HP EliteBook 860 G9 review
The HP HP EliteBook 860 G9 ranks as the #366 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 74. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #242-ranked connectivity among 420 laptops. Consider the HP EliteBook 865 G10 or HP EliteBook 865 G9, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP EliteBook 860 G9 is an excellent option for those seeking a durable and comfortable laptop for everyday use. Its aluminum build makes it lightweight and robust, with a sleek profile that's perfect for a large 16-in display. The laptop excels in terms of usability, featuring a long-traveling keyboard, backlight, and spill resistance. However, the touchpad could be improved. Despite not being the best performer for heavy loads, its battery life is commendable, lasting up to 23 hours on web browsing or 13 hours and 31 minutes on video playback. While it may not be ideal for demanding tasks, the EliteBook 860 G9's upgradeability, good temperature control, and fantastic screen make it a worthwhile investment for those who value productivity and comfort.
Build
The HP EliteBook 860 G9 boasts an impressive build quality that makes it feel premium and durable. The device is made entirely of aluminum, which contributes to its lightweight yet sturdy design. Weighing in at just 1.76 kg, the laptop's slim profile (19.2 mm) is all the more impressive given its generous 16-inch display. The rounded edges and corners add a touch of sophistication, while the absence of flex in both the lid and base further enhances the overall build quality. Overall, the EliteBook 860 G9's construction exudes a sense of refinement and resilience that's hard to find at this price point. If you’re after a better build, HP ENVY 16 could be the ideal option.
Display
The HP EliteBook 860 G9's display is a highlight of the laptop. With a 16-in panel reaching 509 nits of brightness, it's ideal for productivity and office work. The screen has a high contrast ratio of 17421, resulting in deep blacks that make text and tables easier to read on the eyes. Additionally, the display covers 92% of the sRGB gamut, making it suitable for creators who require accurate color representation. Overall, the EliteBook 860 G9's display is excellent, providing a clear and vibrant visual experience for users. Its brightness and contrast make it ideal for office work and productivity. HP ENVY 16 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The HP EliteBook 860 G9's performance is somewhat underwhelming, particularly with heavy loads. While it features a Core i7 processor, its benchmark scores fall short compared to the Dell Latitude 7530, which is powered by a Core i5 equivalent. This disparity can be attributed to the laptop's cooling system, comprising a single heat pipe and one fan that struggles to maintain high clock speeds. The CPU temperature peaks at around 38°C during stress tests, indicating limited capacity for demanding tasks like video editing. However, casual users may not notice this limitation as it performs well in everyday scenarios, making it suitable for office work. For an improved performance, HP ProBook 465 G11 is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The HP EliteBook 860 G9's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 23 hours of web browsing or 13 hours and 31 minutes of video playback when paired with the Core i7 1255U processor. The laptop's 76Wh battery is also large enough to last through a full day, making it suitable for those who spend long hours on the go. While charging times weren't specified, the device's power-efficient design ensures that you can work or browse without worrying about running out of juice. Overall, the EliteBook 860 G9's battery life is a major plus in its favor.
Connectivity
The HP EliteBook 860 G9 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options. The left side features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one 5 GB USB port, and an HDMI 2.0 Port. The right side houses a headphone jack, another USB port, and an optional SIM card slot. This setup provides ample opportunities for peripherals and expansion, making it ideal for office use. Take a look at HP EliteBook 865 G9 - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The HP EliteBook 860 G9 boasts an aluminum body, weighing just 1.76 kg and measuring 19.2 mm thick. It features a large 16-inch display with a 1200p resolution, reaching 509 nits of brightness and covering 92% of the sRGB gamut. The device also offers good upgradeability, with two SODIMM slots for up to 64GB RAM and one M.2 slot for storage. Ports include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and an auto jack, making it suitable for productivity and office use. If you're after top-notch features, consider HP ENVY 16.
Support and Maintenance
The HP EliteBook 860 G9 boasts a durable aluminum design, weighing just 1.76 kg despite its large 16-in display. Upgradeability is also excellent, with two SODIMM slots for up to 64GB of RAM and one M.2 slot for fast storage. The laptop's battery life is impressive, lasting through the entire workday.
Pros
1. The device is made entirely of aluminum, making it lightweight and durable (1.76 kg and 19.2 mm profile).
2. The large 16-in display provides an excellent viewing experience with a maximum brightness of 509 nits.
3. The keyboard offers long key traveling clicky feedback, making it great for typing.
4. The laptop has good upgradeability options, including two SODIMM slots and one M.2 slot.
5. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 23 hours of web browsing or 13 hours and 31 minutes of video playback.
Cons
1. The touchpad can be quite finicky and skips all over the place.
2. The laptop's cooling system is not ideal, with a single heat pipe and fan that struggles to keep up with heavy loads.
3. The Core i7 processor doesn't score well in benchmarks, falling behind the Core i5 1254U-powered Dell Latitude 7530.
4. Upgrading to a more powerful CPU (i72 ATP model) is an option, but it's not clear if it would address the cooling issues.
5. The device's overall performance may suffer from heavy loads like video editing.
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