HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" Vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13"

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 14 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 are business-oriented laptops released in 2019, each offering a distinct approach to mobile computing. While both run on the Windows operating system, they cater to different user preferences through their design, internal components, and feature sets. The EliteBook emphasizes robust connectivity and user-serviceability, whereas the Surface Laptop prioritizes a sleek aesthetic and a high-resolution display.

Evaluating the practical lifespan of these devices involves considering their release timelines, ongoing software support, and ease of maintenance.

• Release Timeline: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 was released in May 2019, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 followed in October 2019. This difference means the EliteBook has been available slightly longer.
• OS Support and Longevity: Both laptops are compatible with Windows 10 and offer an upgrade path to Windows 11. The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is noted to be compatible with Windows 11, with HP providing driver support. For the Surface Laptop 3, official firmware and driver support from Microsoft ended in July 2024, and Windows 10 support is expected to conclude in October 2025.
• Repairability: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 stands out for its high repairability, featuring easily accessible and replaceable components such as RAM and SSD, which can extend its practical lifespan through upgrades and repairs. In contrast, the Surface Laptop 3 received a 5 out of 10 repairability score from iFixit, a significant improvement over its predecessors, with a removable SSD (though intended for skilled technicians) but a battery that is tightly glued.

The performance of these laptops is influenced by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and more demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is equipped with 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, providing reliable performance for general office tasks, multitasking, and moderate workloads. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 features 10th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, which generally offer improved efficiency and slightly better performance for everyday computing and more intensive applications.
• Memory and Storage: The EliteBook 840 G6 offers significant flexibility with up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across two user-accessible slots, allowing for future upgrades to enhance multitasking capabilities. The Surface Laptop 3, on the other hand, typically comes with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, which is soldered and not user-upgradable. Both devices utilize SSD storage, with the EliteBook offering M.2 SSD options up to 2TB and the Surface Laptop 3 having a removable SSD, though it requires a skilled technician for replacement.
• Battery Behavior: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is reported to offer around 16 hours of web browsing and 12.5 hours of video playback on a single charge. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 provides approximately 9 hours of continuous web surfing and up to 14 hours for video playback. Both are designed to provide sufficient power for a full workday for many users.

The visual experience on these laptops differs due to their display technologies, resolutions, and aspect ratios.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare display, with options for higher brightness and even a UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution. This provides clear visuals suitable for productivity and general media consumption. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, on the other hand, sports a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels, resulting in a higher pixel density and a sharper image than standard Full HD.
• Brightness and Aspect Ratio: The EliteBook 840 G6 offers various brightness options, ranging from 250 nits up to 1000 nits with privacy screen technology. The Surface Laptop 3 typically reaches around 348 nits of brightness. The EliteBook features a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, common for media consumption. The Surface Laptop 3 utilizes a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen real estate, beneficial for document work and web browsing.
• Touchscreen Capabilities: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 includes a touchscreen with Surface Pen support, offering interactive input options. The HP EliteBook 840 G6 also has touchscreen options available in some configurations.

For communication and media, both laptops integrate camera, microphone, and speaker systems with distinct features.

• Camera System: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 include a 720p HD webcam for video conferencing. The EliteBook 840 G6 offers optional IR webcams and an HP Privacy Camera with a physical shutter for enhanced security. The Surface Laptop 3 integrates its camera with Windows Hello for facial authentication, providing a convenient login method.
• Microphone Quality: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 features three multi-array microphones with HP Noise Cancellation technology, designed to improve clarity during calls. The Surface Laptop 3 is equipped with dual far-field Studio Mics, intended to capture voice clearly from a distance.
• Speaker Output: For audio playback, the HP EliteBook 840 G6 incorporates Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers, aiming for rich sound. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 features Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio, designed to deliver a quality media consumption experience.