HP EliteBook 840 Gen 8

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 11th Generation Intel Core i5 (e.g., i5-1135G7, i5-1145G7) and Core i7 (e.g., i7-1165G7, i7-1185G7) processors, with optional Intel vPro Technology.
• RAM: Up to 64 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM, configurable with two SODIMM slots for dual-channel memory support.
• Storage: PCIe NVMe M.2 SSDs, with capacities ranging from 128 GB to 2 TB. Options include Self-Encrypting Drives (SED) and Intel Optane Memory H10.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX450 is available in some configurations.
• Display: 14-inch diagonal FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare panels. Options include 250 nits (45% NTSC), 400 nits (72% NTSC, low power), and 1000 nits with HP Sure View Reflect integrated privacy screen. Touchscreen variants are also available.
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 Type-C (40Gbps signaling rate, supporting DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode and Power Delivery), one USB 3.2 Gen 1 (charging), one USB 3.2 Gen 1, one HDMI, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. An optional Smart Card Reader is available.
• Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 wireless card, with both vPro and non-vPro options. Optional 5G and 4G LTE mobile broadband connectivity.
• Battery: HP Long Life 3-cell, 53 Wh Li-ion battery, supporting fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes).
• Dimensions & Weight: Approximately 32.35 cm x 21.47 cm x 1.78 cm (12.73" x 8.45" x 0.70"), with a starting weight of 1.35 kg (2.54 lbs for the Aero G8 variant).

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 8 offers a robust set of technical specifications tailored for enterprise use, balancing performance with portability. The inclusion of 11th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, coupled with up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, ensures strong multitasking capabilities and responsive performance for demanding business applications. Storage options with PCIe NVMe SSDs provide rapid boot times and data access. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics are sufficient for typical business tasks, presentations, and light content creation, with the optional NVIDIA GeForce MX450 offering a performance boost for more graphically intensive workloads.

Connectivity is a strong point, featuring two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which provide versatile high-speed data transfer, video output, and power delivery. Modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6 and optional 5G/4G LTE ensure reliable and fast network access, crucial for mobile professionals. Display options are diverse, catering to different needs, including a high-brightness 400-nit panel and the 1000-nit HP Sure View Reflect for enhanced privacy. The compact and lightweight design further enhances its appeal as a portable business machine.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Supports Windows 10 Pro and Home editions, with a free upgrade path to Windows 11. It also supports Windows 11 Pro and Home editions, and FreeDOS. HP does not provide driver support for Windows 7 or Windows 8 on systems configured with 11th generation Intel processors.
• End of Support Date: Specific end-of-support dates for the EliteBook 840 Gen 8 are not explicitly stated in public documentation. However, HP generally provides driver support for its products, though availability for older models may diminish over time. Windows 10 support is slated to end in October 2025.
• Available Drivers: Drivers and software are available for download from the official HP support website. HP offers tools to assist with driver identification and updates.
• Compatibility: Designed for full compatibility with Windows 10 and Windows 11 features. It supports a wide range of peripherals via its Thunderbolt 4 and USB ports. Optional 5G and 4G LTE modules ensure broad mobile network compatibility.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 8 demonstrates strong support for current Windows operating systems, including a seamless transition to Windows 11. This ensures access to the latest features, security updates, and software compatibility. The availability of drivers and support tools directly from HP's website is a significant advantage for IT administrators and end-users, simplifying maintenance and troubleshooting. The laptop's modern connectivity options, particularly Thunderbolt 4, ensure broad compatibility with a wide ecosystem of docking stations, external displays, and high-speed peripherals.

A potential consideration is the eventual end-of-life for driver support, which, while not immediate for this model, is a general trend for older hardware. Users migrating from Windows 7 or 8 will find these operating systems unsupported on this hardware generation. The internal battery is not user-replaceable, meaning servicing requires professional intervention. Overall, the EliteBook 840 Gen 8 is well-supported for its intended lifecycle within a modern enterprise environment.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • HP Wolf Security: A comprehensive suite including Malware Prevention (AI-driven scanning and quarantine), Threat Containment (isolates threats in micro-VMs for web browsing and untrusted documents), and Credential Protection (detects phishing attempts).
  • Hardware-level Security: TPM 2.0 embedded security chip, HP Secure Erase, HP DriveLock and Automatic DriveLock, Preboot authentication.
  • Privacy Features: HP Sure View Reflect integrated privacy screen (renders screen unreadable from side angles), webcam privacy shutter, IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, fingerprint reader.
  • Physical Security: MIL-STD 810H testing for durability.
  • Manageability: Optional Smart Card Reader.
• Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread vulnerabilities are publicly detailed for the EliteBook 840 Gen 8. However, like all computing devices, it is susceptible to general software vulnerabilities if not kept updated. BIOS updates are critical for maintaining security.
• Recommendations:
  • Actively utilize HP Wolf Security features for comprehensive threat protection.
  • Regularly apply BIOS and driver updates provided by HP to patch potential security flaws.
  • Enable and use the HP Sure View Reflect privacy screen in public or sensitive environments to prevent visual hacking.
  • Employ multi-factor authentication using the fingerprint reader or Windows Hello.

Analysis on the Security Status

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 8 boasts an impressive and comprehensive security posture, making it a strong choice for enterprise environments where data protection is paramount. The integration of HP Wolf Security provides multi-layered protection against modern threats, from AI-driven malware prevention to isolating potentially malicious content within micro-virtual machines. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of breaches and data compromise. Hardware-level features like TPM 2.0, DriveLock, and preboot authentication establish a secure foundation from the moment the device powers on.

Privacy features such as the HP Sure View Reflect screen and webcam shutter are invaluable for professionals working in varied environments, safeguarding sensitive information from visual and digital intrusion. While no system is entirely impervious, the EliteBook 840 Gen 8's robust security suite, combined with its MIL-STD 810H durability, positions it as a highly secure and resilient asset. Continuous vigilance through software and firmware updates remains crucial to mitigate emerging threats.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: Equipped with 11th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, providing solid performance for business applications and multitasking.
• RAM & Storage Performance: DDR4-3200 RAM and fast PCIe NVMe SSDs contribute to quick system responsiveness and efficient data handling. File transfer rates are around 542 MBps.
• Graphics Performance: Intel Iris Xe Graphics are suitable for daily productivity and light graphics tasks. The optional NVIDIA GeForce MX450 offers improved performance for more demanding visual workloads.
• Benchmark Scores:
  • Cinebench R20 Multi-core: 4,278
  • Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 4,690; Single-core: 1,397
  • 3DMark Time Spy: 1,514 (overall); Graphics: 1,240; CPU: 3,373
  • GeekBench 5: Single Core: 1,513; Multi-Core: 4,898 (some configurations scored 4,693)
  • PCMark 10 (Home Test): 4,982 (some configurations scored 4,690)
  • File Transfer Rate: 542.0 MBps.
• Battery Life: Real-world battery life ranges from approximately 8 hours 42 minutes to 9 hours 40 minutes in automated tests. Some tests show up to 13 hours 34 minutes for web browsing and 12 hours 43 minutes for video playback.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: While synthetic benchmarks may sometimes lag behind ultra-premium competitors like the Dell XPS 13 OLED or Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, the EliteBook 840 Gen 8 delivers comparable performance to devices like the Dell Latitude 7420 and handles daily tasks without hiccups.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 8 provides a strong performance foundation for its target audience of business and enterprise users. The 11th Gen Intel Core processors, combined with ample DDR4-3200 RAM and fast NVMe SSD storage, ensure a smooth and responsive user experience across typical productivity applications, web browsing, and multitasking. Benchmark scores, such as those from Cinebench, GeekBench, and PCMark 10, confirm its capability to handle demanding workloads efficiently.

While the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics are not designed for high-end gaming or intensive graphical design, they are more than adequate for business presentations, video conferencing, and general media consumption. The optional NVIDIA MX450 provides a noticeable uplift for those needing a bit more graphical horsepower. Battery life is generally good, often lasting a full workday, though it can vary depending on configuration and usage patterns. Overall, the EliteBook 840 Gen 8 delivers reliable and consistent performance, making it a highly capable tool for professional use.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the HP EliteBook 840 Gen 8 generally highlight its strengths in design, build quality, and enterprise-focused features. Many users praise its clean and smooth aesthetic, along with a comfortable and quiet keyboard that provides a satisfying typing experience. The solid construction, often featuring an aluminum chassis and robust hinges, receives positive remarks for durability and premium feel. Its lightweight and portable design is frequently appreciated by users who need to work on the go.

The overall performance for productivity tasks is considered solid, with users reporting smooth multitasking. The excellent security features, including HP's comprehensive Wolf Security suite and the Sure View privacy screen, are highly valued in business contexts. The Bang & Olufsen speakers are often cited for delivering great audio quality. Display options, particularly those with high brightness and good color accuracy, are also well-received, with some panels noted for not using PWM for brightness adjustment.

However, some feedback points to areas for improvement. Battery life, while generally decent, is sometimes noted as below average compared to certain competitors or can vary significantly with usage. The display, while offering good options, is limited to FHD resolution, which some users find disappointing given the price point. The webcam is frequently described as below average. While the fan is generally quiet, it can become noticeably loud during intensive tasks or system updates. The premium price tag is also a recurring point of consideration for some users. A minor but notable concern from some customers is receiving refurbished units when expecting new ones, indicating potential issues with product descriptions from certain retailers.

Summary

The HP EliteBook 840 Gen 8 stands out as a highly capable and secure enterprise-grade laptop, meticulously designed for the modern professional. Its strengths lie in a premium, lightweight aluminum build, offering excellent portability and durability. The device features a comfortable and quiet keyboard, precise touchpad, and robust hinge design, ensuring a superior user experience for extended work sessions.

Technically, it is well-equipped with 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 64GB DDR4-3200 RAM, and fast PCIe NVMe SSDs, delivering strong performance for multitasking and demanding business applications. Connectivity is comprehensive, highlighted by Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6, and optional 5G/4G LTE, providing versatile and high-speed connections. The display options are varied, including high-brightness and HP Sure View Reflect privacy screens, catering to different user needs and environments.

Security is a paramount feature, with the EliteBook 840 Gen 8 integrating HP Wolf Security for advanced malware prevention, threat containment, and credential protection. Hardware-level security like TPM 2.0, along with privacy features such as a webcam shutter, IR camera, and fingerprint reader, create a formidable defense against cyber threats and visual hacking.

However, there are a few areas for consideration. While generally good, battery life can be inconsistent across configurations and usage scenarios, sometimes falling short of competitors. The webcam quality is noted as below average, and the display, while offering good options, is limited to FHD resolution. The fan can become audible under heavy load, and the device carries a premium price tag.

In conclusion, the HP EliteBook 840 Gen 8 is an excellent choice for enterprise users prioritizing security, build quality, and reliable performance for productivity. Its comprehensive security features, robust design, and modern connectivity make it a highly valuable asset in a corporate environment. While some aspects like battery consistency and webcam quality could be improved, its overall package is compelling for professionals seeking a secure and efficient mobile workstation.

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.