In the world of laptops, few brands command the respect and admiration of HP’s Elitebook series. Specifically, the 840 model has been a stalwart in the business laptop market, offering a perfect blend of power, portability, and durability. However, as with any successful product lineup, HP has continually updated and refined the Elitebook 840, leading to the introduction of newer generations, including the G1 and G2 models. But what exactly sets these two iterations apart?
The Evolution of the HP Elitebook 840
Before diving into the differences between the G1 and G2, it’s essential to understand the context in which these laptops were released. The HP Elitebook 840 G1 was launched in 2013, while the G2 followed suit in 2015. This two-year gap may not seem significant, but it marked a period of tremendous growth in the laptop market, driven by advancements in processor technology, storage, and display capabilities.
The G1 was built on the foundations of its predecessors, inheriting many of the same design cues and features. However, it was the first Elitebook 840 to incorporate Intel’s 4th generation Core processors, which provided a significant boost in performance and power efficiency. The G1 was also notable for its sleek, durable design, which included a robust magnesium alloy chassis and a spill-resistant keyboard.
Fast-forward to the G2, and it’s clear that HP took the lessons learned from the G1 and pushed the boundaries even further. The G2 was designed to cater to the growing demands of business users, with an increased focus on security, manageability, and collaboration. This newer generation also benefited from the introduction of Intel’s 5th generation Core processors, which brought even greater performance and efficiency gains.
Processors: The Heart of the Matter
One of the most critical differences between the HP Elitebook 840 G1 and G2 lies in their processor architectures. The G1 was powered by Intel’s 4th generation Core processors, specifically the Core i3, i5, and i7 variants. These processors, such as the Core i5-4200U, offered a maximum turbo frequency of up to 2.6 GHz and a maximum memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
In contrast, the G2 was equipped with Intel’s 5th generation Core processors, including the Core i3, i5, and i7 variants. The Core i5-5200U, for example, boasted a maximum turbo frequency of up to 2.7 GHz and a maximum memory bandwidth of 30.4 GB/s. This significant increase in processing power and memory bandwidth enabled the G2 to handle more demanding tasks, such as data analysis, video editing, and multitasking.
Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost
It’s also important to note that both the G1 and G2 processors supported Hyper-Threading, a technology that allows multiple threads to be executed simultaneously, enhancing overall system performance. However, the G2’s 5th generation processors took this a step further with improved Turbo Boost capabilities.
Turbo Boost allows the processor to dynamically adjust its frequency to meet specific workload demands, providing an instant performance boost when needed. In the G2, Turbo Boost was more aggressive, enabling the processor to reach higher frequencies for longer periods, resulting in better overall performance and responsiveness.
Memory and Storage: Where the G2 Shines
Both the G1 and G2 offer a range of memory and storage options, but the G2 takes the lead in this department. The G1 was limited to a maximum of 16 GB of DDR3 RAM, while the G2 supported up to 32 GB of DDR3L RAM. This increased memory capacity allows the G2 to handle more demanding applications and provides a noticeable improvement in multitasking capabilities.
In terms of storage, the G1 was available with a range of hard disk drive (HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD) options, including a 500 GB HDD and a 256 GB SSD. The G2, on the other hand, offered more advanced storage options, including up to 1 TB of HDD storage and up to 512 GB of SSD storage. The G2 also introduced support for mSATA SSDs, providing faster storage access and improved overall system responsiveness.
SSD Advantages
The inclusion of SSD storage in the G2 is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a range of benefits, including:
- Faster boot times: SSDs can reduce boot times by up to 50% compared to traditional HDDs.
- Improved performance: SSDs provide faster access to files and applications, resulting in improved overall system performance.
- Durability: SSDs are more resistant to shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures, making them a more reliable storage option.
Display and Graphics: A Tale of Two Screens
The display and graphics capabilities of the G1 and G2 are another key area of differentiation. The G1 was available with a range of 14-inch display options, including HD (1366 x 768), HD+ (1600 x 900), and Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolutions. Graphics were handled by Intel’s HD Graphics 4400, which provided decent performance for general business use.
The G2, on the other hand, boasted more advanced display options, including a higher-resolution 14-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) display. Graphics were upgraded to Intel’s HD Graphics 5500, which offered improved performance and support for more demanding applications.
Brightness and Color Accuracy
In terms of display brightness and color accuracy, the G2 takes the lead. The G2’s display was capable of producing up to 300 nits of brightness, compared to the G1’s 250 nits. This increased brightness, combined with better color accuracy, makes the G2 a more suitable choice for users who require a high-quality display for tasks like video editing or graphics design.
Design and Durability: Built to Last
Both the G1 and G2 feature a robust, durable design that’s built to withstand the rigors of daily business use. The G1’s magnesium alloy chassis and spill-resistant keyboard set the standard for business laptops, and the G2 continued this tradition, albeit with some refinements.
The G2’s design was tweaked to provide a more seamless user experience, with a more ergonomic keyboard and improved touchpad gestures. The G2 also introduced a new, more durable paint finish, which is designed to resist scratches and wear.
Ports and Connectivity
In terms of ports and connectivity, both the G1 and G2 offer a range of options, including:
- 3x USB 3.0 ports
- 1x USB 2.0 port
- 1x HDMI port
- 1x VGA port
- 1x RJ-45 Ethernet port
- 1x Headphone/microphone combo jack
The G2, however, adds a few additional features, including an SD card reader and support for WiGig (Wireless Gigabit) connectivity.
Security and Management: The G2’s Forte
The G2 takes security and management to the next level, with a range of features designed to protect business data and simplify IT management. Some of the key security features include:
- HP’s proprietary SureStart technology, which provides advanced BIOS-level protection
- Intel’s vPro technology, which enables remote management and repair
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2, which provides hardware-based encryption and secure storage
- HP’s Client Security software, which offers advanced threat protection and data encryption
Management Capabilities
The G2 also offers advanced management capabilities, including:
- HP’s Client Management software, which enables remote monitoring and configuration
- Intel’s Active Management Technology (AMT), which allows for remote management and repair
- Support for Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)
In conclusion, while both the HP Elitebook 840 G1 and G2 are exceptional business laptops, the G2 takes the lead in terms of processor performance, memory and storage capacity, display quality, and security and management features. For businesses seeking a reliable, powerful, and secure laptop solution, the G2 is the clear winner.
What is the main difference between HP Elitebook 840 G1 and G2?
The main difference between the HP Elitebook 840 G1 and G2 is the processor. The G1 model is equipped with 4th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, whereas the G2 model is equipped with 5th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. This means that the G2 model has a more modern and efficient processor, which provides better performance and battery life.
Additionally, the G2 model also has some other minor upgrades, such as a newer chipset and improved graphics. However, the overall design and build quality of both models are similar, with both featuring a durable and sleek design. Despite the differences, both models are high-quality business laptops that are designed to meet the needs of professionals.
Which model is better in terms of performance?
The HP Elitebook 840 G2 is better in terms of performance. As mentioned earlier, the G2 model is equipped with 5th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, which provide better performance and efficiency compared to the 4th generation processors in the G1 model. This means that the G2 model can handle more demanding tasks and applications with ease, making it a better option for professionals who need a laptop that can keep up with their workload.
In addition, the G2 model also has faster memory and storage options, which further enhance its performance. The G2 model can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, whereas the G1 model has a maximum of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. This makes the G2 model a better option for demanding tasks such as video editing, data analysis, and other resource-intensive applications.
What is the difference in battery life between the two models?
The HP Elitebook 840 G2 has a longer battery life compared to the G1 model. According to HP, the G2 model can last up to 14 hours and 30 minutes on a single charge, whereas the G1 model can last up to 12 hours and 30 minutes. This is due to the more efficient processor and improved power management system in the G2 model.
It’s worth noting that the actual battery life may vary depending on usage and settings. However, in general, the G2 model is more power-efficient and can last longer on a single charge, making it a better option for professionals who need a laptop that can last all day.
Are there any differences in terms of display?
The HP Elitebook 840 G1 and G2 have similar display options. Both models are available with a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The displays on both models are bright, clear, and vibrant, and are suitable for a variety of tasks such as browsing, streaming, and working.
However, some users may notice that the G2 model has a slightly better display with more accurate colors and a wider viewing angle. This is due to the newer display technology used in the G2 model. However, for most users, the difference may not be noticeable, and both models have excellent displays.
Are there any differences in terms of ports and connectivity?
The HP Elitebook 840 G1 and G2 have similar port options. Both models have three USB 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot. Both models also have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options.
However, the G2 model has a newer and faster Wi-Fi adapter, which provides faster and more reliable connectivity. Additionally, the G2 model also has optional features such as 4G LTE connectivity and a smart card reader, which may be useful for professionals who need to stay connected on the go.
Is the G2 model more expensive than the G1 model?
The HP Elitebook 840 G2 is generally more expensive than the G1 model. This is due to the newer and more advanced technology used in the G2 model, such as the 5th generation Intel Core processor and improved display.
However, the price difference may not be significant, and it’s worth considering the benefits of the G2 model’s newer technology and improved performance. Additionally, the G2 model may be available with more configuration options, which can also affect the price.
Should I upgrade from the G1 model to the G2 model?
If you’re currently using the HP Elitebook 840 G1 and are happy with its performance, there may not be a compelling reason to upgrade to the G2 model. However, if you need a laptop with better performance, longer battery life, and newer technology, the G2 model may be worth considering.
Additionally, if you’re using resource-intensive applications or need a laptop that can keep up with your demanding workload, the G2 model may be a better option. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your specific needs and budget.