Overview: HP EliteBook 840 G5
This is a 14-inch laptop designed for professionals and businesses. It emphasizes security, durability, and manageability. The "G5" indicates it's the 5th generation of the 800 series, launched around 2018, and is part of Intel's 8th Generation (Kaby Lake R) platform.
Key Features & What "Wolf Pro Security" Means
"HP Wolf Security" (formerly known as Wolf Pro Security) is not a single piece of software but a comprehensive suite of hardware-enforced security features and endpoint protection services designed to protect against sophisticated attacks. For the EliteBook 840 G5, this includes:
Hardware-Rooted Security: Security starts at the silicon level with features like Intel® Hardware Shield (for runtime BIOS resilience) and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0).
HP Sure Start Gen 4: A self-healing BIOS that can detect and recover from malware attacks on the PC's firmware.
HP Sure Run & Sure Recover: Protects key security processes from being terminated and allows for quick remote recovery of the OS to a known good state.
HP Sure View: An optional integrated privacy screen that, with a button press, makes the screen unreadable to people sitting next to you.
HP Endpoint Security Controller (ESC): A dedicated chip that works with the TPM to isolate security functions from the main CPU, making them harder to attack.
Typical Specifications for the EliteBook 840 G5
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 14-inch, usually starting with HD (1366x768) or FHD (1920x1080) IPS. Options included FHD Touch and FHD HP Sure View (privacy screen). |
| Processor (CPU) | 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processors (U-Series), such as: • Intel® Core™ i5-8250U |
| Memory (RAM) | Typically soldered onto the motherboard. Configurations from 8GB up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. |
| Storage | Various SSD options (SATA or faster NVMe), ranging from 128GB to 1TB. |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics 620. Sufficient for business applications, light photo editing, and video playback, but not for serious gaming. |
| Keyboard & Pointing | Spill-resistant keyboard (up to 330ml). Precision Touchpad. Red TrackPoint nub available on most models. |
| Ports & Connectivity | Rich selection: • 2x USB 3.1 (Type-A) • 2x USB-C™ (with Thunderbolt 3 on some configs) • HDMI 1.4 • Ethernet (with a fold-out connector) • 3.5mm headphone/mic jack • Smart Card Reader (optional) • Docking Connector |
| Webcam & Audio | 720p HD camera. Options for an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. Dual array microphones. Bang & Olufsen tuned speakers. |
| Wireless | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (e.g., AC 9560) and Bluetooth 5.0. Optional 4G/LTE mobile broadband. |
| Security Features | TPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, IR Camera (optional), HP Sure Start, HP Sure Run, HP Sure Recover, HP Sure View (optional). |
| Battery | 3-cell or 4-cell options. Supports HP Fast Charge (0 to 50% in about 30 minutes). |
| Dimensions & Weight | Approx. 32.6 x 23.4 x 1.79 cm (12.84" x 9.21" x 0.70"). Weight starts at ~1.48 kg (3.26 lbs). |
| Operating System | Originally shipped with Windows 10 Pro. Can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro (it meets the system requirements). |
Pros and Cons (Today's Perspective)
Pros:
Excellent Build Quality: Made from durable materials like magnesium alloy. MIL-STD-810G tested for reliability.
Superb Keyboard: One of the best keyboards on any business laptop.
Strong Security: The HP Wolf Security suite is a significant advantage for business users.
Great Port Selection: Includes both modern USB-C and legacy ports without needing dongles.
Easy to Service & Upgrade: Compared to modern ultra-thins, it's relatively easy to open and replace the SSD or add a WWAN card.
Cons:
Aging Hardware: The 8th Gen Intel CPUs are now several generations old. Modern 12th/13th Gen Intel or Ryzen 6000/7000 CPUs are significantly faster and more power-efficient.
Battery Life: A used model will have an aged battery, and even when new, battery life was good but not class-leading by today's standards.
Display Bezels: The bezels are quite thick compared to modern "infinity-edge" or "borderless" designs.
Who is this laptop for today?
Business Users on a Budget: A refurbished or used EliteBook 840 G5 offers fantastic build quality and security for a very competitive price.
Students needing a durable machine.
Anyone who values a great keyboard and serviceable design.