HP EliteBook 820 G2 Core i5: A Comprehensive Review

When it comes to business laptops, HP’s EliteBook series is known for delivering high performance, security, and reliability. The HP EliteBook 820 G2 Core i5 is no exception, offering a compelling blend of portability and productivity for professionals on the go. In this detailed review, we will explore this laptop’s design, performance, security features, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The HP EliteBook 820 G2 sports a professional and sleek design, perfectly suited for the corporate world. The laptop’s silver finish gives it an elegant and premium look. It has a compact footprint, measuring 12.2 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize portability. Weighing just 2.94 pounds, it’s easy to carry this laptop in your bag or briefcase without feeling burdened.

The build quality is exceptional, as is expected from the EliteBook series. The laptop features a robust aluminum chassis that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The keys on the keyboard are spill-resistant, protecting the internals from accidental liquid spills. It also complies with MIL-STD-810G, a military standard for durability, ensuring that it can withstand various environmental conditions and physical shocks.

Display and Keyboard

The HP EliteBook 820 G2 comes with a 12.5-inch anti-glare display, which is ideal for reducing reflections and providing a comfortable viewing experience. The screen has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, which might not be the highest in terms of pixel density, but it’s suitable for productivity tasks and business use. While it may not be the best choice for photo or video editing, it’s more than sufficient for word processing, web browsing, and spreadsheets.

The laptop’s keyboard is one of its standout features. The keys are well-spaced, and they offer a comfortable typing experience. The backlit keyboard is particularly useful for late-night work sessions or when you’re on a dimly lit plane. The trackpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, which enhances navigation and productivity.

Performance

Under the hood, the HP EliteBook 820 G2 is powered by an Intel Core i5-5200U processor. While this is not the latest generation of processors, it’s more than capable of handling everyday office tasks. With dual-core processing and a base clock speed of 2.2GHz, it provides the necessary power for multitasking, email, web browsing, and office applications.

For RAM, it comes with 8GB of DDR3L SDRAM, which is adequate for typical business tasks. It helps in smooth multitasking, ensuring that you can run several applications simultaneously without significant performance degradation.

Storage is provided by a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are known for their speed and reliability, and the inclusion of an SSD in this laptop results in fast boot times and quick application loading.

The laptop’s integrated graphics may not be suitable for graphics-intensive tasks or gaming, but it’s more than enough for standard business applications and HD video playback.

Port Selection For The HP EliteBook 820 G2

In terms of connectivity, the HP EliteBook 820 G2 offers a range of ports to meet your business needs. It features two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer, a DisplayPort for connecting to external displays, a VGA port for legacy devices, an Ethernet port for wired networking, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. Additionally, it has a SIM card slot for optional mobile broadband connectivity, making it an excellent choice for professionals who need to stay connected while on the move.

Security Features

One of the standout features of the EliteBook series is its focus on security. The HP EliteBook 820 G2 comes with a range of security options, including a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication and an embedded TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for hardware-based encryption. HP’s Sure Start technology helps protect your BIOS and ensure the laptop starts with a trustworthy BIOS, guarding against BIOS-level attacks.

Moreover, the laptop features HP Client Security, which offers a suite of tools for safeguarding your data, including Drive Encryption, Password Manager, and more. For business users dealing with sensitive information, these security features are essential.

Battery Life

In terms of battery life, the HP EliteBook 820 G2 offers a decent runtime. With the 3-cell, 46 Wh Li-ion polymer battery, you can expect the laptop to last around 7 to 8 hours with regular usage. This makes it suitable for a full day’s work without the need to constantly hunt for a power outlet. If you’re a frequent traveler, you can confidently leave your charger behind, knowing that the laptop can keep up with your workday.

Operating System and Software

The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro, which is a common choice for business laptops. Windows 10 Pro offers enhanced security and management features, making it suitable for professional use. HP also includes some of its software utilities to enhance the user experience, such as HP Support Assistant for system maintenance and updates.

Final Thoughts for HP EliteBook 820 G2

The HP EliteBook 820 G2 Core i5 is a solid choice for professionals in need of a reliable and portable business laptop. It excels in terms of design, build quality, and security features, making it an ideal companion for business travelers and office workers. While it may not be the latest in terms of processing power, it’s more than capable of handling typical office tasks. The inclusion of an SSD ensures fast performance and quick boot times.

The laptop’s display, while not the most high-resolution, is sufficient for business use, and the keyboard and trackpad offer a comfortable and efficient input experience. The extensive port selection and security features further enhance its appeal for business users.

If you’re in the market for a business laptop that combines durability, portability, and security, the HP EliteBook 820 G2 Core i5 is a reliable choice that won’t disappoint. It’s designed to meet the needs of professionals who demand performance and reliability in a compact form factor.

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