Notebookcheck Logo

Review HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW Notebook

by Sebastian Jentsch 04/24/2010

Business Toolbox.

Those who need a notebook as a constant companion need more than a display with keys in front of it. The 14 incher wants to vindicate its high-class claim with connection variety, robustness, and Core i5-520M power.

HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW
HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW

Who buys EliteBooks? Meanwhile, we've got a pretty good idea about that. We've recently had the HP ProBook 6540b WD690EA in review, which delimits the EliteBook series downwards. You might also say: If a ProBook doesn't suffice, you'll buy an EliteBook. The premium business models' price starts at about 1150 euro.

We've chosen one of the lowest priced EliteBooks. There are almost no limits towards the top because HP also places its workstations under the name "EliteBook" by adding "w". Our 14 inch 8440p is technically limited to the basics with a Core i5-520M and without a dedicated graphic card. A high-resolution display is just as absent as a UMTS module.

Which claims can the EliteBook starter keep upright? What does it do better than the already good ProBook 6540b WD690EA? Is the elite alternative worthwhile for the ambitioned consumer or can he instead buy a ProBook, partly available for a lot less money? Our detailed review will answer these questions.

Case

180 degree opening angle
180 degree opening angle
Torsional stiff case
Torsional stiff case
High-end hinges
High-end hinges

Whilst notebook series aligned for consumers are always getting thinner, flatter and lighter, HP apparently adds a bit to guarantee higher stability. The 14 incher is indeed a massive piece. Its highest part measures 3.1 centimeters. We'll also notice what we are carrying around due to the weight of 2363 grams. It would be wrong to assume that business users aren't looking for the perfect weight. However, the manufacturer has uncompromisingly decided in favor of high-quality and stability. And it's made a home run with it.

The base unit is as solid as a rock and can't be twisted at all, even with force. We can't dent the wrist-rest or base plate anywhere. The lids stiffness is almost sensational. We can only twist it just slightly at the corners. The silver area stays firm up to the end. Of course, we can dent it slightly with a lot of selective pressure. But it's not possible over an area.

The reason for this quality is the selected materials beside the stability. Lid, wrist-rest and the strip above the keys are made of brushed aluminum. Thus, the surfaces feel cool and are very scratch resistant. The manufacturer uses real metal for the hinges, just like in the ProBook. The hinges are fixed tight to the base unit. No tearing or pressing can move them. They keep the lid tight in position (no teetering). We can open the lid single-handedly despite the base unit's heavy weight.

The somewhat seemingly over-sized silver display button is beneficial for single-handed opening. It releases the massive lock (metal) and allows the lid to open itself about half a centimeter. This gap is enough to pull the display open with one hand.

The same applies to the battery: Instead of pressing around on two locks with two fingers, we can simply pull the battery eject and it appears to push itself out of its compartment. A single-handed removal is thus possible.

Connectivity

Docking & battery ports
Docking & battery ports
ExpressCard54 slot
ExpressCard54 slot

Appreciated by pros and popular amongst demanding customers: Docking stations and numerous connections for all needs. The 14 incher has everything that is expected in a modern work notebook. The almost extinct modem port (RJ-11), display port, FireWire (i-Link) and eSATA belongs to this. If specific interfaces are missing, users have the possibility to retrofit via the ExpressCard54 slot. HP uses a display port instead of HDMI. This port allows 2560x1600 pixels on an external display.

We like the Kensington lock, display port and VGA (screwed!) positioning on the rear. The conventional lid mounting makes it possible. The side areas are optically unloaded in heavy use of plug connections with that. We find a battery of three USB ports and FireWire on the left. An ExpressCard54 slot is beside it. ExpressCard34 cards also fit. The audio connections are found directly below this slot.

The front isn't occupied with any connections. The right side provides for a small highlight, though. The eSATA port has been rather unusual in business notebooks until now. Even a FireWire is onboard beside it. The eSATA supplies a fast data transfer to external eSATA hard disks. They work almost as fast as if they were internally tethered.

There are two cardreaders. One for memory cards (SD, MMC) on the case's front and one for SmartCards on the right. SmartCards are login cards for person-related computer utilization. Particularly, large IT infrastructures use this security system.

Front: Cardreader
Front: Cardreader
Left: 3 USBs, FireWire, audio, ExpressCard54
Left: 3 USBs, FireWire, audio, ExpressCard54
Rear: VGA, display port, Kensington
Rear: VGA, display port, Kensington
Right: SmartCard, DVD drive, eSATA/USB combo, LAN, modem
Right: SmartCard, DVD drive, eSATA/USB combo, LAN, modem

If you are annoyed about connecting and disconnecting cables after business trips, you can buy the matching HP NZ223AA Advanced Docking Station (street price 240 euro). It's the same docking solution as used for the ProBook-series. The 14 incher is attached to the docking port with its base plate. The station has almost all connections that the notebook has. Additionally, there is a parallel port (printer port, LPT, 25-pin). Naturally, the laptop is also recharged over the station. Upgrade fans will find an integrated SATA extension slot, e.g. for a hard disk, on the station.

But that's not all yet. The so-called 12 cell battery with an extremely high capacity (AT486AA, 180 euro) can be attached to the device's bottom (battery dock). The standard battery remains inserted during that. HP states an additional 10 hour operating time.

BIOS options: Fan Always On,
BIOS options: Fan Always On,
devices on/off, e.g. Intel HT
devices on/off, e.g. Intel HT
Connections on/off
Connections on/off
Sensors and light
Sensors and light

Input Devices

Keyboard

The EliteBook's keys sit tight and thus give the typist a very solid stroke. It will already be too solid for some typists, others will love it. That what is valid for the workmanship applies even more for the keyboard: The quality is very high and the feedback without blame. The key distance isn't as big as in desktop keyboards, but the single key surface is almost as big (width: 15mm; 18mm with base).

The keys have a distinct pressure point and a very large stroke length. The clearly separated arrow keys make a good impression. Fingers can find them without having to look and there are hardly any typos. HP has omitted a number pad in favor of key size. But not page and position keys, which are found on the keyboard's right edge. Number pad users can enable the number pad marked on the letter keys via FN+Num.

Touchpad

The mouse replacement is made in two parts. Depending on your preference, either a conventional touchpad or even a trackpoint can be used. HP calls it Pointstick. Both Pointstick keys are found under the space bar. All mouse keys are rubberized and have a very distinct stroke. The noiselessness and the long pressure point make its use very pleasant. The keys make a somewhat clattery impression due to that, but the operating speed is a point in their favor.

The touchpad isn't particularly large (80mm diagonal), but it's sensitive to the edges. The field has a vertical and horizontal scroll area. Merely the vertical one is visibly marked. The horizontal scroll is disabled in state of delivery. The Synaptics V7.2 is actually a multi-touch pad. Practically, these functions are completely disabled (pinch zoom, multi-finger gestures). These options are visible in mouse control, but can't be enabled. We also had this problem in the ProBook 6540b.

Keyboard with
Keyboard with
big gaps
big gaps
Touchpad &
Touchpad &
Pointstick
Pointstick

Display

Small color space
Small color space

The Elitebook 8440p's 14 inch (35.6 cm) HD Ready display has a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. The screen (type not identified) has been AR-coated, and is called glare-free by the manufacturer. A comfortable and clearly arranged working with the HD Ready resolution is only possible with massive scaling. Large Excel documents, website backends or company software with fixed dimensions quickly find their limit of clarity at a height of only 768 pixels. The low resolution won't suffice many potential buyers, which is why the manufacturer has a more expensive ProBook alternative (VQ664EA) with HD+/WXGA++ screen (1600 x 900) in its range.

The screen is set-up reasonably for its claim as a desktop notebook. The AR coating might be well and good, but the contrasts of 140:1 with a black value of 1.49 are more than poor. The ICC profile additionally shows a fairly small color space, as in the majority of consumer notebooks. The triangle should cover the color space better. Thus the test device is just as well taboo for professional image editing.

A particularity is the omission of HDMI. There is a display port instead. Users can use external TFTs with up to 2500x1600 pixels with it. Intel's HD graphics integrated into the processor would also allow HDMI, but the manufacturer would have to pay an additional license fee for using HDMI.

221
cd/m²
225
cd/m²
213
cd/m²
206
cd/m²
209
cd/m²
202
cd/m²
211
cd/m²
210
cd/m²
215
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 225 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 212.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 90 %
Center on Battery: 187 cd/m²
Contrast: 140:1 (Black: 1.49 cd/m²)

The brightness of the display, illuminated with LEDs, can be automatically set. The ambient light sensor in the lower TFT's bezel is there for that. The sensor determines how bright the screen has to be lit up depending on the room's brightness. This works quite well practically. The luminosity also goes up to maximum in sunlight via sensor. We disabled the ambient light sensor via FN+F11 for the measurements. We measured an average rate of 212 cd/m2. The illumination is very even with 90 percent; the brightest spot is 225 cd/m2.

Outdoor use - lateral view
Outdoor use - lateral view
Outdoor use - frontal view
Outdoor use - frontal view

AR coated and out we go? That would actually be possible with the right luminosity. The brightness is too low to grant clear visibility though. We can work outdoors with the 8440p and its HD display outdoors in the shade, under clouds or accordingly low sunlight intensity. As the pictures show, it gets difficult under direct sunlight incidence.

A notebook needs good viewing angles for the user to be able to look at the display from the sides or above, without seeing extremely inverted colors or a dim image right away. As a rule, office notebooks have very poor viewing angles. We expect more from the Elite class of business notebooks. The HD screen does well, but isn't by far perfect.

The horizontal viewing angles are most successful. There are almost no color falsifications up to 60 degrees. However, the display dims visibly starting at 40 degrees so that writing isn't readable at the aforementioned 60 degrees, unless it has a font size of 20.

Our eyes can deviate up to 20 degrees up and down (vertically). The colors invert evidently then. Perfectionists will be annoyed by the low vertical stability. The EliteBook can't supply the color stability of a desktop TFT.

HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW's viewing angles
HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW's viewing angles

Performance

HP equips the EliteBook 8440p with a Core i5-520M (2.4 GHz). That's the lowest configuration available. The next steps in performance line are Core i5-540M (2.53 GHz) and Core i7-620M (2.66 GHz).

The manufacturer is unnecessarily stingy with the RAM. There is only a 2048 MB DDR3 (PC3-10600) inserted to the mainboard. The memory configuration should first start at four gigabytes and not already at two in this upper price category. The two GBs are on one DDR3 bar under the base plate. It's not accessible for the user, unless the entire cover is removed. Nevertheless, there is a RAM upgrade possibility. We found a single RAM slot underneath a small cover on the bottom.

System info CPUZ CPU
System info CPUZ Cache
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ RAM
System info CPUZ RAM SPD
System info GPUZ
System info HDTune
Latencies: DPC Latency
System information HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW

The 520M Arrandale has two cores with 2.40 GHz native (standard clock rate). The real clock rate is between 2.40 and 2.93 GHz with assistance from Intel's Turbo Boost. Single cores of the four (native + hyperthreading) are overclocked during processor-controlled overclocking. The feature hyperthreading complements both physical cores with two virtual ones. Thus, applications can access up to four threads. Naturally, turbo boost also affects the virtual cores. It should be mentioned that the initially stated maximum clock rate never is reached by all cores at the same time, but only is reached when the entire computing effort is executed by a single core.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3061
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
6815
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
1954
Help
PCMark Vantage Result
5770 points
Help
4
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
6.5
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
5.5
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
4
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
4.9
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.9

The experienced computer performance isn't only dependent on the processor. It's an interaction of CPU, graphics (IGP in this case), RAM and hard disk, which makes the 8440p to a strong office notebook. We've checked the application performance with PCMark Vantage. Its total result of 5770 points indicates a strong system in comparison. Laptops with a Core i7 720QM or 820QM have more performance. Dedicated graphics wouldn't increase the Vantage rate dramatically. Thus, Samsung's R780-Hero achieves 6026 points with the same 520M processor and Nvidia GT 330M.

Recently reviewed business laptops don't score much better in comparison: Fujitsu's Lifebook S760 (620M, Intel HD: 6.178); Lenovo's ThinkPad W510 (820QM, FX880M: 5.857); Sony's Vaio VPC-F11Z1/E (720QM, GT330M: 5.844); Fujitsu's Lifebook T900 (520M, Intel HD: 5.591). The recently tested HP ProBook 6540b WD690EA (430M), with a similarly fast hard disk and dedicated ATI HD4550 also only achieved 5158 Vantage points.

Short: The i5-520M CPU in the EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW supplies a high computing rate that is comparable with previous high-end models of the Core 2 Duo generation. The turbo boost function provides high-performance in every application, no matter if with or without a multi-core use.

3DMark 03 Standard
4154 points
3DMark 05 Standard
2748 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
1419 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
229 points
Help
Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9250410AS
Transfer Rate Minimum: 20.2 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 103.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 78.3 MB/s
Access Time: 18.4 ms
Burst Rate: 56.1 MB/s
CPU Usage: 6.1 %

The fast 7200 rpm hard disk from Seagate (ST9250410AS) is noticeable with its 250 GB. The HDD reads faster than average with 78.3 MB/s in sequential read. The hard disk is only audible with a consistent basic noise during use. However, the desktop also unfortunately hums because of the 2.5 inch HDD's rotation speed. This isn't necessarily disturbing. The noise can be eliminated by placing the base feet on a soft surface. Readers might know this phenomenon from fast rotating, external hard disks.

Emissions

Vent
Vent

System Noise

Apart from the slight hum effect of the 7200 rpm hard disk, all noises emitted from the EliteBook 8440p are within a green field. Anything else would have annoyed us because the massive case has enough elbowroom to cool the "devoid of a graphic card" system. Surfing, writing emails or taking care of Excel lists - all of that takes place in the lowest fan rotation level (31.1 dB(A)). If the active cooling does get louder under low or short load, it turns itself off again almost immediately. The slight hard disk clicking during write and read activity stays within a limit with a barely audible 33 dB(A) and doesn't bother us.

Important: We first had to call up the BIOS and disable the setting AC power: Fan Always On, in order to achieve this pleasant noise level The second step was to set each power mode to passive in the system cooling policy of energy management.

The cooling system turns up to 35.2 dB(A) under constant processor load. This is a very low rate for a strong system with a Core i5 in view of an idle base level of 31.1 dB(A). The fan turns up to 37.5 dB(A) only in a stress situation (Furmark + Prime95 in this case). The fan rotates quietly, but we could hear a scratching noise. This "rustling" is caused by the fast air circulation in the cooling system and is only audible at maximum speed.

Noise Level

Idle
30.9 / 31.1 / 31.8 dB(A)
HDD
33 dB(A)
DVD
34.5 / dB(A)
Load
35.2 / 37.5 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)

Temperature

No matter what we did in the test, the surface temperatures simply didn't increase. We didn't even manage to increase the waste air temperature on the surface over 33 degrees Celsius selectively after a stress test of several hours. We measured this maximum temperature in the power button's area. The case doesn't get warmer than 32 degrees even in the vent's vicinity. Those are remarkably low temperatures for a stress test.

It can only get better when there's nothing to do. And in fact:  After two hours in standstill idle, the previously warmest spot near the power button is only 24 degrees warm. The base plate no longer exceeds 27 degrees. Let's look at the temperature sensors on the processor: It shows 40 degrees on the CPU in idle. It doesn't get more than 69 degrees under 100 percent stress (35 watt TDP). The cooling system works exemplary.

Max. Load
 32.8 °C
91 F
31.2 °C
88 F
26.3 °C
79 F
 
 34.2 °C
94 F
31.7 °C
89 F
25.2 °C
77 F
 
 24.5 °C
76 F
25.2 °C
77 F
24.3 °C
76 F
 
Maximum: 34.2 °C = 94 F
Average: 28.4 °C = 83 F
29.1 °C
84 F
32.3 °C
90 F
31.8 °C
89 F
28.5 °C
83 F
31.9 °C
89 F
30.2 °C
86 F
26.6 °C
80 F
29.2 °C
85 F
28.1 °C
83 F
Maximum: 32.3 °C = 90 F
Average: 29.7 °C = 85 F
Power Supply (max.)  56 °C = 133 F | Room Temperature 19.3 °C = 67 F
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 28.4 °C / 83 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 34.2 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 32.3 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.4 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 25.2 °C / 77.4 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (+2.5 °C / 4.5 F).

Loudspeakers

The manufacturer cites "integrated stereo loudspeakers". We couldn't find one of the two loudspeakers at first because the sound escaped from the case's bottom. The assumption of a mono loudspeaker proved to be wrong. The stereo loudspeakers are placed on the front in the area of the release button.

The loudspeaker's sound emphasizes the midranges and lacks all bass. The sound picture is a bit dull but is at least very loud and clear enough to fill a presentation with sound. We notice a exceptionally strong output level when external speakers are connected to the 3.5 mm audio-out. Thus, external loudspeaker can be used without noise.

Battery Life

DVD Playback: 166 min.
DVD Playback: 166 min.
WLAN surfing: 287 min.
WLAN surfing: 287 min.
Recharging: 117 min..
Recharging: 117 min.

The 14 incher is equipped with a 55 watt hour battery (4910 mAh). It keeps the EliteBook upright for almost five hours (287 minutes) during WLAN use (web surfing). Up till now you've needed an energy saving ULV processor, like Intel's Core 2 Duo SP9400, for such long runtimes. The Dell Latitude E4300 could only achieve a few minutes more of runtime with it (290 minutes).

The battery life turns out very good in comparison to other notebooks with a 520M CPU. The 13.3 incher, Sony Vaio VPC-Z11X9E/B (520M, GT 330M, GT 330M), only achieves 190 minutes in the WLAN test- Toshiba Tecra S11-11H (520M, Intel HD, 15.6 inch) even achieves less in the same surf test with 178 minutes.

A DVD movie runs almost three hours (166 minutes). The brightness was set to medium and wireless modules were disabled. The maximum runtime that we established with BatteryEater Reader's test was 477 minutes. That is almost eight hours. The display's brightness was set to the lowest level, the wireless modules disabled and the processor stayed in idle for this test. Eight hours are completely unrealistic as a purchase argument. There isn't a situation in which a user will stare at a dark display and not even be on the internet once.

If that is still not enough, the 12 cell battery slice can be connected. According to HP, up to ten more hours are possible with this battery.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
7h 57min
WiFi Surfing
4h 47min
DVD
2h 46min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 25min

The EliteBook 8440p, in our configuration variant, passed the EnergyStar classification. No wonder, because the (lowest) idle power consumption is less than 10 watts, despite the high CPU performance. This applies when all energy savings options are exhausted and the luminosity gleams at its lowest level. Seen realistically, the energy requirement without battery charging in an undemanding use (WLAN, surfing, office, emails) will be just about 20 watts. Merely CULV or a few Core 2 Duo notebooks could proclaim such a low idle power consumption until now. One exception is the highly optimized for energy Sony Vaio VPC-Z11X9E/B (520M, GT330M) with 6.2 watts in idle (minimum).

When CPU and GPU are at work, the power requirement naturally increases. Whilst 3DMark2006 is being worked on via the IGP graphics in the CPU, 47 watts are consumed. The multimeter displays 50.7 watts in the stress test with Prime95 and Furmark. The 65 watt adapter is just sufficient for the power consumption. The effective power is 65.7 watts in the stress test including battery charging. The little adapter already gets very warm with 56 watts in this case.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.2 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 9.5 / 12.8 / 16.4 Watt
Load midlight 46.9 / 50.7 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Verdict

Version WJ681AW: IGP graphics from Intel
Version WJ681AW: IGP graphics from Intel

The HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW is an office notebook for not quite 1200 euro. That's a lot of money for the office class, but the EliteBook provides first-class business qualities. If you deliberately waive on a graphic card with the 14 incher, you'll get pure computing power with the Core i5-520M processor. All kinds of applications, no matter if optimized for multi or single-core, are managed fast with Intel's CPU. Additionally, there is a fast 7200 rpm hard disk with a high data throughput.

The business notebook is distinguished by a vast configuration of connections (incl. docking options), the high-end input devices and the excellent workmanship. The case is heavy, but it conveys the impression of wanting to last for an eternity with its aluminum and metal details.

The cooling system does its job very well in good office fashion. However, we had to alter a basic setting in the BIOS for that. The surface temperatures are very low.

The only weak point is the low HD Ready resolution and the prototypes low contrast. But HP also has notebook alternatives with an HD+ screen (1600x900) available. If you don't want to waive on a dedicated GPU, you'll find a NVIDIA Quadro NVS 3100M in the 8440p-VQ667EA model. It only has the starter performance on the level of a GeForce 210M or 310M, though.

In our opinion, the HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW can leave the HP ProBook 6540b, which was also rated with good, behind. The business characteristics overlap each other (connections, etc.), but the workmanship of the EliteBook is simply perfect. This is also noticeable in the hardly ever reached high rating. The HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW places itself at the top of the office notebooks reviewed by us.

Very demanding users should pay a bit more and opt for the alternative with HD+ screen and UMTS/HSPA module.
Very demanding users should pay a bit more and opt for the alternative with HD+ screen and UMTS/HSPA module.
Please share our article, every link counts!
In Review: HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW
In Review: HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW

Specifications

HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW (EliteBook 8440 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-520M 2 x 2.4 - 2.9 GHz, Arrandale
Memory
2048 MB 
, PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, AR coated, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel QM57 Express Chipset
Storage
Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9250410AS, 250 GB 
, 7200 rpm, Seagate Momentus 7200, 16MB
Soundcard
HD Audio
Connections
1 Express Card 54mm, 4 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Modem, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 eSata, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: line-out, mic, Card Reader: SD/MMC, SmartCard Reader
Networking
Intel 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 1
Optical drive
HP DVDRAM GT30L
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 31.3 x 335.6 x 236.2 ( = 1.23 x 13.21 x 9.3 in)
Battery
55 Wh Lithium-Ion, 10.8V, 4910mAh, HSTNN-I45C-B
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 32 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2MP
Additional features
36 Months Warranty
Weight
2.363 kg ( = 83.35 oz / 5.21 pounds), Power Supply: 258 g ( = 9.1 oz / 0.57 pounds)
Price
1200 Euro

 

Hewlett Packard's EliteBook series are the manufacturer's premium laptops.
Hewlett Packard's EliteBook series are the manufacturer's premium laptops.
A bit of flashing on the desk can't hurt.
A bit of flashing on the desk can't hurt.
If the irradiation of the touch keys disturbs you, each one can be disabled via the BIOs individually.
If the irradiation of the touch keys disturbs you, each one can be disabled via the BIOs individually.
The cooling system restrains itself in all computing efforts. A setting in BIOs (Fan Always On Yes/No) wasn't necessary for that.
The cooling system restrains itself in all computing efforts. A setting in BIOs (Fan Always On Yes/No) wasn't necessary for that.
We can remove the battery single-handedly.
We can remove the battery single-handedly.
We don't even break a fingernail in doing so.
We don't even break a fingernail in doing so.
There is a SIM card slot in the battery slot. Our version doesn't have a 3G module, though.
There is a SIM card slot in the battery slot. Our version doesn't have a 3G module, though.
The battery keeps the 14 incher upright for almost five hours.
The battery keeps the 14 incher upright for almost five hours.
It has a capacity of 55 Wh.
It has a capacity of 55 Wh.
But in case it does get tight, the 258 gram light adapter isn't a hindrance for transportation.
But in case it does get tight, the 258 gram light adapter isn't a hindrance for transportation.
If you want to stay old school, you'll find a Windows XP recovery DVD in the supplies. The user has to create the recovery for Windows 7 himself.
If you want to stay old school, you'll find a Windows XP recovery DVD in the supplies. The user has to create the recovery for Windows 7 himself.
Tuning things up is also possible.
Tuning things up is also possible.
The 2.5 inch SATA HDD (7200 rpm) can easily be exchanged (caution: recovery partition).
The 2.5 inch SATA HDD (7200 rpm) can easily be exchanged (caution: recovery partition).
The built-in 2048 MB DDR3 bar can't, though. It's underneath the base plate. Picture: The free RAM slot for upgrading to 4096 or more MBs.
The built-in 2048 MB DDR3 bar can't, though. It's underneath the base plate. Picture: The free RAM slot for upgrading to 4096 or more MBs.
for reducing weight. The chassis is still stable.
for reducing weight. The chassis is still stable.
The optical drive can be removed with this screw
The optical drive can be removed with this screw
The 8440p with a Core i5-520M is available starting at about 1150 euro.
The 8440p with a Core i5-520M is available starting at about 1150 euro.
But the customer gets a lot of notebook in 14 inches for this price.
But the customer gets a lot of notebook in 14 inches for this price.
Clever details are striking: The pop up keyboard light,
Clever details are striking: The pop up keyboard light,
the light sensor on the display edge (controls the TFT's brightness, can be disabled)
the light sensor on the display edge (controls the TFT's brightness, can be disabled)
or the fingerprint reader.
or the fingerprint reader.
Even a stable metal lid lock is onboard.
Even a stable metal lid lock is onboard.
HP's aiming for perfection is continued here:
HP's aiming for perfection is continued here:
The lid's hinges are made of massive metal and are screwed to the chassis stably.
The lid's hinges are made of massive metal and are screwed to the chassis stably.
If you want to see many connections on a small notebook, you're well advised with the EliteBook 8440p (display port, VGA).
If you want to see many connections on a small notebook, you're well advised with the EliteBook 8440p (display port, VGA).
A SmartCard reader for personal logins on the PC is hidden on the right.
A SmartCard reader for personal logins on the PC is hidden on the right.
Fast external hard disks are attached to eSATA, faxes are sent via the integrated analog modem.
Fast external hard disks are attached to eSATA, faxes are sent via the integrated analog modem.
The front provides a cardreader for SD and MMC memory cards.
The front provides a cardreader for SD and MMC memory cards.
But that's not everything yet: The base plate accommodates a docking port and a connector for the battery slice (12 cell AT486AA).
But that's not everything yet: The base plate accommodates a docking port and a connector for the battery slice (12 cell AT486AA).
The EliteBook 8440p VQ668EA alternative is equipped with a UMTS/HSPA module. The antennas for that are already laid in the WJ681AW, and a SIM slot is also available.
The EliteBook 8440p VQ668EA alternative is equipped with a UMTS/HSPA module. The antennas for that are already laid in the WJ681AW, and a SIM slot is also available.

Similar Notebooks

Similar devices from a different Manufacturer

Review Fujitsu Lifebook S710 Notebook
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics
Review Lenovo Thinkpad T410s Notebook
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Review Dell Latitude E5410 Notebook
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics, Core i7 640M
Review Toshiba Tecra M11-104 Notebook
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics, Core i3 330M
Review Lenovo Thinkpad L412 Notebook
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics, Core i3 330M
Review Dell Latitude E6410 Notebook
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics, Core i7 620M

Devices with the same GPU

Quick Review Acer Aspire 7739Z-P624650MNKK Notebook
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) HD Graphics, Pentium P6200, 17.30", 3.3 kg

Links

Compare Prices

Pros

+Solid and high-end workmanship
+Matt, bright display
+Ideal touchpad & trackpoint devices
+Feedback strong keyboard
+Security functions (TPM, fingerprint, etc.)
+High manageability (BIOS)
+Good battery life
+Quiet in normal mode
+Low waste air (idle/load)
+Low power consumption
+Docking port & battery slice capable
 

Cons

-Poor viewing angles
-Low contrast
-HDD humming

Shortcut

What we like

A mouse replacement, which can be used extremely smoothly. And a trackpoint, the alternative to the touchpad.

What we miss

An integrated UMTS/HSPA module for mobility. But the more expensive VQ668EA is available with that.

What surprises us

Thoroughly conceived for everyday use and uncompromisingly designed for stability. If you find reason for complaint, you must be very demanding.

The competitors

15.6 inch Toshiba Tecra S11-11H: many business advantages aside from an HD+ display; HP ProBook 6540b WD690EA: significantly cheaper with 855 euro, and business suitable, too; Toshiba Tecra A11-125: comes with a good keyboard, but only in HD Ready for 760 euro; 14 inch Fujitsu Lifebook S710: extremely quiet but with a low-end workmanship for 900 euro.

Rating

HP EliteBook 8440p-WJ681AW - 04/24/2010
Sebastian Jentsch

Chassis
96%
Keyboard
96%
Pointing Device
98%
Connectivity
96%
Weight
82%
Battery
87%
Display
85%
Games Performance
55%
Application Performance
93%
Temperature
92%
Noise
90%
Add Points
96%
Average
89%
92%
Office - Weighted Average
Sebastian Jentsch, 2010-04-27 (Update: 2013-06- 6)