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Written by Sasa Pantelic
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Monday, 20 April 2009 |
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Page 1 of 4  EliteBook is relatively new series of HP notebooks and it is intended for demanding business users. It was created with goal of creating better distinction between business and top-class notebooks that can withstand much tougher working conditions. Model that we got in our test lab is HP EliteBook 6930p and after first contact with this model it was clear that we got an “elite” notebook.
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DuraCase
When we talk about build quality of notebooks, our final verdict is based on personal impression that is consequence of visual and tactile inspection of notebook. Sometimes it is very hard to explain why some models create better impression on us when it comes to build quality and some don’t. Thanks to representatives of our local HP office we were in position to get a closer look at internal construction of one EliteBook notebook. We were presented with two cover constructions. One was older and was a solid plate made of magnesium and aluminum (lower) and other was new DuraCase construction that had structure similar to honeycomb (upper).
Experiments showed that new construction has better weight/stiffest ratio than previous solution. This new solution offers same protection as previous but with better effects in weight department. This effected on display and bottom side of notebook that now have better impact protection.
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Although HP EliteBook 6930p is relatively small, which is consequence of display with 14.1 inch diagonal, it is much heavier than we expected. This shouldn’t surprise you too much since emphasis on all EliteBook models is on build quality. DuraCase chassis used in this model is made out of magnesium with structure similar to honeycomb.
EliteBook 6930p also has hard disk protection (HP 3D Drive Guard) and keyboard with drainage system which results in ultimate protection of your hardware and data. Built to satisfy demands of Americas Army, HP guarantees reliability even under extreme conditions: temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius and below -29 degrees Celsius, extreme vibrations, high humidity and dust environment. HP DuraKeys and DuraFinish are technologies that are intended to provide better keyboard and other surfaces protection. All this speaks enough for itself when it comes to build quality of EliteBook series.
HP 6930p has dual commands which mean that it has touch pad and point stick as controlling device. Point stick was at first very hard to control but over time we got used to it but also the point stick got little but “softer” which resulted in very comfortable experience. Touchpad is precise and not too large nor too small for this type of notebook. Keyboard has slightly stiffer and very precise key strokes. No keyboard bending was noticed even when we tried little harder to bend it. Above keyboard is touch sensitive button strip that are responsible for Info, WiFi/Bluetooth, Presentation and volume controls.
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