HP's new EliteBooks feature Intel Core i5 and i7 processors and USB3.0 technology

The 8440w, 8440p, 8540w, and 8540p are available from HP's online store starting at $979

HP has launched four new additions to its EliteBook range: the 8440p, 8440w, 8540p and 8540w. The notebooks are available to buy directly from HP's online store, start at $979 and should ship within a week of placing an order. The configurable versions of these EliteBooks have some impressive specifications, but are more expensive than the pre-configured 'Smart Buy' models. The cheapest pre-configured models are listed in the table below, and they offer customers savings of up to $878. The 'w' suffix denotes the intended use of the 8440w and 8540w as mobile workstations, with the 8440p and 8540p designed for general business use.

The 8440p and 8440w

The 8440p and 8440w are 14” notebooks, which feature Intel's Core i5-520M processor and contain Intel's GMA HD GPU and a 512MB NVIDIA Quadro FX 380M GPU respectively. Intel's latest GMA HD GPU is integrated into a single package along with the processor and it offers higher processing power and reduced wattage over the older GMA 4500MHD GPU. The Quadro FX 380M is suitable for mobile workstations such as the 8440w, as it utilises certified drivers and works well with professional applications, although its 3D performance is relatively weak. However, this GPU is a big improvement over the Intel GMA HD; to find out how it compares to other GPUs you can read more about it here. In terms of processing power, the i5-520M is able to surpass a Core 2 Duo T9500 and match higher clocked Core 2 Duo processors, therefore, as a base processor for the 8440 range it's an excellent choice; to find out more its performance capabilities, please have a look at our dedicated page here.

The cheapest model is the 8440p, which costs $979 and has a 1 year limited warranty, unlike the rest of the range, which have 3 year limited warranties. The 8440p can be upgraded to include an i7-720QM vPro processor, 8GB of DDR3 SDRAM, a 512MB NVIDIA NVS 3100M and a 3 year limited warranty. The NVS 3100M offers business users a similar level of performance as the Quadro FX 380M, and you can find out more about it here. The next least expensive EliteBook is the 8440w, which starts at $1425, and is the only pre-configured machine to feature a Gobi powered 3G adaptor with GPS and a free HP 120W Advanced Docking Station. It can be upgraded to include an Intel Core i7-820QM processor and 8GB of DDR3 SDRAM.

The 8540p and 8540w

The 8540p and 8540w are larger 15.6” notebooks, and cost $1299 and $1449 respectively. They are also equipped with an Intel Core i5-520M processor and have a greater performance potential when configured appropriately and feature more powerful GPUs than the 8440 range. All of the EliteBooks are fitted with 2GB of DDR3 SDRAM (1 x SODIMM), have a DVD+/-RW SuperMulti drive, and have a WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n adaptor. They can all be configured to include a 500GB, 7200rpm hard drive; a 256GB SSD; a Blu-ray R/RE DVD+/-RW drive; a Gobi powered 3G adaptor with GPS; an HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth v2.1.

HP has placed a 1GB NVIDIA NVS 5100M GPU inside the 8540p, which is ranked 54 on our GPU benchmark list, and like the rest of the GPUs in the NVS series, offers business users very good performance in business applications. The 8540w contains an equally powerful GPU: a 1GB NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M. Customers seeking more graphical processing power should opt for the 8540w, which can be fitted with a 1GB GDDR5 NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800M GPU. In terms of other upgrades, users can place up to 16GB of DDR3 SDRAM inside both the 8540p and 8540w, and the 8540p can be equipped with an Intel Core i7-720QM vPro, whilst the 8540w's processor can be upgraded to an Intel Core i7-820QM.

The i7-820QM and the i7-720QM are ranked 2 and 5 on our processor benchmark list (when ignoring the performance of desktop processors). They offer virtually the best mobile processor performance available, and with relatively low wattage and excellent multi-tasking capabilities, placing either of these processors in an 8540 EliteBook will give the user an enviable mobile working environment. To discover the performance capabilities of these processors, please have a look at our specialist page here.

The 8540 features the latest technology: USB3.0, the ATI FirePro M5800 GPU and Dreamcolor 2

HP seems committed to placing the latest components inside the 8540, as their website confirms that the 8540p and 8540w feature two USB3.0 slots, which makes them a great option for users hoping to invest in the plethora of prospective USB3.0 devices. Another new component is ATI's unannounced FirePro M5800 GPU, which is rumored to be a future upgrade option for the 8540w. This GPU should bring a similar level of performance as that given by the FX 1800M, although its support for DirectX 11, and ATI's expertise in developing great GPUs, may make it a more favorable option. Have a look at our M5800 page here to find out more about this elusive GPU.

There is also a rumor that customers will be able to upgrade the 8540p and 8540w with displays capable of a full HD resolution (1920 x 1080). According to HPFansite.com, the displays will also feature DreamColor 2 technology, which helps keep color consistent from the screen to the printer or press. The displays will also have an integrated webcam option.

Specifications for the cheapest pre-configured 'Smart Buy' Elitebooks