HP EliteBook Revolve 810 G1 (D9Q27UC) Pro Reviews

As a business focused device, the HP EliteBook Revolve 810 delivers on most fronts. The 1.9 GHz i5 processor and 128GB mSATA SSD ensure that users will be able to tackle most computing functions with relative ease, while the machine's durable portable design easily shrugs off the wears and tears of travel. Easily the most notable weak point for this machine is its lack of media focus. The 1366 x 768 display resolution is below what consumers would expect at this price point, and the battery life is greatly diminished when performing graphical functions. The HP EliteBook is still certainly capable of performing those functions, but there are better options available to consumers. Users that are looking for productivity and want a device that will get the job done, plain and simple, will be well severed by the HP EliteBook Revolve 810.

The HP EliteBook Revolve 810 is definitely no true all-rounder, but rather a decidedly premium convertible ultrabook which happens to be able to take a beating or two. Due to its unusual design, it will definitely attract attention. It is extremely well-suited for presentations, serving as a great travel companion in today's business world (despite its mediocre battery life) due to its more than decent WWAN modem which is compatible with most cellular networks on Earth. Its main disadvantage has to do with its premium price - which will likely be too much for the majority of small and medium-sized businesses, especially so since a number of crucial features such as a Smartcard reader have to be retrofitted via third-party offers. Those in need for a somewhat ruggedized business laptop might want to have a look at the Panasonic Toughbook too. Graphics designers and photographers might be happy with the Sony Vaio Duo 13 which comes with an even better display with decent coverage of the sRGB color space.

HP’s EliteBook Revolve is an old-school convertible with a rotating hinge and 3rd-generation Core i5 processor, but can it compete with newer, dockable 2-in-1s?

The best things the EliteBook Revolve 810 has going for it are clean design and comfortable feel, plus system speed. Price and battery life are the weaknesses. You might love this laptop landing on your desk in a little business briefcase, but the battery life just won't quite do it. That makes this Revolve a little tough to suggest above other laptop-tablets. It's a cute but professional laptop-tablet hybrid in need of a boost to match our battery-life expectations. Regular consumers need not apply; business travelers might find it intriguing, but be aware there plenty of equivalent options already out there. It is, however, a nice, solid design step forward for HP. Keep an eye out for the next version.

The HP Elitebook Revolve 810 combines industrial-strength construction with portability and convenience, making it a solid convertible laptop for the business user on the go.

As for the EliteBook Revolve, at first glance its $1,449 price looks steep, particularly with Lenovo offering a ThinkPad Twist for $1,079 with a comparable Core i5 and 128GB SSD. But when you begin to add up the 810's charms—sleek but rugged chassis, simple yet versatile design, comfortable keyboard, strong application performance, long battery life, enterprise security features—it begins to look more reasonable. And because it's a member of HP's business line, it comes backed by a three-year warranty, which is three times better than the coverage you receive with most consumer models. IT departments, especially in HP shops with other EliteBooks and docking stations, will be splendidly satisfied.