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"A SOLID non-Macbook-Air-wannabe Ultralight!"
on by HarrisNasutionPros Super fast boot time. Decent CPU performance, even for intensive compilers. Fashionably, but NOT overtly, thin and light. Simple yet nice design. Inclussion of USB 3 and ethernet port. Contrary to many reviewers, not a Macbook Air clone!
Cons Trackpad is stiff, just as most reviews say. No VGA output.
Summary If you are one of the only few people who don't always have to compare everything to the Macbook Air, but are indeed in need of a solid, lightweight and nice-looking laptop, then this might just be the one for you.
For once, HP has produced a very solid design on a thin and light laptop. No, it's not anorexicly thin, but it is still thin enough to be a showcase item -- if that is even important to you. No, it is not so light it feels like a piece of paper, but it is still light enough to carry it everywhere with you for a long period of time.
The overall build quality is excellent -- it's got that high-end feel. The keyboard is quite comfortable and smooth for extended typing, although the trakpad is just.. meh (not horrible, but nothing to write home about.) The best thing about the keyboard is its backlighting: YES, you DO or WILL need it, and it's got it!
Processor speed seems fast to me, at least for a ULV version of the sandybridge i5 anyway. SOme reviewers mention middle-of-the-road performance with their non-real life tests, but to me, it seems fast enough to run my development applications, which can be extremely processor intensive. It is definitely WAY faster than most laptops in boot time, perhaps due to its use of SSD drive instead of the traditional spinning one.
Screen brightness is decent, although it could use a bit of improvement.
In summary, this is a great, full-featured laptop that can easily replace all the other "heavier" 13" ones and has its solid place to compete with the other ultrabooks. -
"A great ultra portable corporate laptop."
on by screaminyjPros Typical HP "Elitebook" performance and features in a light weight, durable package. The keyboard has a good feel with a clear, bright screen.
Cons Like others have said, the touchpad leaves something to be desired, and I really wish they had included a pointing stick. Even though it is an ultrabook, it still could use to go on a diet to compete with some of the other options in this category.
Summary I've been evaluating this laptop as an option for executive users. If you are already an HP shop, this will fit right in with your other standard laptops. It is light enough to satisfy the users looking for something for heavy travel, yet still has the hardware to complete normal business operation and support the full range of management tools.
That being said, I've also looked at some competing devices and the size and weight, while great compared to the existing Elitebook line up, does not match up well with the competition, which is somewhat offset by its obvious durability. For frequent flying travelers, the sacrifice in relative size and weight may be beneficial in that your precious laptop survives the ill fortunes of airport environments, and with the spill resistant keyboard, dousing it with your coffee while awaiting the red eye may cause a bit less stress.
All in all, a good outing for HP into the new world of corporate ultrabooks. Are there cheaper options? Yes Are there smaller, lighter options? Yes But at the end of the day, for a business user, the combination of form factor, durability, and performance make this a compelling choice. -
"A great laptop"
on by casejoyPros very fast start up time. Average 24 seconds. Solid state drive performance is very fast. Very light. Design is very good.
Cons Fan is always on which is a little bit noisy. I need to spend some time to clean up unwanted HP software.
Summary Overall, a solid state hard drive with Intel i5 processor at around 900 USD. This is good enough. Owned the laptop for 2 weeks and love the laptop so far. I will test it in my oversea trip next week and will update the review
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"Not the thinnest/lightest...but this thing delivers."
on by davidgrauPros Fast startup/wake from sleep
Quality sound, especially for a laptop
Long lasting battery
Solid construction
Does not show fingerprints
Great value
HDMI port, ethernet port, SD card slotCons Fan is a little loud sometimes
A little thicker/heavier than other laptops in the ultrabook categorySummary I had the HP 2140 netbook previously and decided to upgrade to a little bigger computer. Last HP ran like a champ for 3 years, so stayed with HP on the upgrade. So far, great business laptop. Only had it a few weeks, but it has a solid construction for those that have to travel. Fast startup, great looking screen, lots of reasons to buy this model. Would love it to be a little thinner, a little lighter, but for less than $900, I don't think you can do better.
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"Solid business class ultrabook."
on by miles4444Pros Great feel and look to it. Solid performer with fast boot and shutdown times. Nice keyboard with easy access to backlight feature. Plus it has ethernet port and also supports Intel WiDi tech. So far I didnt get a mouse cause the touchpad is good.
Cons Screen resolution and viewing angles. Need to adjust lid to help with screen looking washed out. Comes with HP bloatware and 18G disk space is reserved for restore partition. It has HDMI but no VGA port.
Summary Solid machine and a great value. If you want a super thin and light machine look else ware.