HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" Vs Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12"

HP EliteBook 840 G6 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G6 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£192.00

Versus £542.61 new

See options
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12"
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£180.00

Versus £1,509.25 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G6, released in May 2019, is a traditional business-oriented laptop, while the Microsoft Surface Pro 7, launched in October 2019, is a versatile 2-in-1 detachable tablet. Both devices run on the Windows operating system, offering a familiar software experience. The primary distinctions lie in their form factor, with the EliteBook prioritizing a conventional laptop experience and the Surface Pro 7 emphasizing portability and touch-enabled versatility.

Scores

Durability

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 were released in 2019, placing them in a similar generation of computing devices. As Windows-based machines, their software longevity is tied to Microsoft's ongoing support for the operating system, which typically extends for several years.

  • Software Support: Both devices benefit from continued Windows operating system updates, ensuring access to new features and security patches for a comparable duration.
  • Repairability: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is designed with repairability in mind, scoring highly on assessment scales due to easily accessible and replaceable components like RAM, SSD, and battery. It primarily uses standard screws, and repair documentation is often available. In contrast, the Surface Pro 7, while a premium device, is generally considered less straightforward to repair, with components like RAM often soldered to the motherboard.
  • Physical Durability: The EliteBook 840 G6 features a robust aluminum chassis, contributing to its overall physical resilience. The Surface Pro 7 utilizes a magnesium alloy design, offering a premium feel and solid construction.

Year of Release

2019

2019

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance of these two devices caters to slightly different user needs, influenced by their internal configurations and design philosophies.

  • Storage Options: Both devices offer solid-state drive (SSD) storage, providing fast boot times and application loading. The HP EliteBook 840 G6 offers M.2 SSD options up to 2TB, including configurations with Intel Optane Memory for enhanced responsiveness. The Surface Pro 7 is available with SSD options ranging from 128GB to 1TB.
  • Multitasking Capability: The EliteBook 840 G6 can be configured with up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across two user-accessible SODIMM slots, allowing for significant memory expansion and smooth handling of numerous applications simultaneously. The Surface Pro 7 offers up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, which is sufficient for most everyday tasks and moderate multitasking, though it is not user-upgradeable.
  • Everyday Responsiveness: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is equipped with 8th generation Intel Core processors, providing reliable performance for business applications, web browsing, and general productivity. The Surface Pro 7 features 10th generation Intel Core processors, which offer a slight generational advantage in processing efficiency and responsiveness for daily computing and light creative tasks.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

8 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 10 (G4)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their distinct display technologies and form factors.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 typically features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare display, with options for higher brightness and color accuracy, and even a UHD (3840 x 2160) panel. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 boasts a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a higher resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, resulting in a sharper image and greater pixel density.
  • Brightness and Viewing: Both devices offer good brightness levels for indoor use. The EliteBook's anti-glare finish is beneficial in brightly lit environments, while the Surface Pro 7's display is known for its vibrant colors and good outdoor visibility.
  • Screen Size and Interaction: The EliteBook's larger 14-inch screen provides more screen real estate for productivity tasks, such as working with multiple documents or spreadsheets. The Surface Pro 7's 12.3-inch display, combined with its touch capabilities and 3:2 aspect ratio, is optimized for touch interaction, digital inking, and a more tablet-like experience.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

2736 x 1824

Screen type

IPS

IPS

Audiovisual

The audio and visual capabilities of these devices are tailored to their intended use cases, with some notable differences in camera and speaker configurations.

  • Camera System: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 typically includes a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 features a 5-megapixel front-facing camera capable of 1080p HD video and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus, making it more versatile for photography and scanning documents.
  • Microphone Quality: Both devices are equipped with integrated microphones designed for clear voice capture during calls. The EliteBook 840 G6 includes three multi-array microphones with HP Noise Cancellation for improved audio clarity in noisy environments. The Surface Pro 7 features dual far-field Studio Mics, which are effective for voice commands and video calls.
  • Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G6 incorporates Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers, providing a clear audio experience for presentations and media consumption. The Surface Pro 7 features Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio, offering a rich sound experience, particularly for media playback.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two devices, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Options: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a Thunderbolt (USB Type-C) port, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, HDMI 1.4b, and a dedicated docking connector. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 includes one USB-C port, one USB-A port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a Surface Connect port, and a microSDXC card reader.
  • Portability and Handling: The Surface Pro 7 is significantly lighter, starting at 775 grams (1.70 lbs) without its Type Cover, and more compact, making it highly portable and easy to carry. The EliteBook 840 G6, as a traditional laptop, starts at 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs), offering a more stable experience for lap-typing and extended desk use.
  • Security and Authentication: The EliteBook 840 G6 often includes a fingerprint sensor and optional IR camera for Windows Hello, alongside HP's suite of security features. The Surface Pro 7 supports Windows Hello facial recognition for convenient and secure login.

Weight

7500 g

775 g

Screen size

14

12

User feedback for the HP EliteBook 840 G6 often praises its robust build quality, comfortable keyboard, and extensive port selection, making it a reliable workhorse for business professionals. Some users appreciate its traditional laptop form factor for stable, long-duration typing sessions. Criticisms are less common but sometimes point to its weight compared to ultra-portable alternatives.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is frequently lauded for its exceptional portability, versatile 2-in-1 design, and high-resolution touchscreen, which is ideal for digital inking and media consumption. However, some users have noted that its battery life can be inconsistent for heavy usage, and the keyboard cover is sold separately.

Users prioritizing a traditional, highly repairable laptop with a wide array of connectivity options and a stable typing experience will find the HP EliteBook 840 G6 well-suited to their needs. This includes professionals requiring a dependable machine for office work or students who need a robust device for academic tasks. Conversely, individuals who value extreme portability, touch interaction, pen input, and the flexibility of a tablet and laptop in one device may lean toward the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. This makes it a strong choice for travelers, creatives, or students who prefer digital note-taking. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking reliable technology.

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