HP EliteBook 2530p FU419ET#ABU Review

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HP EliteBook 2530p FU419ET#ABU
1,750 £ at amazon.co.uk
  • Intel Core 2 Duo SL9400 (1.86 GHz)

  • Intel GMA 4500MHD

  • 2 GB RAM Size

  • 120 GB HDD Capacity

2

Our summary of all reviews

  • Performance

    /100

    At this level, the performance is very low. This limits the user to usual activities e.g surfing the web, writing emails. Using applications like Word or Excel is possible, though at a very low speed. Gaming and other high performance tasks are impossible. People looking for a secondary laptop or using non-complex applications only will be satisfied.

    • 3DMark 06 1024 x 768

      778 #

    • PCMark 05

      4854 #

    • PCMark Vantage

      2929 #

    • Cinebench xCPU 64Bit

      3859 #

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  • Design

    4.0/5

    The design delighted the majority of all reviewers and they predicted it to be at the taste of most users. The notebook’s appearance walks a fine line between function and form.

  • Build Quality

    4.8/5

    The extremely solid build quality provides for absolute protection of the inner components of this laptop. All the outer components -hinge, display panel, and chassis- are highly stable, with no gaps or cracking sounds ever experienced. This computer is ideal for people with very active lifestyles, requiring absolute endurance and solidity of their laptops.

    • Base Unit Flex

       : 

      5.0/5

      Active people with lifestyles requiring traveling, and who place a high value on perfection will be very satisfied with this laptop.

    • Hinge Stability

       : 

      4.5/5

      The hinge, connecting the screen and the laptop frame, has a great balance between tightness and flexibility. It allows for a smooth use without experiencing any cracking sounds or stiffness when moving around. The display does not suffer from any shakiness and yet you can open it easily with one hand.

    • Display Panel

       : 

      4.7/5

      The display panel is a prime example of excellence. When moving the display back and forth it does not bend the slightest bit. There are no color distortions on the screen, even when applying significant pressure to the back of the monitor.

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  • Display

    3.5/5

    Generally the reviewers deemed this laptop to be above average. Users could expect this display to provide for average satisfaction with office work as well as multimedia use. Gamers and professional designers might however not find this display to their taste. To get a more comprehensive review of this display, users should check the ratings of the different attributes of this screen.

    • Display Resolution

      1280 x 800

      This resolution does not allow for much multitasking. Opening two windows next to one another is quite annoying as much scrolling is needed to view the content of both. The users might get lost between their windows, as a continuous expanding and minimizing is required. Viewing highly detailed pictures demands quite a lot of zooming, and only low resolution picture and video editing is possible. Gamers could be satisfied with this resolution as many graphic cards support the native resolution of this display and run very smoothly. The gaming will not however be experienced to its full potential, as viewing graphic details is limited. The majority of movies will be viewed with black bars at the top and the bottom of the display.

    • Contrast

       : 

      3.0/5

      This laptop is able to produce a satisfactory contrast between the darkest color -black- and the brightest color -white-. It allows for acceptable readability as it is easy to distinguish black writing on a white background when indoors. The needs of professional designers might not be met with this contrast. Shadows are decently displayed providing for an okay gaming experience. Horror, Mystery, and Action movies will be much more enjoyed in a darkened space which accounts for the average display contrast.

    • Contrast Value

      156 :1

    • Brightness

       : 

      3.3/5

      The maximum brightness of this computer is adequate for viewing the screen comfortably, even under bright ambient light. However, the users must be cautious to only push the brightness to its maximum in bright conditions, eg. outdoors. Setting the brightness to a high level will drastically decrease the battery life. In addition, using the notebook at maximum brightness in a dark room will be tiring for the eyes.

    • Average Brightness

      194.5 cd/m²

    • Reflections

       : 

      4.0/5

      The minimal reflections on this display allow for comfortable viewing under most conditions both in-and outdoors. Under indoor medium to bright lighting conditions, the display provide for an enjoyable experience. Using this laptop in a park will be no problem, though direct sunlight will cause some reflections.

    • Viewing Angle

       : 

      4.5/5

      When looking the display from the side, this computer provides for a perfect view no matter the angle chosen. Watching movies with friends is a delight, showing the screen to a group of people will guarantee everyone a clear picture. Color distortions are no issue. Users have to watch out! In the subway, or on the plane everyone will have a perfect view on your monitor.

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  • Sound

    2.7/5

    The internal speakers of this laptop provided for a below average sound quality. Low sounds are still recognizable. Music can still listened to although the users should account for the necessity of external speakers when planning to watch a movie with a group. Musicians should not even stop to consider this laptop for their work, and gamers will be disappointed as the sound will be convincing. Even maximum volume will not make the sound experience enjoyable.

    • Maximum Volume

       : 

      3.3/5

      The peak volume of this laptop is acceptably loud. If relying only on the maximum sound output of the internal speakers of this laptop, watching movies with a group of friends should be manageable. It will be as well quite challenging to clearly distinguish sounds at peak volume if you are at the other end of the room.

    • Sound Clarity

       : 

      3.0/5

      The clarity of the sound is still ok at this level. While demanding audiophiles will think of it as a disaster, the rest of us will find the sound experience provided by this laptop satisfactory when watching movies or playing games.

    • Lows

       : 

      2.0/5

      Although this computer barely provides for an identifiable bass, low tones can still be recognized which, for some users might be sufficient. It is worth noting however that the sound experience will not be enjoyable at all when requiring deep/heavy bass for watching action movies, or playing violent war games.

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  • Keyboard

    4.5/5

    This keyboard has been rated to be among the best in the market. The reviewers were impressed by the comfort and the speed provided for when typing. It is ideal for users whose profession demands long typing hours such as for journalists or academicians, without suffering from the slightest pain or frustration in the process. It is as well impressively comfortable and enduring for gaming, as one of the many activities requiring frequent and long usage, all of which this keyboard is perfectly fitted for.

    • Layout

       : 

      4.0/5

      The layout of this keyboard stands firmly within the ranges of conventionality. The positioning of the keys conforms with the standard layout, thus reducing the users adaptation time to their new keyboard.

    • Keyboard Size

       : 

      4.0/5

      The size of this keyboard allows for a good typing experience, as the keys are large enough to reduce typos. The palm rest is as well a quality of this keyboard, deep enough for easy and comfortable usage. The gaps between the keys make the keyboard quite proportionate, and to the linking of most users.

    • Key Responsiveness

       : 

      4.5/5

      This keyboard is made for enjoying long typing hours. The keys do not need that much applied pressure for accurate feedback, and you might even be quite amazed by the improvement in your typing accuracy -no typos- and your speed. The keyboard feels very smooth and comfortable, as the keys go just deep enough when typing. All in all: Guaranteed satisfaction no matter you expectations and your demands.

    • Keyboard Flex

       : 

      5.0/5

      The users will be happy to find that this keyboard is sturdy and very reliable. The keyboard does not bend at all even under heavy typing or when forcefully pressed. The flex thus is practically non-existent, making the typing experience not only enjoyable, but as well fast and comfortable.

    • Keys Clicking Sound

       : 

      5.0/5

      Using this keyboard will not cause any disturbance noise wise. Clicking an individual key provides for an unobtrusive feedback fitting the quietest surroundings. In short: A nice recurring easy-to-get-used-to sound.

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  • Touchpad

    3.7/5

    Most reviewers agreed that this touchpad should be to the liking of many users. The levels of accuracy, the size and the smoothness vs. resistance rates make this trackpad fairly above average. It is well suited for office work, browsing online and most other usage, although demanding users, designers and alike, might require a higher level of accuracy and would thus prefer an external mouse. The trackpad button quality was generally described as good and fitting the needs of most users.

    • Sensitivity

       : 

      3.7/5

      Your expectations of an accurate touchpad should be generally satisfied. The levels of precision and speed provided by this touchpad are quite decent, and for most users, this touchpad will be just enough for daily use. Although the accuracy can be fine tuned in the Windows or Mac settings, the basic accuracy hardware wise is enough.

    • Touchpad Size

       : 

      3.0/5

      The size of this touchpad is above average. You can browse through large displayed pages, although it might require frequent finger movement. Putting the sensitivity settings up on your computer should make your mouse move faster, and thus cover “more ground”, without much sacrifice of the accuracy of your pointer.

    • Buttons

       : 

      4.5/5

      The buttons on the touchpad provide for exact feedback. The smooth transition between the buttons and the rest of the trackpad, in addition to the general smooth feeling of the buttons increase comfort and accuracy and will answer all needs of the users. The clicking sound of the button is by no means invasive, and quite smoothly fades into the background noise of its environment. The users will be very happy with this impressive button quality.

    • Buttons Noise

       : 

      5.0/5

      Pressing the buttons offers a soft responsive click you will enjoy.

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  • Webcam Quality

    3.0/5

    The picture quality is decent under good light conditions.

  • Battery Surfing

    5:10 h

    The battery life is quite good. If are going to work outside, you can easily plan to spend up to six hours without your charger. Be it for a client meeting, preparing a paper, or simply answering your emails, lowering the brightness of your screen will greatly contribute to extending the battery life. As long as you do not launch programs which suck a lot of energy out of your battery like watching movies or playing games, you should be able to enjoy your half a day out. Also, make sure to check that the energy saving mode is on to maximise the time away from the power socket.

    • Battery DVD/Video

      3:00 h

      The laptop will last for 3 to 4 hours when used for performance demanding applications such as watching movies. Other tasks such as turning the brightness all the way up, playing music in the background, or streaming online videos will stress your battery as well. Playing games will use the battery up even faster, so if you want to use your notebook for some time, you might want to avoid it all together. Buying an additional battery could be quite expensive, but it will allow you to double the time you can stay without a power plug.

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  • Weight

    1.70 kg

    This laptop is comfortable to carry around during a busy day, with all your information within reach. Though there are lighter notebooks available and the extra weight in your bag will be noticeable, it will yet not be exhausting, even when you pack the charger. The weight of this laptop will not be a problem for most users, even those not used to carry around heavy weights.

  • Noise

    3.0/5

    Most users will find the laptop to be on the quiet side. There is some noise emitted from the fan, the CD drive and other laptop parts, yet most will not experience any inconveniences due to it. Noise sensitive people might opt for an even quieter computer.

    • Noise Idle

       : 

      3.7/5

      You could hear some silent noise from the fans when the laptop is idle.

    • Noise Normal Use

       : 

      3.0/5

      Noise emitted from this laptop will not cause any major inconveniences when doing office work or browsing the Internet. Although it might be be noticeable in a quite room, it should not be obstructing your concentration.

    • Noise Full Load

       : 

      1.0/5

      Running high performance applications such watching movies, editing videos or gaming will make your laptop roar. Not very pleasant when in a quiet environment, or when trying to be discrete.

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  • Temperature

    3.7/5

    The laptop may occasionally get too warm. Most reviewers found, at normal room temperature, you can comfortably use the laptop without burning your fingers or legs. The notebook may only become too warm when you stress it, watching a movie or alike.

    • Heat Top: Full Use

       : 

      4.0/5

      The notebook warms up just a little at normal use.

    • Heat Top: Normal Use

       : 

      4.0/5

      The laptop only gets a little warm on top.

    • Heat Bottom: Normal Use

       : 

      3.0/5

      The bottom of the notebook warms up a little but is not getting too hot to place it on your lap.

    • Heat Bottom: Full Load

       : 

      2.0/5

      There are some spots where the laptop gets a little hotter.

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4

Where to buy

You can get the HP EliteBook 2530p FU419ET#ABU for 1,750£
A

All external reviews  HP  EliteBook 2530p FU419ET#ABU

Language Source URL Review Date Author

English

www.notebookreview.com 10/29/09 Jerry Jackson

English

www.pcmag.com 1/26/09 Cisco Cheng

English

www.laptopmag.com 9/23/08 Dana Wollman

Deutsch

www.notebookcheck.com 10/22/09 Martina T. Osztovits

Deutsch

www.notebookjournal.de 12/19/08 Stefan Trunzik
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Total number of reviews: 5