HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" vs Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14"

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 are 14-inch business-oriented laptops, released in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Both devices are designed for professionals and students, offering robust features for productivity and security. While they share a focus on business functionality, the ThinkPad T490 generally offers slightly newer internal components and a wider array of display options, building upon the established strengths of its predecessor.

When considering the long-term usability of these laptops, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 was released in 2018, making it a year older than the Lenovo ThinkPad T490, which debuted in 2019. This difference means the T490 may receive operating system updates and security patches for a slightly longer period.
• Software Longevity: Both devices originally shipped with Windows 10 Pro and are capable of running Windows 11 Pro, ensuring continued access to current software and security features. The practical lifespan for business-grade laptops like these often extends beyond official support, especially for users who prioritize stability over the latest features.
• Build Quality and Repairability: Both the EliteBook and ThinkPad lines are known for their durable construction. The ThinkPad T490, like other ThinkPads, has undergone military-grade testing to ensure resilience against various environmental conditions. The EliteBook 840 G5 also features a robust aluminum unibody design. Both models generally offer reasonable repairability, with components like RAM and storage often being accessible for upgrades or servicing.

Both laptops are equipped to handle typical business and academic workloads, but their internal configurations offer varying levels of responsiveness and multitasking capabilities.

• Processor Capabilities: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 typically features 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 U-series processors, providing solid performance for demanding business applications and multitasking. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 also utilizes 8th Generation Intel Core i5/i7 U-series processors, with some configurations extending to 10th Generation, potentially offering a slight edge in processing efficiency for more intensive tasks.
• Memory and Storage: The EliteBook 840 G5 supports up to 32GB of DDR4-2400MHz RAM across two user-accessible slots, allowing for smooth operation even with multiple applications open. The ThinkPad T490 can be configured with up to 48GB of DDR4 RAM, often with some memory soldered and one accessible SO-DIMM slot, providing ample headroom for extensive multitasking. Both models utilize fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs for quick boot times and rapid data access.
• Real-world Responsiveness: For everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing, both laptops deliver a responsive experience. Users of the EliteBook 840 G5 report snappy performance for daily chores. The ThinkPad T490 also performs without issue for general business tasks and multitasking. For tasks requiring more graphical power, the T490 offers an optional discrete graphics card, which can benefit light multimedia editing or certain specialized applications.

The visual experience on these laptops can vary significantly depending on the specific display panel chosen, with both offering a range of options to suit different user needs.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 offers various 14-inch display options, including Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare LED-backlit panels, with some configurations featuring HP Sure View for privacy or even 4K UHD (3840x2160) resolution. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 also provides a diverse selection, from HD TN (1366x768) to Full HD IPS panels, and a premium WQHD IPS display with Dolby Vision, offering a higher resolution (2560x1440) and enhanced color reproduction.
• Brightness and Clarity: Standard Full HD panels on the EliteBook 840 G5 typically range from 220 to 400 nits of brightness, with the HP Sure View option reaching up to 700 nits for enhanced privacy. The ThinkPad T490's Full HD IPS options range from 250 to 400 nits, while its WQHD panel can reach 500 nits, providing excellent brightness for various lighting conditions. The WQHD display on the T490 is particularly noted for its stunning clarity and vibrant colors.
• Refresh Rate and Viewing Experience: Both laptops generally feature standard refresh rates suitable for productivity tasks. The ThinkPad T490 benefits from narrower bezels compared to previous models, which contributes to a more immersive viewing experience. The EliteBook 840 G5's base display has been noted by some users as being less vibrant, while higher-end options offer a much-improved visual quality.

For communication and media consumption, both laptops integrate camera and audio systems designed for business use, with some distinctions in their offerings.

• Camera System: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 feature a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. A notable feature on both is the inclusion of a physical privacy shutter for the webcam, offering an extra layer of security. The ThinkPad T490 also offers an optional IR camera for facial recognition, enhancing login security.
• Microphone Quality: The EliteBook 840 G5 includes three multi-array microphones and HP Noise Cancellation technology, aiming for clear audio during calls. The ThinkPad T490 features dual-array digital microphones, which are generally effective for capturing voice clearly in typical office environments.
• Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G5 boasts Bang & Olufsen tuned stereo speakers, which are often praised for producing rich sound. The ThinkPad T490 comes with Dolby Audio Premium and built-in stereo speakers, with some configurations featuring top-firing speakers that can enhance the media consumption experience.