When I go to the HP web site and try to configure the model, it immediately bumps the price up to ~$2,000. Is it possible to configure this laptop for less than 2 grand?
Also, even when doing so, there is no display option bigger than 1600x900, which is lame.
And, talk about a weird configuration system. They have all of these strange configuration options like the stickers that will be put on the laptop and if you upgrade the processor, you get a big red error until you go and change the sticker to match. That is just about retarded.
Unfortunately, we don't know what quality of screen you get with the upgrade, but given it's a $75 upgrade I wouldn't expect a lot (and even less if it's only 15€). I've seen a lot of poor "upgraded" LCDs over the years, so there's no guarantee unless HP/whoever makes a point of stating the the LCD upgrade is a DreamColor or RGB LED or high-gamut or what have you.
As far as the configurable models go, HP always charges a lot, but usually there are "instant rebate" codes floating around. I'm not aware of any for the 8460p right now, but if you can wait I would expect one to turn up. I've also heard you can get much better pricing if you call to place an order and ask for a lower price (though I've never tried that).
Lets put it this way, I've never seen a 1600x900 14" screen that looked horrible. But I've seen PLENTY of 1366x768 screens that are utter garbage. It seems when pixel density increases on these screens so do view angles, color and contrast.
I have a slightly older elitebook 6930p with the upgrade 1440x900 screen over the 1280x800 screen that was the base and I have seen both screens in action as well as the newer 1366x768 on an 8440w. The 2 lower end ones, 1280x800 and 1366x768 aren't good, particularly the 1280x800 one, its atrocious. My 1440x900 screen though is very nice. Looks clear, colors are good. Its not the best screen ever but its definitely not something that would go in a cons list and I imagine that the 1600x900 screens they offer with these would be similar.
Looks like HP went with form instead of function with the chiclet keyboard, lack of useful function keys like volume adjustment, equally spaced apart F keys, and no middle button for the trackpoint. The notebook also looks pretty thick. Add to that list of flaws the exhaust on the right side. I'll stick with thinkpads.
This laptop review needs more assessment of laptop build quality: fit and finish, flex, and so on. Benchmark performance merely reflects the intel processor on the inside.
I own 6930p notebook and all changes hp made seem to go for worse. - I would always trade chickelt for regular notebok keyboard. I hate small up/down arrows and could not care less for trends Apple is pushing. Pray we do not get one button touchpad in next generation. - I am not crazy about touch buttons row above keyboard on my elitebook but it is better than no dedicated volume up/down, - Exaust on the righ hand side??? - Mate display is one of the weak point of my notebook. It seems hp used even worse display on new one. - Notebook obviously performs better but it is not because of hp.
These are about the only laptops other than MacBook Pros i can stand. Most of the rest are cheap and junky. Plus I have zero desire to run Windows. I have a W series laptop from work that I run Linux on as well as MBP. Still not the build quality of a MBP but close. Plus HP provides great business service and support. Their consumer support sucks tho.
Well this one is off the table. non switchable graphics with something that's hardly better than intel igp? Makes no sense. BTW what's with the starcraft 2 Benchmark? Doesn't make any sense too HD 6470 being suddenly the fastes card by big margin...
I recently saw a cheap HP notebook and the screen was really, really awful. Even problematic in a well lit room to use. And with well lit I do not mean direct sunlight...it's is really really bad. i would immediately return anything with such a screen.
There are at least two cool things you lose by not having switchable graphics: vPro hardware VNC server (with discrete, you'll be mousing and keyboarding blind), and Intel Wireless Display
This looks like a great laptop, if bought with the 1600x900 screen, but is there any elitebook that has switchable graphics? I think vPro is a big feature in business laptops to begin with. I would love to see a decent 14" business notebook, Dell, Lenovo and Fujitsu seems to have a few decent too. But I would love to see notebooks with switchable graphics in 14" too that has the complete feature set of vPro/iAMT. I know there is 15" models that does that though. But shouldn't Dell and Lenovo handle that in their 14inch notebooks too? But is a NVS 4200M worth anything? Probably not.
WTF is wrong with PC manufacturers and their inability to put a decent screen? A decent screen should be STANDARD, not drek that belongs on a 14" $100 TV's at Walmart!
I guess I'll never find a worthy upgrade for my 700 euro (incl. sales tax) 6715b with its 1680x1050 screen which I bought back in 2008. I'd gladly go with an elitebook in order to keep on using my docking stations and 12-cell batteries.
Not too long ago you could still get elitebooks with 1920x 1080 or 1200 screens, but now, there's not a single model which goes over 1600x900 (unless somebody can show me otherwise) and the Concorde has been retired as well.
I own a 8440p with the 1600x900 screen. It was the only decent notebook on the market with a high res. screen smaller than 15 in. It is very bright and clear, but the contrast and viewing angles are only fair, not great. Having said that they are so much better than the screen reviewed here.
In regards to the default screen have you disabled the ambient light sensor? I don't personally own the laptop but I'm in the market and have been looking at the HP 8460 (along with the Sony Vaio SB) for a few weeks now. I did read somewhere that a user turned off the sensor which improved screen brightness. Might be worth a try, also found some pictures of the 1600 x 900 screen, owner seems to like it:
Considering the ThinkPad X100 is a pretty low-end ThinkPad... and the screen shots makes the Elite notebook appear to be pretty much useless! Worse than my OLD ThinkPad R61 (almost 4 years old).
The ThinkPad T420 can be had with a 1600x900 and similar config for around $1100. The screens are still matte, but are bright and look pretty good (not as much as glossy - for obvious reasons). To get it up to $2000 is top end with a T420... maybe the 1" think T420s. (A full load out with SSD 160GB, i7-2620, 8GB, WifiMax, GPS & WAN is $2100)
Both Dell and HP copy ThinkPad with the tracking-stick as well as two sets of mouse buttons.
So for $1100, might as well get a ThinkPad with the roll-cage (Its not plastic under the case), spill protection for the keyboard and easily a FAR FAR better keyboard than the crap they put on that "professional HP" notebook.
Here is the standard ThinkPad keyboard (not on the lower end Edge or L series): http://www.studentbuyingguide.com/wp-content/uploa... The extra large DELETE key is handy. With only thing that degrades the keyboard is the fn & CTRL keys are still OLD-Style backwards. :( At least it can be switched in BIOS.
I just got a 8440p and love it. Upgraded to 4gb of ram, seems stable enough to run a few vms.. I just need to get xoskins to make me a <a href="http://xoskins.com">screen protector</a> for it and ill be set. I tried a privacy one, but it drives my eyes crazy
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31 Comments
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XiZeL - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
For an extra 15€ you can get the 1600x900 screen and for an other extra that theres is a fullDH optionbji - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
When I go to the HP web site and try to configure the model, it immediately bumps the price up to ~$2,000. Is it possible to configure this laptop for less than 2 grand?Also, even when doing so, there is no display option bigger than 1600x900, which is lame.
And, talk about a weird configuration system. They have all of these strange configuration options like the stickers that will be put on the laptop and if you upgrade the processor, you get a big red error until you go and change the sticker to match. That is just about retarded.
JarredWalton - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
Unfortunately, we don't know what quality of screen you get with the upgrade, but given it's a $75 upgrade I wouldn't expect a lot (and even less if it's only 15€). I've seen a lot of poor "upgraded" LCDs over the years, so there's no guarantee unless HP/whoever makes a point of stating the the LCD upgrade is a DreamColor or RGB LED or high-gamut or what have you.As far as the configurable models go, HP always charges a lot, but usually there are "instant rebate" codes floating around. I'm not aware of any for the 8460p right now, but if you can wait I would expect one to turn up. I've also heard you can get much better pricing if you call to place an order and ask for a lower price (though I've never tried that).
Ytterbium - Friday, May 13, 2011 - link
the 1600x900 screen is reported to be not that good either.The best screen HP do on the p serise is the 1600x900 WVA screen on the 8560p.
If you want dreamcolor you have to go to the 8560w or 8570w, the 8460w doesn't have dreamcolor :(
Penti - Friday, May 13, 2011 - link
Those dreamcolor screens are also rated to 15 W so I wouldn't run any of those portable. Which defeats the point of the screen to begin with.Souka - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
But is the fullHD screen better? or just higer rez?My co-worker has the 8440p... and I absolutely agree that the LCD is HORRIBLE.
but hey, who uses the LCD on a laptop right? Oh wait a minute....
smalM - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
One docking station at the office, one at home, and never using the built in screen does help alot...secretmanofagent - Monday, May 16, 2011 - link
I think HP tends to use crap screens. My work laptop is a 8530w Mobile Workstation, and it's easily one of the worst displays I've seen.bhima - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
Lets put it this way, I've never seen a 1600x900 14" screen that looked horrible. But I've seen PLENTY of 1366x768 screens that are utter garbage. It seems when pixel density increases on these screens so do view angles, color and contrast.fordry - Wednesday, July 6, 2011 - link
I have a slightly older elitebook 6930p with the upgrade 1440x900 screen over the 1280x800 screen that was the base and I have seen both screens in action as well as the newer 1366x768 on an 8440w. The 2 lower end ones, 1280x800 and 1366x768 aren't good, particularly the 1280x800 one, its atrocious. My 1440x900 screen though is very nice. Looks clear, colors are good. Its not the best screen ever but its definitely not something that would go in a cons list and I imagine that the 1600x900 screens they offer with these would be similar.lefenzy - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
Looks like HP went with form instead of function with the chiclet keyboard, lack of useful function keys like volume adjustment, equally spaced apart F keys, and no middle button for the trackpoint. The notebook also looks pretty thick. Add to that list of flaws the exhaust on the right side. I'll stick with thinkpads.This laptop review needs more assessment of laptop build quality: fit and finish, flex, and so on. Benchmark performance merely reflects the intel processor on the inside.
sinansakic - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
I own 6930p notebook and all changes hp made seem to go for worse.- I would always trade chickelt for regular notebok keyboard. I hate small up/down arrows and could not care less for trends Apple is pushing. Pray we do not get one button touchpad in next generation.
- I am not crazy about touch buttons row above keyboard on my elitebook but it is better than no dedicated volume up/down,
- Exaust on the righ hand side???
- Mate display is one of the weak point of my notebook. It seems hp used even worse display on new one.
- Notebook obviously performs better but it is not because of hp.
darwinosx - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
These are about the only laptops other than MacBook Pros i can stand. Most of the rest are cheap and junky. Plus I have zero desire to run Windows. I have a W series laptop from work that I run Linux on as well as MBP. Still not the build quality of a MBP but close. Plus HP provides great business service and support. Their consumer support sucks tho.beginner99 - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
Well this one is off the table. non switchable graphics with something that's hardly better than intel igp? Makes no sense. BTW what's with the starcraft 2 Benchmark? Doesn't make any sense too HD 6470 being suddenly the fastes card by big margin...I recently saw a cheap HP notebook and the screen was really, really awful. Even problematic in a well lit room to use. And with well lit I do not mean direct sunlight...it's is really really bad. i would immediately return anything with such a screen.
DanaG - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
There are at least two cool things you lose by not having switchable graphics:vPro hardware VNC server (with discrete, you'll be mousing and keyboarding blind), and Intel Wireless Display
Penti - Thursday, May 12, 2011 - link
This looks like a great laptop, if bought with the 1600x900 screen, but is there any elitebook that has switchable graphics? I think vPro is a big feature in business laptops to begin with. I would love to see a decent 14" business notebook, Dell, Lenovo and Fujitsu seems to have a few decent too. But I would love to see notebooks with switchable graphics in 14" too that has the complete feature set of vPro/iAMT. I know there is 15" models that does that though. But shouldn't Dell and Lenovo handle that in their 14inch notebooks too? But is a NVS 4200M worth anything? Probably not.Pneumothorax - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
WTF is wrong with PC manufacturers and their inability to put a decent screen? A decent screen should be STANDARD, not drek that belongs on a 14" $100 TV's at Walmart!VJ - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
I guess I'll never find a worthy upgrade for my 700 euro (incl. sales tax) 6715b with its 1680x1050 screen which I bought back in 2008. I'd gladly go with an elitebook in order to keep on using my docking stations and 12-cell batteries.Not too long ago you could still get elitebooks with 1920x 1080 or 1200 screens, but now, there's not a single model which goes over 1600x900 (unless somebody can show me otherwise) and the Concorde has been retired as well.
damianrobertjones - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
Please mention the extended and super extended battery options that are available.damianrobertjones - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
P.s. Would love a review of the 13.3" modelRobberbaron12 - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
I own a 8440p with the 1600x900 screen. It was the only decent notebook on the market with a high res. screen smaller than 15 in. It is very bright and clear, but the contrast and viewing angles are only fair, not great. Having said that they are so much better than the screen reviewed here.MonkeySnax - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
In regards to the default screen have you disabled the ambient light sensor? I don't personally own the laptop but I'm in the market and have been looking at the HP 8460 (along with the Sony Vaio SB) for a few weeks now. I did read somewhere that a user turned off the sensor which improved screen brightness. Might be worth a try, also found some pictures of the 1600 x 900 screen, owner seems to like it:http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-business-class-...
Pessimism - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
plastic internal chassis != elitedan0512 - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
As long as they don't make the Elitebooks with 16:10 screens again.ebolamonkey3 - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - link
When will Anandtech do a review on the Thinkpad x220??ahmed25 - Friday, May 13, 2011 - link
Hi...Any chance of a review ofr the sandy bridge envy 17 3d from you?It seems like a wonderful all in one multimedia lappyCutControl - Friday, May 13, 2011 - link
With all the sandy bridge going around I think it's time for another buyer guide! =)Belard - Saturday, May 14, 2011 - link
Considering the ThinkPad X100 is a pretty low-end ThinkPad... and the screen shots makes the Elite notebook appear to be pretty much useless! Worse than my OLD ThinkPad R61 (almost 4 years old).The ThinkPad T420 can be had with a 1600x900 and similar config for around $1100. The screens are still matte, but are bright and look pretty good (not as much as glossy - for obvious reasons). To get it up to $2000 is top end with a T420... maybe the 1" think T420s.
(A full load out with SSD 160GB, i7-2620, 8GB, WifiMax, GPS & WAN is $2100)
Both Dell and HP copy ThinkPad with the tracking-stick as well as two sets of mouse buttons.
So for $1100, might as well get a ThinkPad with the roll-cage (Its not plastic under the case), spill protection for the keyboard and easily a FAR FAR better keyboard than the crap they put on that "professional HP" notebook.
Here is the standard ThinkPad keyboard (not on the lower end Edge or L series): http://www.studentbuyingguide.com/wp-content/uploa...
The extra large DELETE key is handy. With only thing that degrades the keyboard is the fn & CTRL keys are still OLD-Style backwards. :( At least it can be switched in BIOS.
The T420s is a thinner version of the T420, looks even slicker - but I don't think its worth the extra $300 and loss of a USB port and drive options. http://www.lenovo.com/shop/americas/content/img_li...
For the most part the body of the HP Elite does look very nice... a cross between an MacBook Pro and thinkpad with s goldish color.
wigglz - Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - link
I just got a 8440p and love it. Upgraded to 4gb of ram, seems stable enough to run a few vms.. I just need to get xoskins to make me a <a href="http://xoskins.com">screen protector</a> for it and ill be set. I tried a privacy one, but it drives my eyes crazyMuhammadIbrahim - Monday, April 6, 2020 - link
helloI have one ddr3 4GB, can I add another one 12GB in the other slot or I should have the same memory size on both slots?
frigider - Friday, March 4, 2022 - link
Guys, does anyone know if you can install a different brand of display ?One that does not have that ridiculous narrow view angles?