HP EliteBook 2530p - Core 2 Duo SL9400 1.86 GHz - 12.1" TFT - with HP 2500 Series Docking Station

Description: This configuration of the HP EliteBook 2530p is a 3.2-pound, thin-and-light notebook computer.Compared to other thin-and-light notebooks on the market, it is expensive at around $2,400.The 12.1 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1280 x 800, which is fairly standard among notebooks.Powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo chip.This notebook includes a 120GB hard disk drive and 4 GB of memory.

Pros: The built in Bluetooth connectivity will let you pair headphones or sync your mobile contacts.The built-in fingerprint reader will speed up the log in process while adding a strong layer of data protection.An anti-theft security tether can be fastened into the built-in lock slot.

Cons: Has a modest 1.86 GHz CPU speed, which is somewhat slower than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Sony VAIO VGN-Z790DLX, a 3.3-pound notebook at around $2, 550, has a 2.8 GHz CPU speed.Also, this notebook has only a 120GB hard drive, which is somewhat smaller than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Sony VAIO VGN-Z790YAB, a 3.3-pound notebook at around $2, 540, has a 500GB hard drive.Integrated graphics controllers that rely on shared video memory are sometimes an acceptable trade-off for budget-minded users.

Suitability: Suited for those who want a balance between power and portability.The sturdy frame and other features are part of this system's rugged design which make it more suitable for outdoor or industrial settings.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.The excellent battery performance will keep your laptop running longer without plugging in.Archive your digital videos using this laptop's DVD writer.

Value: Overall, this notebook's price seems a bit steep, with respect to its features.For example, when it comes to screen size, the average price of thin-and-light products with a comparable screen size is quite a bit less -- in fact around $1,812.

Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Internet more conveniently from any room.(2) This laptop comes with an expansion device that makes it easy to plug in at a permanent workstation, where you may have an external monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.

CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.

• Manufacturer: HP
• Part Number: KS094UA#ABA

• General

• Recommended Use Small business, Corporate business
• Platform Technology Intel Centrino 2 with vPro Technology
• Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, Bluetooth antenna, Wireless LAN antenna
• Embedded Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , Fingerprint reader
• Rugged Design Yes
• Width 11.1 in
• Depth 8.4 in
• Height 1 in
• Weight 3.2 lbs
• Localization English / United States
• Bundled with HP 2500 Series Docking Station
• Notebook type Ultraportable (Under 4 lbs.), Rugged
• Screen type Widescreen
• Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11 n (draft), Bluetooth

• Processor

• Processor Intel Core 2 Duo SL9400 / 1.86 GHz
• Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
• 64-bit processor Yes
• Core voltage technology Low-Voltage (LV)
• Data bus speed 1066 MHz
• Chipset type Mobile Intel GS45 Express

• Cache Memory

• Type L2 cache
• Cache size 6 MB

• RAM

• Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
• Technology DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz
• RAM form factor SO DIMM 200-pin
• RAM configuration features 2 x 2 GB

• Environmental Parameters

• Environmental standards EPEAT gold, EPEAT Gold
• Min Operating Temperature 41 °F
• Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
• Humidity Range Operating 10 - 90%
• Shock Tolerance 125 g @ 2ms half-sine pulse (operating) / 200 g @ 2ms half-sine pulse (non-operating)
• Vibration Tolerance 0.75 g @ RMS (random) (operating) / 1.5 g @ RMS (random) (non-operating)

• Storage Controller

• Storage controller type Serial ATA
• Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-300

• Storage

• Floppy Drive None
• Hard Drive 120 GB - 5400 rpm
• Hard drive type Portable

• Optical Storage

• Type DVD±RW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM - Integrated
• CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
• CD / DVD write speed 24x (CD) / 4x (DVD±R)
• CD / DVD rewrite speed 10x (CD) / 2x (DVD-RW) / 2.4x (DVD+RW)

• Optical Storage (2nd)

• 2nd optical storage type None

• Card Reader

• Card reader type Card reader
• Supported flash memory cards MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card

• Display

• Display Type 12.1 in TFT active matrix
• Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
• Widescreen Display Yes
• Features Anti-glare, Ambient light sensor

• Video

• Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
• Max Allocated RAM Size 384 MB

• Audio

• Audio output type Sound card
• Audio codec AD1984A
• Audio output compliant standards High Definition Audio
• Audio Input Microphone

• Notebook Camera

• Camera Type Integrated
• Sensor Resolution 2 Megapixel

• Input Device(s)

• Input device type Keyboard, Touchpad, Pointing stick

• Telecom

• Modem Fax / modem - MDC
• Max transfer rate 56 Kbps
• Protocols & Specifications ITU T.4, ITU T.30, ITU V.17, ITU V.21, ITU V.22, ITU V.23, ITU V.29, ITU V.32, ITU V.34, ITU V.80, ITU V.92, Bell 103J, Bell 212A, ITU V.250, ITU V.251, ITU V.8bis, ITU V.22bis, ITU V.27ter, ITU V.32bis
• Fax Compatibility G3

• Networking

• Networking Network adapter
• Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
• Wireless NIC Intel WiFi Link 5100
• Data link protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
• Networking / Bluetooth Class Class 2
• Remote management protocol SNMP
• Networking standards IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.1p, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.3i, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.3ab, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, IEEE 802.11n (draft)

• Expansion / Connectivity

• Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin, 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/54
• Interfaces 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Audio - Line-out/headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45, 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Docking / port replicator, 1 x PoweredUSB 2.0

• Miscellaneous

• Features HP DuraKeys, HP SpareKey, HP Night Light, One-Step Logon, System password, HP 3D DriveGuard, HP Disk Sanitizer, Power-on password, Memory change alert, HP Enhanced DriveLock, Enhanced Pre-Boot Security, Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
• Compliant Standards CE, GS, UL, CCC, CSA, FCC, MIC, BSMI, GOST, ICES, SABS, VCCI, A-Tick

• Power

• Power device form factor External
• Voltage Required AC 120/230 V

• Battery

• Technology 6-cell Lithium ion
• Installed Qty 1 / 1 (max)
• Battery capacity 55 Wh
• Mfr estimated battery life 8.25 hour(s)

• Operating System / Software

• OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Business / XP Professional downgrade
• Microsoft Office Ready Includes a preinstalled image of select 2007 Microsoft Office suites. Purchase a Medialess License Kit (MLK) to activate the software.
• Software HP QuickLook 2, InterVideo WinDVD, HP Webcam Software, HP Wireless Assistant, HP Universal Print Driver, HP Help and Support Center, PDF Complete Special Edition, Roxio Creator Business Edition, HP Quick Launch Button Software, HP ProtectTools Security Manager, Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (60 days trial), McAfee Total Protection for Small Business (60 days trial)

• Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & Support 3 years warranty
• Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 3 years

• Sustainability

• EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold
• Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 4.5

HP

Manufacturer profile

• Website: http://www.hp.com