Overview: HP EliteBook 840 G6
The G6, launched in 2019, is part of Intel's 8th Gen (Whiskey Lake) and 10th Gen (Comet Lake) portfolio. It retains all the business-class strengths of the series while refining the design, improving performance, and enhancing the security features bundled under HP Wolf Pro Security.
Key Improvements over the G5
Modernized Design: The bezels are significantly thinner, allowing for a more compact chassis despite having the same 14-inch screen. This gives it a much more modern look.
New CPU Options: It introduced 10th Generation Intel Core processors (Comet Lake), which offered higher clock speeds and, for the first time in this form factor, 6-core options (e.g., i7-10710U), providing a substantial performance boost for multi-threaded tasks.
Wi-Fi 6: Native support for Intel Wi-Fi 6 (AX200) for faster, more reliable wireless connections in crowded environments.
Enhanced Security: Continued and refined the HP Wolf Security suite, building on the hardware-based foundation of the G5.
HP Wolf Security on the G6
The suite includes all the robust features from the G5 and remains a core selling point:
Hardware-Enforced Security: TPM 2.0, Intel Hardware Shield, and the dedicated HP Endpoint Security Controller.
HP Sure Start Gen 5: The self-healing BIOS is updated to protect even more of the firmware.
HP Sure Run, Sure Recover, & Sure Click: Sure Click (now part of Wolf Security) uses micro-virtualization to isolate and open risky files and web links in a secure container, protecting the host system from malware.
HP Sure View Gen 3: The integrated privacy screen became an even more effective option.
Typical Specifications for the EliteBook 840 G6
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 14-inch. Better base options, commonly FHD (1920x1080) IPS as standard. Options for FHD Touch, FHD HP Sure View Gen 3, and even a 1000-nit ultra-brightness panel for outdoor use. |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel® 8th Gen (Whiskey Lake) & 10th Gen (Comet Lake) U-Series: • Intel® Core™ i5-8265U / i5-8365U (vPro) • Intel® Core™ i7-8565U / i7-8665U (vPro) • Intel® Core™ i7-10710U (6-core) • Intel® Core™ i5-10210U / i7-10510U |
| Memory (RAM) | Configurations from 8GB up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM. More models had dual-channel, user-upgradeable RAM. |
| Storage | NVMe SSDs were more standard, with options from 256GB to 2TB. |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics 620 (for 8th Gen) or Intel® UHD Graphics (for 10th Gen). Still not for gaming, but capable for all business tasks. |
| Keyboard & Pointing | Excellent spill-resistant keyboard. The touchpad was often slightly larger and more precise. |
| Ports & Connectivity | Slightly updated selection: • 2x USB 3.1 (Type-A) • 2x USB-C™ (with Thunderbolt 3 becoming more standard) • HDMI 1.4 • Optional MicroSD reader • Smart Card Reader (optional) • Docking Connector • Native Wi-Fi 6 |
| Webcam & Audio | 720p HD or optional 720p HP HD Camera with IR for Windows Hello. HP Noise Cancellation software for the mics. Bang & Olufsen audio. |
| Security Features | TPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, IR Camera, and the full HP Wolf Security suite (Sure Start Gen 5, Sure Run, etc.). |
| Battery | 3-cell or 4-cell options. Supported HP Fast Charge. Battery life was generally improved over the G5 due to more efficient components. |
| Dimensions & Weight | Slightly smaller and lighter than the G5 due to thinner bezels. Approx. 32.3 x 21.8 x 1.8 cm (12.72" x 8.58" x 0.70"). Weight starts at ~1.48 kg (3.26 lbs). |
| Operating System | Originally shipped with Windows 10 Pro. It is fully compatible with and officially supports Windows 11 Pro.\ |
Pros and Cons (Today's Perspective)
Pros:
Significant Performance Leap: The availability of 6-core 10th Gen CPUs makes the G6 a much more capable machine for heavier multitasking and demanding applications compared to the G5.
Superior Design: The thinner bezels make it look and feel much more modern and compact.
Better Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 is a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade that keeps it relevant on modern networks.
Retains All Strengths: It keeps the fantastic keyboard, great port selection, top-tier build quality, and robust security of the series.
Cons:
Price: As a newer model, a used/refurbished G6 will typically be more expensive than a G5.
Integrated Graphics: Still uses Intel UHD Graphics, so it's not for gamers or creative professionals working with high-end video/3D.
Aging, but Less So: While newer than the G5, it's still a 4-5 year old platform.