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, offering distinct approaches to portability, design, and functionality. While the EliteBook emphasizes robust business features and upgradeability, the Surface Laptop 3 focuses on a premium user experience with a high-resolution touchscreen and sleek aesthetics. Both devices operate on the Windows platform, providing a familiar software environment for most users.

When considering the long-term viability of these laptops, their release timelines and design philosophies play a significant role in their expected practical lifespan.

• Release Timeline: Both devices were introduced in 2019, meaning they share a similar starting point for software support and component aging. The HP EliteBook 840 G6 was released in May 2019, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 followed in October 2019.
• Software Longevity: Both laptops are compatible with Windows 11, ensuring continued access to the latest operating system features and security updates for the foreseeable future. However, the Surface Laptop 3's SSD is removable by a skilled technician, but not user-removable, which could impact long-term upgradeability for some users.
• Repairability: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is designed with repairability in mind, scoring highly in assessments due to easily accessible and replaceable components like RAM, SSD, and battery, often using standard screws. In contrast, the Surface Laptop 3, while an improvement over its predecessors, received a moderate repairability score, with its battery being notably difficult to replace due to strong adhesive.

The performance of these laptops is tailored for productivity and everyday computing, though they approach it with different internal configurations and user experiences.

• Processor Capabilities: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 typically features 8th Generation Intel Core processors, providing reliable performance for common business applications and multitasking. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13, being released slightly later, incorporates 10th Generation Intel Core processors, which generally offer improved efficiency and responsiveness for daily tasks and moderate workloads.
• Memory and Storage: The EliteBook 840 G6 offers expandable RAM up to 64GB and various M.2 SSD storage options, allowing users to customize for demanding applications and large file storage. The Surface Laptop 3 13 comes with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and SSD storage options up to 1TB, which is ample for most users, though its RAM is not user-upgradeable.
• Battery Behavior: Users of the Surface Laptop 3 often report strong battery performance, capable of lasting through a full day of typical use. The HP EliteBook 840 G6, while offering a respectable battery capacity, has received mixed feedback regarding its battery life from some users, suggesting it may require more frequent charging under heavy use.

The visual experience on these laptops differs, primarily due to their display technologies and aspect ratios, impacting how content is viewed and interacted with.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 typically features a 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare display, with options for higher brightness and even UHD resolution on some configurations. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 offers a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a higher 2256x1504 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio, providing more vertical screen space.
• Brightness and Clarity: The EliteBook 840 G6 offers various brightness levels, including options up to 1000 nits with privacy features, suitable for diverse lighting conditions. The Surface Laptop 3's display is generally considered bright and crisp, with an advertised peak brightness of 400 nits, though some users have noted it can be reflective in bright environments.
• Viewing Experience: The Surface Laptop 3's 3:2 aspect ratio is often preferred for productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing, as it displays more content vertically. The EliteBook's 16:9 aspect ratio is more common for multimedia consumption. The Surface Laptop 3 also includes touch functionality, enhancing interactive use.

For communication and media consumption, both laptops offer integrated solutions, though with varying levels of quality and features.

• Camera System: Both devices include a 720p HD front-facing camera suitable for video calls. The HP EliteBook 840 G6 also offers optional HD IR webcams and an HP Privacy Camera for enhanced security and privacy. The Surface Laptop 3's webcam is noted by users for being clear and effective, supporting Windows Hello for facial authentication.
• Audio Quality: The EliteBook 840 G6 features Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers and three multi-array microphones with HP Noise Cancellation, designed for clear conference calls and rich sound. The Surface Laptop 3 is praised by users for its Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio, delivering loud, clear sound with good bass, and dual far-field Studio Mics for voice input.
• Media Consumption: Users generally find the speakers on both laptops to be of good quality for a thin form factor, enhancing the experience of watching videos or listening to music. The Surface Laptop 3's speaker design, without visible grills, contributes to its clean aesthetic.