Executive Summary

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is a premium business laptop that represents a refined iteration in HP's flagship EliteBook 800 series. Featuring 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors with optional AMD Radeon discrete graphics, this model offers enhanced performance for demanding business users while maintaining the enterprise-grade security, durability, and manageability expected from the EliteBook lineup.

Detailed Specifications

1. Processor (CPU)

Generation: 8th or 9th Generation Intel Core (Whiskey Lake)

Available Configurations:

• Intel Core i5-8265U: 4 cores, 8 threads, 1.6-3.9 GHz (Most Common)
• Intel Core i5-8365U: 4 cores, 8 threads, 1.6-4.1 GHz (vPro available)
• Intel Core i7-8565U: 4 cores, 8 threads, 1.8-4.6 GHz
• Intel Core i7-8665U: 4 cores, 8 threads, 1.9-4.8 GHz (vPro available)
• Intel Core i7-8565U with AMD Radeon: Special configuration with discrete graphics

Key Features:

• Intel vPro Technology: Available on select configurations for enterprise management
• Thermal Design Power: 15W U-series processors optimized for performance and efficiency
• Manufacturing Process: 14nm++ refined process for improved power efficiency

2. Graphics

• Integrated: Intel UHD Graphics 620 (standard on most configurations)
• Discrete Option: AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL Graphics (4GB HBM2) with i7-8565U
• Graphics Performance:
  • Intel UHD 620: Suitable for business applications and 4K video playback
  • AMD Radeon RX Vega: 2-3x performance improvement for graphics-intensive tasks
• Display Support: Up to 3 external displays via docking solutions
• Video Outputs: DisplayPort 1.2 via Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 1.4b

AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL Features:

• Memory: 4GB HBM2 (High Bandwidth Memory 2)
• Compute Units: 20 CUs (1280 stream processors)
• Performance: Capable of light gaming, CAD applications, and video editing

3. Display

• Size: 14.0-inch diagonal
• Resolution Options:
  • HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare (Entry Level)
  • FHD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare IPS (Most Common)
  • FHD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen IPS
  • UHD (3840 x 2160) anti-glare IPS
  • FHD (1920 x 1080) HP Sure View privacy screen, 1000 nits
• Panel Technology: IPS, LED-backlit
• Brightness:
  • Standard FHD: 250 nits
  • High brightness: 400 nits (optional)
  • HP Sure View: 1000 nits (to compensate for privacy filter)
• Color Coverage:
  • Standard FHD: 45% NTSC
  • Premium FHD/UHD: 72% NTSC (approximately 100% sRGB)

4. Memory & Storage

Memory (RAM):

• Type: DDR4 SDRAM
• Speed: 2400 MHz
• Configuration: 2 x SO-DIMM slots (both user-accessible)
• Maximum Capacity: 64GB (2x32GB) - exceptional for business ultrabook
• Standard Configurations: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
• On-board Memory: Some configurations feature 8GB or 16GB soldered + 1 SO-DIMM slot

Storage:

• Type: PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Form Factor: M.2 2280
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x4
• Capacity Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Security Options:
  • Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) with OPAL 2.0
  • HP Drive Encryption
  • Microsoft BitLocker support

5. Design & Build Quality

• Dimensions: 327 x 234 x 17.9 mm (12.87 x 9.21 x 0.70 inches)
• Weight: Starting at 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs)
• Materials: Aluminum and magnesium alloy chassis
• Color: Natural silver
• Durability:
  • MIL-STD 810G certified (13 tests including drop, shock, vibration)
  • HP DuraKeys and spill-resistant keyboard (up to 300ml)
  • HP DuraFinish for resistance to wear and corrosion
• Keyboard: Backlit keyboard with 1.5mm key travel, optional privacy screen activation key

6. Security Features

• HP Sure Start Gen5: Self-healing BIOS with intrusion detection
• HP Sure View: Integrated privacy screen (optional)
• HP Privacy Camera: Webcam with physical shutter
• HP Sure Click: Isolated browsing environment
• HP Client Security Manager: Centralized security management

Authentication Options:

• Fingerprint reader (optional)
• IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition (optional)
• Smart Card reader (optional, contactless NFC support)
• Camera privacy shutter (mechanical, all models)
• Kensington lock slot

7. Connectivity & Ports

Left Side:

• 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C, 40 Gbps, DisplayPort, Power Delivery)
• 1 x HDMI 1.4b
• 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
• 1 x Nano SIM slot (WWAN models only)

Right Side:

• 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps, one with charging capability)
• Optional Smart Card reader
• AC power port

Wireless Connectivity:

• Wi-Fi: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9560 (802.11ac 2x2)
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• WWAN: Optional 4G LTE with eSIM support
• Location: GPS on WWAN models

8. Audio & Video Conferencing

• Webcam: HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera
• Camera Features:
  • Physical privacy shutter
  • IR sensor for Windows Hello (optional)
  • Wide field of view (78° diagonal)
• Microphones: Dual array digital microphones with noise reduction
• Speakers: Dual stereo speakers by Bang & Olufsen
• Audio Features:
  • HP Audio Boost
  • HP Noise Cancellation software
  • DTS Studio Sound

9. Battery & Power

• Battery Options:
  • 3-cell, 50 Wh Li-ion polymer (Standard)
  • Long life 3-cell, 53 Wh
  • 6-cell, 75 Wh extended battery (optional)
• Power Adapter: 65W USB-C slim tip adapter
• Battery Life (HP Testing):
  • Standard battery: Up to 13.5 hours (MobileMark 2014)
  • Extended battery: Up to 18.5 hours (MobileMark 2014)
• Fast Charging: 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes
• Power Management: HP Battery Health Manager for extended battery lifespan

10. Software & Management

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• Pre-installed Software:
  • HP Client Security Manager
  • HP Sure Click
  • HP Connection Optimizer
  • HP Privacy Camera software
  • HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
• Management:
  • HP Manageability Integration Kit
  • Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) on vPro models
  • Compatible with major enterprise management consoles
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty, optional HP Care Pack services

Performance & Use Cases

Business Application Performance:

• Office Productivity: Excellent performance for Microsoft Office suite
• Multitasking: Capable of handling 20+ browser tabs with multiple applications
• Video Conferencing: Smooth 720p video calls with noise-cancelling microphones
• Virtualization: Supports running virtual machines with adequate RAM allocation

Graphics-Intensive Workloads (with AMD Radeon):

• Light CAD/Design: Capable of running AutoCAD, SolidWorks (basic to intermediate)
• Video Editing: 4K video editing possible with optimized settings
• Data Visualization: Improved performance for complex charts and graphs
• Light Gaming: Playable frame rates in less demanding games at 1080p

Key Features & Target Audience

Unique Selling Points:

• Discrete Graphics Option: AMD Radeon RX Vega for graphics-intensive business tasks
• Exceptional Memory Capacity: Up to 64GB RAM in ultrabook form factor
• Comprehensive Security: HP Sure Start Gen5 with multi-layered protection
• Privacy Screen Option: HP Sure View for confidential work environments
• Business Connectivity: WWAN option for true mobile productivity

Ideal For:

• Business analysts and data scientists
• Engineering and technical professionals (with discrete graphics)
• Consultants and frequent business travelers
• Finance and legal professionals requiring privacy features
• Enterprise users needing maximum security and manageability

Limitations:

• Processor Generation: 8th/9th Gen now several generations behind current offerings
• Thermal Constraints: Discrete graphics option increases heat and reduces battery life
• Display Options: Entry-level HD panel has limited resolution and color accuracy
• Wi-Fi 5: Lacks Wi-Fi 6 support of newer models
• Weight: Slightly heavier than some ultrabook competitors

Security Implementation:

• Hardware-Based Security: TPM 2.0 and HP Sure Start BIOS protection
• Physical Privacy: Camera shutter and optional privacy screen
• Endpoint Protection: Multi-layered security from hardware to application
• Management Integration: Works with enterprise management consoles

Modern Use Assessment (2024):

• Windows 11 Compatibility: Eligible for upgrade with TPM 2.0 and 8th/9th Gen CPU
• Performance Today: Still capable for business applications and productivity
• Battery Health: May require battery replacement after 4-5 years of use
• Security Relevance: Enterprise security features maintain value
• Refurbished Value: Excellent value in enterprise refurbished market

Comparison with Contemporaries:

• vs. EliteBook 840 G5: G6 offers Thunderbolt 3 and newer processor options
• vs. EliteBook 840 G7: G7 features 10th Gen processors with improved graphics
• vs. Dell Latitude 7400: Comparable business laptop with different design approach
• vs. Lenovo ThinkPad T490: Similar target market with different keyboard and security

Discrete Graphics Analysis:

• AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL: Unique configuration combining Intel CPU with AMD GPU
• Performance Benefit: Significant improvement over integrated graphics for specific workloads
• Power Trade-off: Increased power consumption and heat generation
• Target Users: Business professionals needing occasional graphics acceleration

Final Verdict:

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 remains a solid business laptop choice, particularly for organizations that value the combination of enterprise security features and the unique option of discrete AMD graphics in an ultrabook form factor. Its comprehensive security suite with HP Sure Start Gen5, optional privacy screen, and military-grade durability make it suitable for demanding business environments where data protection and device reliability are paramount. For businesses seeking reliable, secure laptops in the refurbished market or organizations with specific needs for graphics acceleration alongside enterprise security, the EliteBook 840 G6 continues to offer compelling value and capability.