HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14"

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops released in 2019. While sharing a focus on productivity and portability, they offer distinct approaches to design, display technology, and internal upgradeability. Both devices run on the Windows operating system, providing a familiar software environment for most users.

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490, having been released in 2019, are now several years into their lifecycle. Their longevity is influenced by ongoing software support and the inherent durability of their designs.

• Operating System Support: As devices from 2019, both laptops are compatible with current Windows versions and are expected to receive security and feature updates for a reasonable period, though newer models will naturally have a longer projected support window.
• Build Quality: The EliteBook 840 G6 features an aluminium chassis, contributing to a solid and premium feel, with users often noting its robust construction. The ThinkPad T490, built with an aluminum-magnesium alloy, is known for its durable chassis and has undergone military-grade testing to ensure resilience against various environmental conditions.
• Repairability and Upgradability: The EliteBook 840 G6 generally offers good repairability, with both RAM and SSD being user-removable and upgradeable, which can extend its practical lifespan. The ThinkPad T490 allows for SSD upgrades and partial RAM upgrades, as it typically features some soldered RAM alongside one accessible DIMM slot.

When evaluating the performance of these two laptops, the focus is on their real-world responsiveness and capability to handle typical workloads, rather than specific component names.

• Everyday Task Handling: Both the EliteBook 840 G6 and the ThinkPad T490 are equipped with processors designed for business and productivity tasks. They capably manage common applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing, and video conferencing, providing a smooth user experience for daily computing.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The EliteBook 840 G6 can be configured with up to 64GB of system memory across two slots, offering substantial capacity for demanding multitasking and applications. The ThinkPad T490 supports up to 48GB of system memory, typically with a portion soldered and one slot available for expansion, which still provides ample headroom for most professional use cases. Both devices utilize fast solid-state drives (SSDs) for storage, ensuring quick boot times and rapid application loading.
• Battery Behavior: Both models feature a 50Wh battery. The EliteBook 840 G6 is reported to offer extended battery life for web browsing and video playback, with fast charging capabilities. The ThinkPad T490 also claims long battery life, with real-world usage typically providing a full day of productivity for many users, and it supports rapid charging to quickly replenish power.

The visual experience on these laptops varies depending on the specific display configuration chosen, with both offering options suitable for different user needs.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 offers various 14-inch display options, including Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panels with different brightness levels, and a higher-resolution UHD (3840x2160) option. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 also provides a range of 14-inch displays, from a standard Full HD IPS panel to a highly regarded WQHD (2560x1440) IPS panel with Dolby Vision HDR, known for its vibrant colors and high brightness.
• Brightness and Clarity: The EliteBook 840 G6 can be found with panels offering up to 400 nits of brightness, providing good visibility in well-lit environments. The ThinkPad T490's premium WQHD option can reach 500 nits, making it particularly suitable for outdoor use or bright office settings. Both models offer good clarity for text and visuals, with IPS technology ensuring wide viewing angles.
• Special Features: Some configurations of the EliteBook 840 G6 include touchscreen functionality, adding an interactive element. The ThinkPad T490 offers a PrivacyGuard option on some FHD panels, which limits viewing angles to protect on-screen information from onlookers.

For communication and media consumption, both laptops provide integrated solutions, though with varying levels of quality and features.

• Webcam Performance: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 typically feature a 720p webcam. This resolution is generally satisfactory for standard video calls and virtual meetings, providing adequate visuals for everyday use.
• Microphone Quality: The EliteBook 840 G6 is equipped with dual-array microphones and HP Noise Cancellation, designed to reduce background noise and ensure clear voice capture during calls. The ThinkPad T490 also includes dual far-field microphones, which help in picking up voices clearly from a distance.
• Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G6 features Bang & Olufsen speakers, which are noted for delivering clear and rich sound for a thin laptop, enhancing the media consumption experience. The ThinkPad T490 offers Dolby Audio Premium, providing a good audio experience for general use, though some users note that ThinkPad speakers, in general, are not their strongest feature.