Table of Contents
When it comes to choosing a business laptop, the keyboard and display are two of the most important factors. The Thinkpad X1 Carbon and the HP Elitebook 840 are two popular options known for their professional features and build quality. In this review, we compare their keyboards and displays to help you decide which might suit your needs best.
Keyboard Comparison
The Thinkpad X1 Carbon is renowned for its keyboard, which is often considered one of the best in the business laptop market. It features a comfortable, tactile typing experience with well-spaced keys and a responsive feel. The key travel is approximately 1.5mm, providing good feedback for long typing sessions. The keyboard also includes a spill-resistant design and a dedicated TrackPoint for precise cursor control.
The HP Elitebook 840 offers a solid keyboard as well, with a slightly softer feel compared to the Thinkpad. The keys are well-sized and offer a quiet, comfortable typing experience. The key travel is around 1.3mm, which is adequate for most users. The Elitebook’s keyboard is also spill-resistant and includes a multi-gesture touchpad that complements its overall design.
Display Comparison
The Thinkpad X1 Carbon features a 14-inch display with options ranging from Full HD (1920×1080) to 4K (3840×2160). The display is known for its excellent color accuracy, brightness, and viewing angles. The 4K model provides sharp visuals and vibrant colors, making it suitable for multimedia and creative work. The anti-glare coating reduces reflections, enhancing usability in bright environments.
The HP Elitebook 840 also offers a 14-inch display with similar resolution options. Its display provides good brightness and color reproduction, though some users find it slightly less vibrant than the Thinkpad’s 4K option. The Elitebook’s display also features anti-glare coating and supports touch input on certain models, adding versatility for different workflows.
Additional Considerations
Both laptops excel in their keyboard and display qualities, but subtle differences may influence your choice. The Thinkpad X1 Carbon’s keyboard is favored by typists for its tactile feedback, while the Elitebook’s keyboard offers a quieter, softer experience. For displays, the Thinkpad’s 4K option provides more vibrant visuals, ideal for creative tasks, whereas the Elitebook balances quality with touch capabilities.
- Thinkpad X1 Carbon: Superior keyboard, vibrant 4K display, excellent build quality.
- HP Elitebook 840: Comfortable keyboard, touch display option, good overall display quality.
Ultimately, both laptops are excellent choices for professionals. Your decision may hinge on whether you prioritize a more tactile keyboard or a touch-enabled display. Consider testing both models if possible to determine which feels best for your workflow.