The Bottom Line
Battery life is quite acceptable at 7.5 hours with the 6-cell battery and 11 hours with the optional 9-cell battery. The security features that HP included in the EliteBook 2530p are also quite valuable and beneficial for mobile professionals.
Pros
- HP QuickLook feature - view emails without booting laptop up.
- HP Durakeys - keys won't fade out over time.
- Business rugged design - passes MIL-STD 810F testing.
- Enivronmentally friendly design - mercury free backlit LED display.
- Battery life - 6 cell provides approx. 7.5 hrs.
Cons
- Price starts at $1899.00 U.S. direct from HP.
- Keyboard may be considered too small for some.
Description
- OS - Genuine Windows Vista® Business 32, Home Basic, Windows Vista® Business with downgrade to Windows® XP or FreeDOS
- Processors - Intel® Core™ 2 Duo LV Processor SL9300 (1.60 GHz, 6 MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB)
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo LV Processor SL9400 (1.86 GHz, 6 MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB)
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo LV Processor SL9600 (2.13 GHz, 6 MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB)
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo ULV Processor SU9300 (1.20 GHz, 3 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo ULV Processor SU9400 (1.40 GHz, 3 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB)
- RAM - 1GB to 4 GB installed. Upgradeable to 8 GB maximum.
- HDD - 80 GB to 160 GB 5400 rpm 1.8" SATA II, 120 GB or 250 GB 5400 rpm 2.5" SATA II, 160 GB or 320 GB 7200 rpm SATA II or
- 80 GB 1.8" Solid State Drive
- Dimensions - 11.11 x 8.44 x 0.99 in (282.3 x 214.3 x 25.2 mm), Weight - starts at 3.19 lbs.
Guide Review - HP EliteBook 2530p Notebook PC
The HP EliteBook 2530p Notebook PC I reviewed included the 6-cell battery and the HP 2400/2500 UltraLight Docking Station was also included.
The EliteBook 2530p starts at 3.8 lbs with the base configuration. The EliteBook 2530p offers a variety of configurations to meet any requirements that mobile professionals face. One such configuration includes the downgrade to Windows XP.
At first glance, the exterior design of the HP EliteBook 2530p Notebook PC got my attention as it was a matte silver finish that felt very sturdy. It doesn’t bend or creak when opening or moving it around. The exterior, (HP DuraCase) is constructed of magnesium alloy and hard plastic combination with an outer shell of brushed aluminum. The exterior is scratch resistant and adds a level of protection to the EliteBook 2530p.
The EliteBook 2530p has many features which separate it from others in this class. Two such features are the HP Night Light – which is turned on by pressing the light bulb button located above the screen. This allows you to use the EliteBook 2530p in low light conditions.
The other very useful feature is HP QuickLook which enables you to view email, contacts, calendar and task information without booting the EliteBook 2530p up.
The EliteBook 2530p also includes a variety of connectivity options, which make it easier to stay in touch while on the road. It has integrated Intel Gigabit Network Connection, 56K V.92 modem, Intel Wireless 802.11a/b/g/draft-n; Broadcom 802.11a/b/g/draft-n; Broadcom 802.11b/g; HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth 2.0 Wireless Technology and HP Mobile Broadband powered by Gobi™. The broadband service provider is either AT&T or Verizon.
The EliteBook 2530p is not a cheap, economy priced laptop but you are getting a very durable and powerful yet lightweight business class machine.