).
• Chassis: Constructed from magnesium alloy and painted aluminum, with a plastic bottom. MIL STD 810G certified for durability.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The EliteBook 840 G4 features 7th Gen Intel Kaby Lake ULV processors, balancing performance and power efficiency for business tasks. The dual SODIMM slots support up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, providing ample memory for multitasking. Storage is flexible with options for both traditional 2.5-inch drives and faster M.2 NVMe SSDs. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 is suitable for productivity but not demanding graphical workloads. Display options range from basic HD TN panels to superior Full HD and WQHD IPS panels, with the IPS options offering significantly better viewing angles and color reproduction. The inclusion of a USB-C port, while not Thunderbolt-enabled, provides modern connectivity alongside legacy ports like VGA and DisplayPort, catering to diverse office environments. Comprehensive wireless options including Wi-Fi 5 and optional LTE ensure robust connectivity. The MIL STD 810G certification indicates a durable build.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Primarily supports Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) and Windows 10 Home (64-bit). FreeDOS 2.0 and NeoKylin Linux 64 are also supported.
• Drivers: Available for Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) from HP's official website.
• End of Support Date: Not explicitly stated, but drivers remain available as of July 2021.
• Compatibility: Compatible with the HP UltraSlim Docking Station.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The HP EliteBook 840 G4 primarily supports Windows 10, with drivers readily available from HP's official channels. This ensures continued functionality and security updates for the operating system. While an explicit end-of-support date for the hardware is not provided, the availability of drivers suggests ongoing, though potentially limited, support. Compatibility with the HP UltraSlim Docking Station enhances its utility in a corporate environment, allowing for easy integration with desktop peripherals.

Security Status

• Features:
  • HP Sure Start Gen3: Protects against BIOS attacks, detects tampering, restores BIOS to a pristine state from a separate chip, and recovers custom settings.
  • HP Sure View: Optional integrated privacy screen that reduces visible light from side angles.
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip.
  • Fingerprint scanner (swipe-style).
  • SmartCard reader.
  • Kensington lock slot.
  • HP Client Security: Software for managing passwords, fingerprints, and hard drive encryption.
  • HP Multi-Factor Authentication: Integrates with Intel Authenticate technology for multiple authentication methods (passwords, PINs, biometrics).
  • Vibration sensor (for models with mechanical HDDs).
• Vulnerabilities: No specific common vulnerabilities are highlighted in the provided information.
• Recommendations: Utilize all available security features, especially HP Sure Start Gen3 and HP Sure View (if equipped), for comprehensive protection. Keep drivers and software updated.

Analysis on the Security Status

The EliteBook 840 G4 boasts a robust suite of security features, typical of HP's business-oriented EliteBook line. HP Sure Start Gen3 provides critical protection against BIOS-level attacks, a significant threat vector. The optional HP Sure View privacy screen is a valuable asset for mobile professionals, preventing visual hacking in public spaces. Hardware-based security like TPM, fingerprint, and SmartCard readers offer strong authentication and data protection. HP Client Security centralizes management of these features. While no specific vulnerabilities are detailed, the comprehensive security measures aim to provide end-to-end protection against common enterprise threats.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: 7th Gen Intel Core ULV processors are sufficient for common office tasks.
• Cinebench 20 Multi-core scores:
  • Intel Core i5-7200U: 645
  • Intel Core i5-7300U: 800
  • Intel Core i7-7500U: 735
  • Intel Core i7-7600U: 686
• PCMark 8: Achieves average scores. Performance can be increased with faster processors and more RAM, but the practical difference for typical use is minimal.
• Real-world Performance: Performs well for everyday tasks.
• Graphics Performance: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 is not suitable for demanding graphics, gaming, or video editing.
• Cooling System: Can be noisy under heavy workloads (e.g., Adobe Photoshop/Premiere Pro).
• Battery Life: Manufacturer claims up to 15 hours; real-world usage indicates up to 10 hours. Full HD IPS models achieve over 9.5 hours, while QHD models provide around 8 hours.
• Storage Performance: PCIe Gen3 solid-state drives offer fast system responsiveness.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The HP EliteBook 840 G4 delivers solid performance for typical business and office applications, driven by its 7th Gen Intel Core ULV processors. Benchmarks like Cinebench 20 show varying scores across different CPU configurations. While capable for daily tasks, the integrated graphics limit its suitability for graphically intensive work like gaming or professional video editing. The cooling system can become audible under load. A significant strength is its battery life, offering substantial uptime, especially with Full HD IPS displays. The use of PCIe NVMe SSDs ensures fast system responsiveness.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Positive:
  • Sleek and sophisticated design.
  • Exceptional battery life (up to 10 hours).
  • Good for everyday tasks, personal use, and general office work.
  • Fast performance for daily use, especially with SSDs.
  • Portable and lightweight (around 1.5 kg).
  • Durable build quality.
  • Comfortable keyboard.
  • Offers good value, particularly for refurbished units.
  • Some refurbished units include touchscreens.
• Negative:
  • TN display panels have extremely limited viewing angles and poor contrast, leading to eye strain and color inversion; IPS display is highly recommended.
  • Cooling system can be noisy under heavy applications.
  • Limited number of USB ports (two USB-A, one USB-C), with one USB-A port potentially obstructed by a docking station.
  • USB-C port does not support Thunderbolt.
  • Not suitable for heavy gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, or CAD due to integrated graphics.
  • Some users report issues with specific keys or unexpected shutdowns on older/refurbished units.
  • Not upgradeable to Windows 11.

Analysis of User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback generally praises the EliteBook 840 G4 for its professional design, portability, and excellent battery life, making it a reliable choice for mobile professionals and general productivity. Performance for everyday tasks is considered good, especially when configured with an SSD. However, a recurring criticism centers on the display, particularly the TN panel options, which suffer from poor viewing angles and color quality; users strongly recommend opting for the IPS display. The cooling fan can be loud under stress. Connectivity is adequate but limited in terms of USB ports and the lack of Thunderbolt on the USB-C. Its integrated graphics restrict it from demanding creative or engineering applications.

Summary

The HP EliteBook 840 G4 is a 14-inch business notebook designed for mobile professionals, offering a blend of portability, security, and productivity. It features 7th Generation Intel Core ULV processors, up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and flexible dual storage options including fast NVMe SSDs. Its robust chassis is MIL STD 810G certified, indicating good durability. Connectivity is comprehensive for a business environment, including USB 3.0 Type-C, USB Type-A, VGA, DisplayPort, Gigabit Ethernet, and optional LTE, alongside a proprietary docking port.

Strengths include its sleek design, exceptional battery life (up to 10 hours), and a strong suite of enterprise-grade security features such as HP Sure Start Gen3 for BIOS protection, optional HP Sure View privacy screen, TPM, fingerprint reader, and SmartCard reader. Performance is solid for general office applications, multitasking, and web browsing.

Weaknesses primarily revolve around display quality, with the TN panel options receiving significant criticism for poor viewing angles and color accuracy; the IPS display options are a notable improvement. The integrated graphics limit its utility for graphically intensive tasks. While portable, the cooling system can become noisy under heavy load. Users also note a limited number of USB ports.

Overall, the EliteBook 840 G4 is a capable and secure business laptop well-suited for professionals requiring portability, long battery life, and robust security for everyday computing tasks. For optimal user experience, selecting a configuration with an IPS display is highly recommended. It remains a viable option for general productivity, though its hardware limitations mean it is not suitable for demanding creative or engineering workloads.

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.