HP EliteBook 840 Gen 6

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, including vPro options (e.g., i5-8265U, i5-8365U, i7-8565U, i7-8665U).
• RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM across two SODIMM slots.
• Storage: M.2 SSD options up to 2TB, including PCIe NVMe TLC SSDs and Intel Optane Memory H10 configurations.
• Display: 14-inch diagonal, available in various configurations:
  • FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare, with brightness options from 250 nits (45% NTSC) to 1000 nits (72% NTSC) with HP Sure View Gen3 integrated privacy screen.
  • UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS anti-glare, 400 nits (72% NTSC).
  • Touch and non-touch options available.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620; optional discrete AMD Radeon RX 550X with 2GB GDDR5 dedicated memory.
• Ports: 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (one charging), 1x Thunderbolt (USB Type-C connector), 1x RJ-45, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x headphone/microphone combo, 1x docking connector, 1x AC power.
• Wireless: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (Wi-Fi 5) and Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (802.11ax) options, both with Bluetooth 5. Optional WWAN (4G LTE-Advanced Cat 6, 9, or 16).
• Audio: Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers, 3 multi-array microphones with HP Noise Cancellation.
• Camera: 720p HD camera, with optional HD IR webcam and HP Privacy Camera.
• Dimensions: 32.6 x 23.43 x 1.79 cm.
• Weight: Starting at 1.48 kg.

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 offers a robust set of specifications for business users, centered around 8th generation Intel Core processors. The availability of vPro processors enhances manageability and security for enterprise environments. RAM is highly expandable up to 64GB, providing ample capacity for demanding multitasking and applications. Storage options are comprehensive, with fast NVMe SSDs and Intel Optane H10 for accelerated performance. The 14-inch display comes with diverse options, including high-resolution UHD and the privacy-focused Sure View, catering to various user needs. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 handles general productivity and multimedia, while the optional AMD Radeon RX 550X provides a modest boost for light graphics-intensive tasks. Connectivity is excellent with a mix of USB-A, Thunderbolt (USB-C), HDMI, and Ethernet, alongside modern Wi-Fi 6 and optional high-speed WWAN for mobile professionals. The audio system with Bang & Olufsen and noise cancellation is designed for clear communication. Its slim and light aluminum chassis emphasizes portability and premium build quality.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Primarily supports Windows 10 Pro 64-bit, Windows 10 Home 64-bit, Windows 10 Home Single Language 64-bit, and FreeDOS. Windows 10 Enterprise is available via Volume Licensing.
• End of Support Date: Specific end-of-support dates are not explicitly stated in the provided information, but as a G6 model, it is an older generation device. HP typically provides several years of driver and software support for its business-class EliteBook series.
• Available Drivers: HP provides driver packs for the EliteBook 840 G6, available for download from HP's support website.
• System Compatibility: Compatible with various HP docking solutions, including traditional Ultraslim mechanical docks and Thunderbolt docks (e.g., HP Thunderbolt Dock G2, HP Elite USB-C Dock G4, HP USB-C Universal Dock). Supports dual-channel memory configurations.
• Software Support: Includes pre-installed HP software like HP Connection Optimizer, HP Hotkey Support, HP Image Assistant, HP JumpStart, HP Noise Cancellation Software, and HP Support Assistant.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 offers strong compatibility within the Windows ecosystem, particularly with Windows 10, which is standard for business environments. The availability of HP Driver Packs simplifies deployment and management for IT departments. Its broad compatibility with HP's docking solutions ensures seamless integration into various workstation setups, supporting multiple external displays and peripherals. While specific end-of-support dates are not provided, HP's commitment to long-term support for its EliteBook line suggests continued driver and firmware updates for a reasonable period post-launch. Users upgrading RAM beyond 4GB require a 64-bit operating system to fully utilize the capacity.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • HP Sure Start Gen5: Self-healing BIOS that automatically recovers from malware, rootkits, or corruption.
  • HP Sure Click: Protects the PC from web-based malware and ransomware by isolating browser tabs.
  • HP Sure Sense: AI-based threat protection against evolving malware.
  • HP Sure Run Gen2: Keeps critical security protections running and prevents unauthorized changes to security settings.
  • HP Sure Recover Gen2 with Embedded Reimaging: Enables rapid system recovery.
  • HP Privacy Camera: Physical shutter for the webcam to prevent unauthorized surveillance.
  • HP Sure View Gen3: Integrated privacy screen to prevent visual hacking.
  • TPM 2.0: Embedded security chip (Common Criteria EAL4+ Certified).
  • HP Fingerprint Sensor: For secure biometric authentication.
  • SmartCard Reader: Optional for enhanced authentication.
  • HP DriveLock and Automatic DriveLock: For storage security.
  • Power-on authentication and Preboot authentication.
  • Absolute persistence module.
  • HP Client Security Manager Gen5.
• Vulnerabilities: No specific inherent vulnerabilities are detailed in the provided information. Security is continuously evolving, and regular updates are crucial.
• Recommendations: Utilize all available HP security features, keep the operating system and drivers updated, and implement strong authentication practices.

Analysis on the Security Status: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is designed with a comprehensive suite of hardware-enforced security features, making it a highly secure asset for enterprise use. HP's "Sure" technologies (Sure Start, Sure Click, Sure Sense, Sure Run, Sure Recover) provide multi-layered protection from the BIOS level to web browsing and application execution, actively defending against firmware attacks, malware, and unauthorized access. Physical privacy features like the HP Privacy Camera and Sure View screen are significant for protecting sensitive information. The inclusion of TPM 2.0, fingerprint sensor, and optional SmartCard reader offers robust authentication and data encryption capabilities. While no specific vulnerabilities are mentioned, the emphasis on continuous updates and self-healing mechanisms indicates a proactive approach to security.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: Features 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 Whiskey Lake processors, offering quad-core performance suitable for demanding business applications. Base frequencies range from 1.6 GHz to 1.9 GHz, with Turbo Boost frequencies up to 4.8 GHz.
• RAM Performance: Supports DDR4-2400 SDRAM, with dual-channel memory support for improved bandwidth. Max capacity of 64GB ensures smooth multitasking.
• Storage Performance: Utilizes PCIe NVMe SSDs, providing significantly faster read/write speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs, enhancing boot times and application loading. Intel Optane Memory H10 further accelerates storage performance.
• Graphics Performance: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 handles everyday tasks, video playback, and light photo editing. The optional AMD Radeon RX 550X offers a modest performance uplift for more graphically demanding applications or light gaming.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Designed for high performance and portability, capable of speeding up demanding business applications. The combination of Intel Whiskey Lake processors, fast DDR4 RAM, and NVMe SSDs ensures a responsive user experience for productivity tasks.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: The 840 G6 retains the aluminum chassis of its predecessor (G5) but updates to Whiskey Lake processors, indicating an incremental performance improvement over the previous generation.

Analysis of Performance Status: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 delivers strong performance for its class, driven by 8th Gen Intel Core processors. These processors, combined with fast DDR4-2400 RAM and high-speed NVMe SSDs, provide excellent responsiveness for typical business workloads, including office applications, web browsing, and video conferencing. The optional Intel Optane Memory H10 further boosts storage access times. While the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 is sufficient for most business tasks, the discrete AMD Radeon RX 550X offers a slight advantage for users requiring more graphical horsepower. Overall, the 840 G6 is well-equipped to handle demanding daily tasks and provides a smooth user experience, aligning with its positioning as a premium business laptop.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Users generally praise the EliteBook 840 G6 for its premium, ultraslim aluminum design and portability.
• The display options, particularly those with HP Sure View, are appreciated for privacy and visual quality.
• Performance is considered strong for business and productivity tasks, with fast boot times and application loading due to SSDs and capable processors.
• The comprehensive security features, including HP Sure Start and Sure Click, are highlighted as significant advantages for enterprise users.
• Audio quality, enhanced by Bang & Olufsen and HP Noise Cancellation, receives positive feedback for collaboration and calls.
• The keyboard and touchpad are generally well-regarded for comfort and precision.
• Some feedback notes that the G6 model is an incremental update from its predecessor, with the primary change being the processor generation.

Summary

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 stands as a highly capable and secure business laptop, balancing premium design with robust performance and extensive enterprise-grade features. Its strengths lie in its versatile configurations, offering a range of 8th Gen Intel Core processors, ample DDR4 RAM (up to 64GB), and fast NVMe SSD storage options, ensuring smooth operation for demanding business applications. The 14-inch display provides diverse choices, including high-resolution panels and the innovative Sure View privacy screen, catering to various user preferences and security needs. Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring modern ports like Thunderbolt (USB-C) and Wi-Fi 6, along with optional WWAN for mobile professionals. A significant highlight is its multi-layered security architecture, encompassing hardware-enforced solutions like HP Sure Start, Sure Click, Sure Sense, and Sure Run, which provide strong protection against evolving threats. The device's build quality, characterized by a slim and light aluminum chassis, enhances its portability and professional appeal. User feedback generally commends its design, performance for productivity, and strong security suite, making it a reliable choice for corporate environments. While it represents an evolutionary step from its predecessor, the G6 model solidifies the EliteBook's reputation for reliability and longevity. Its primary weakness, if any, is its incremental nature compared to the previous generation, rather than a revolutionary leap. Overall, the HP EliteBook 840 G6 is a well-rounded asset, highly recommended for businesses prioritizing security, manageability, and consistent performance in a portable form factor.

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.