It is the little features that HP included with this notebook PC which set it apart from others and those are the features I'm focusing on in more detail.
Serious About Security
The HP EliteBook 2530p Notebook PC provides a variety of features which make it easier to keep your data safe while on the road.
This laptop includes HP Protect Tools which I'd advise to set up when you use your new laptop for the first time. This set of tools provides for full encryption of the hard disk drive and pre-boot security features.
The HP EliteBook 2530p Notebook PC includes BIOS fingerprint access which is always a wise idea to use.
The EliteBook 2530p also has a program called HP Spare Key allows you to get in if you've forgotten your password. You answer three questions and then can re-set your password.
The security features also take into consideration when you may no longer wish to own your laptop and you can use HP Disk Sanitizer to wipe the hard disk drive clean. This way no important data can be accessed by the new owner. This does not require any extra software and is already installed on the HP EliteBook 2530p Notebook PC.
I'm a big fan of enhanced security with notebooks and any mobile gear in general. When a company has taken steps to make it easy to use the security features and help you protect your data that is a huge benefit.
When setting up the BIOS fingerprint recognition software be prepared to have some scans that aren't accepted. This to me says that the software wants the best image and should therefore be harder to crack this element of security by someone else.
User Friendly
Not only does the laptop use HP Durakey protection which ensures that your laptop keys won't fade over time but the keyboard is spill-resistant which adds to the durability of the HP EliteBook 2530p Notebook PC.
I do have a tendency to pound on keyboards which is a throwback to days spent using manual typewriters. I found that the keyboard on the EliteBook 2530p was very responsive even with a light touch and I did tend to ease up when using the keyboard. While I found the keyboard to be a very nice size that is one area that may frustrate others; especially those who have larger hands.
I really like that HP included the point stick with this keyboard; my first HP laptop had this feature and I found it much easier to use than the touchpad. You have more control with it and you don't need to worry so much about random movements of the cursor.
The keyboard light (HP Night Light) is another great feature which I found was very effective in a completely dark room. There is enough light to see the keys and with the display brightness adjusted to your own comfort level you can work quite well. This is a definite advantage to those who may be traveling by air and don't want to disturb the person next to them or if you need to keep notes.
The battery life is more than acceptable for a notebook this size. While using it to work on documents and browsing the Internet I was able to work for 7 hours and 15 minutes which is just shy of the advertised approximate time of 7.5 hours. I don't know of many occasions when I'd need more time without power.
Presentation Qualities
The HP EliteBook 2530p Notebook PC includes a 2 MB web cam which is most useful for online conferencing and the dual-array microphones incorporate noise-canceling technology.
The speakers are located in an unusual location - the front of the laptop so if you were going to use this for sharing with a small group of people you would want to add external speakers. The sound is very crisp for being a mono speaker.
Storage Capabilities.
Unlike many of the small form notebooks currently available the HP EliteBook 2530p does include an optical disk drive. I have read some reviews critical of the fact that the drive isn't a Blu-ray drive but in my opinion this notebook is a business class notebook and not for watching movies.
The HP EliteBook 2530p also has a SD card reader, ExpressCard slot, FireWire port and 2 USB 2.0 ports. This allows for plenty of alternative portable storage solutions if the hard disk drive isn't large enough for your needs or you wish to keep data stored using another medium.
For the average mobile professional a 120 GB hard drive provides plenty of room for applications and data storage.