Based on the new Centrino 2 platform, the EliteBook packs in a powerful processor along with a strong graphics card to handle any task you throw at it. The 6930p can be pitted against Dell's Latitude series of business notebooks, mainly the E6400 series, since both have the same screen size.
Bundle
HP didn't send any backup DVD with their notebook and all that was there in the bag was the charger and some instruction leaflets.
Build and Construction
This is something I would like to see more often on notebooks. The entire lid is protected by HP's DuraCase finish, which is a layer of honeycomb patterned magnesium shells between the display and the aluminum cover, for extra durability. The brushed metal finish requires very less maintenance and is scratch proof to a certain extent.
The front houses the SD/MMC card reader along with the speaker. The notebook is locked when closed and requires you to push the button to unlock it.
The VGA out port and the charging port is tucked away in the back.
The EliteBook has three USB ports, two of which are on the left side along with the firewire port and the headphone/microphone jack. Just above it is the Express card slot. The laptop base is not thick in spite of it containing the graphics card. I just hope it doesn't get too hot with just a small vent on the side.
The third USB port can be found on the right side along with the RJ-45 LAN jack and the modem jack. The optical drive is an Optiarc DVD writer that's hot swappable. The optical drive can be removed and another hard drive or hard disk can be put in its place.
We have a clear shot of the HP expansion port to be used with the optional docks. Just below that is a jack for the secondary 8-cell or 12-cell battery that will dock here. You can still use the 6-cell battery in conjunction with this for an even longer battery life.
Opening the lid reveals the same magnesium alloy for the palm rest. The keys also have the DuraFinish, which provides a moisture resistant texture on the keys. There are a bunch of shortcut buttons for Wi-Fi, presentation and volume control that work very well with just a slight touch.
Overall the build of the notebook is rock solid with no creaking parts. The weight is around 2.2 kg, which is not that heavy to carry around, as the distribution of the weight is good. Let's see how this performs in our tests.
PCMark Vantage
3DMark 06
SiSOFT SANDRA 2009
Processor Arithmetic
Processor Multimedia
Memory Bandwidth
Cache and Memory
The tests show that when it comes to processor intensive tasks the 6930p is around 10% slower compared to the Dell Studio XPS 16, which is mainly due to the better processor. You can upgrade the processor all the way up to a T9600 running at 2.8GHz, but will also drive up the cost.
General Usage
This is definitely one of the most well built notebooks I've come across and the build quality and finish are top class. The DuraFinish on the keys keeps sweat or any moisture away and the spill resistant design of the keyboard ensures that the keys remain dry and perfectly usable when on the road.
The trackpad is very sensitive and also features a similar moisture resistant finish. The two rubber buttons are fairly soft to press; if you're typing, the two buttons just below the space bar are a lot more convenient to access. The keys have a good tactile feedback but you have to make sure you firmly press the keys all the way in, or else the keystroke would not be registered. I found this really odd and didn't like the whole feel of it that much.
The HP Night Light is perfect when you need to work at night without disturbing those around you. The light is bright enough to illuminate the entire keyboard, so you can continue typing. The light is otherwise concealed and pops out when you push the dedicated button.
Multimedia Usage
Our version of the 6930p came with the optional ATI Radeon HD3450 graphics card, which is great for offloading processor intensive tasks like in Photoshop CS4. Even though it's a low-end card it should easily be able to handle older 3D games like Half-life 2 (source based) or UT 2004 quite easily.
The speakers are located in the front where the locking button is placed. The HP 6930 is able to produce really loud and clear sound- pretty impressive for a business notebook. I played a couple of trance tracks and they sounded really good. You can't max out the volume though, as the sound tends to distort.
One thing that I liked is that even though the EliteBook houses an ATI graphics card, it never gets too hot on battery mode. In fact only the left side tends to get warm since that's where the exhaust is.
Battery Life
You get a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery even with the full blown version, but you can always upgrade to the 8-cell for a longer battery life. We carried out two tests, one with Wi-Fi off and the notebook set to Power Saver mode and second, with Wi-Fi on and the notebook set to High Performance mode.
In the first test, we got a battery life of three hours and 50 minutes. While using Wi-Fi on high performance mode, the notebook gave around two hours and 30 minutes of working time, which again is nothing spectacular since it's a 14.1 inch screen. But you also have to take into account the processor and the graphics card.
Pricing
Don't expect this business notebook with a magnesium alloy casing to come cheap. Our version of the EliteBook 6930p, which comes with a three-year on site warranty, will set you back by Rs.89,600. Yes, it's expensive but for this price you're getting a powerful configuration wrapped in one of the most durable exteriors.
The Dell Latitude series can be a worthy competitor to the 6930p. The Dell E6400, which starts from 95K, has the same 14.1- inch screen. However, what's weird is the standard configuration. As per Dell's website, the cheapest Latitude E6400 comes with a weak configuration of just 1GB RAM, 160 GB hard disk, and Intel onboard graphics. This makes me wonder why Dell is charging a premium.
If you buy the HP 6930p without the ATI HD3450 card, it'll save you 10K, as it retails for Rs.78,400.
Verdict
You can't help but fall in love with the EliteBook 6930p with its beautiful brushed metal finish and aircraft grade magnesium shell that makes it rugged and durable. Even the hard drive has a special protection (HP DriveGaurd) to safeguard from accidental drops.
The specification is rock solid and balanced; HP has coupled a powerful processor with a good entry-level graphics card. But the premium you're paying is for the magnesium alloy casing that protects the screen as well as the components inside. The weight distribution is good as the notebook does not feel very heavy even at 2.2 kg. The best part is that it never overheats. The screen is adequately bright and works well even in direct sunlight.
Apart from the feedback of the keys, which wasn't accurate at all times, there's really nothing to complain about. If you're looking for an off-road notebook that can take the dirt and grime without breaking into a sweat, then the HP EliteBook 6930p is something you should consider as it's a good performer that's built to last.
Test unit sourced from Genesis PR
Source : http://www.techtree.com/India/Reviews/HP_Elitebook_6930p_Review/551-100788-616-8.html
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