HP introduced a new design line with the EliteBook 800 range. It relies on curved shapes and restrained colors, primarily black and silver. This dress looks just as good on the 820 G1 as on the recently tested 850 G1. The matte surfaces also prove to be resistant and insensitive to smudging. HP even promises that the laptop has successfully been tested according to the MIL-STD-810 US military standard.

The EliteBook is almost completely made of magnesium, which is supposed to make an approximately 30 percent lower weight possible compared with the precursor. Nevertheless, our review sample weighs over 1.5 kilograms (~3.3 pounds), which is also due to the lush configuration. In any case, the chassis provides outstanding performance in terms of rigidity and stability, and even defies the strongest pressure completely unimpressed. The screen, rimmed by a protective rubber lip, can also be warped by only a few millimeters using high force. Both massive metal hinges limit any wobbling of the lid to a minimum, and are yet so smooth running that only one hand is needed for opening.

Like the bigger sister model, the 820 G1's meticulous build is impressive. We did not discover any sharp edges or irregular material transitions; the manufacturer should only rectify the slight play between the display bezel and screen.

Communication

The manufacturer installs different Wi-Fi modules depending on the configuration; in our case, it is Intel's Dual-Band Wireless-N 7260. Although this mid-range model does not feature the latest ac standard, it supports 802.11 a/b/g/n, and consequently also transmits in the less frequented 5 GHz band. Transmission rates of up to 300 Mbps can be reached owing to dual-stream technology (2x2), providing an appropriate router is on the other side. The EliteBook proved to have an above average range, and excellent connection stability even in difficult reception conditions in our practical test (o2 Box 4421, max. 150 Mbps).

In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0, our review sample also sports a mobile broadband modem (HP hs 3110), which enables the user to browse via UMTS/HSPA+ on the go. Inserting a corresponding SIM card was a bit inconvenient because it has to be inserted in a slot under the battery.

The same 0.9 megapixel webcam including the array microphone as found in the EliteBook 850 G1 is available for video conferencing. The picture and sound quality are acceptable for communication purposes, but the primary camera of every low-priced smartphone provides much better results.

Security

Protecting the laptop against (physical) theft is not the only security issue for laptops, but in particular protecting the stored data. HP therefore relies on extensive hardware and software technologies, which include a specially protected BIOS, and an optional file and drive encryption. Physically, the EliteBook can be protected against theft with a Kensington lock, but it can also be located and/or remote locked (Computrace and Intel Anti-Theft) in real emergencies. Naturally, a fingerprint scanner should not be omitted, which is a convenient alternative, or a supplement for normal passwords.

Accessories

Since Windows 8 is not widely accepted in the professional field, HP installs the older Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) ex-factory, but includes the installation and driver DVDs for both operating systems. Apart from that, the accessories are only comprised of the usual leaflets, a matching 45-Watt power supply, and various programs, such as PowerDVD 12 and a PDF reader.

Maintenance

A practical slide mechanism secures the 820 G1's base plate, and thus allows maintenance without tools. Since both memory banks and the 2.5-inch slot (7 mm height) of our review sample are furnished, only the empty M.2 slot (NGFF 2242) is left for potential upgrading. Naturally, the installed components can be replaced. Except for the soldered CPU, virtually the entire hardware can be exchanged in a few ste s. Only removing and cleaning the processor's fan would involve disassembling the device even further.

Warranty

HP includes a 3-year warranty on the laptop and the battery, which can be upgraded via so-called "Care Packs". Buyers who are satisfied with a basic pick-up and return service can upgrade (U7868E) to a total of 4 years for approximately 130 Euros (~$180); a 5-year warranty, including accidental damage and on-site service (UL786E, UM236E) quickly surpasses 500 Euros (~$700).

Typical for a TN, the screen proves to be very viewing angle dependent, and only supplies a true image from a straight-on view. The slightest movements, particularly up and down, cause an intense brightness loss and color deviations. The optional "HD Premium UWVA screen" promises better performance, although it is likely only a high-quality IPS screen. Unfortunately, only the "HD SVA screen" that we tested is on the market until now. The user can alternatively use an external monitor that renders a sharp and flicker-free image even via VGA (tested with up to 1920x1080 pixels).

A version of HP's Elitebook 820 with a higher-quality IPS screen has now found its way into our tests. The device incorporates a screen from LG Philips (LGD0404) and like the base configuration, offers the same resolution of 1366x768 pixels on a screen diagonal of 12.5 inches (125 ppi). The available desktop thus remains the same, but the screen's rates have been improved considerably.

For example, the average brightness of very good 355 cd/m² is well beyond the base TN screen with approximately 210 cd/m². The maximum contrast has also been improved, and is now good 703:1 (cf. 363:1 in the TN screen).