HP EliteBook 745 G5 - consumer opinion after 3 years
HP EliteBook 745 G5 laptop keyboard
Consumer feedback about HP EliteBook 745 G5 keyboard
HP EliteBook 745 G5 laptop keyboard |
HP EliteBook 745 G5 laptop - long-term review
Our first-hand consumer feedback after over a year with the HP EliteBook 745 G5 laptop
After we spent over an year of using and testing the HP EliteBook 745 G5 ultrabook, we decided it is time to make a full product review.
To begin with, what exactly is the EliteBook 745 G5? This basically is a compact laptop with high-end components designed mostly for business users. The most controversial part of this computer is the mobile Ryzen processor. Still many critics believe that AMD is not manufacturing the optimal mobile processors for laptops and that they have some more work to do before catch up with the latest generations Intel Core processors.
We also think that AMD and the Ryzen series are getting in the right direction if talking about mobile processors. For PC we are quite happy with the desktop versions of the Ryzen machines we are using.
Selling the Dell Latitude E7240
We are selling the Dell Latitude E7240 laptop after more than 5 years of active service
Selling the Dell Latitude E7240 in 2020 |
The year is 2020 and we decided that it is time to change our fleet of work machines, including PC and laptops.
So it is time to put the Dell Latitude E7240 laptop for sale now, after many years of good services and very few issues with it. For the most time the Latitude E7240 has been the perfect ultrabook and workhorse on the go so we really appreciate what Dell did with this machine.
What makes Dell Latitude E7240 such a great laptop?
One of the most popular ultrabooks is still on service in 2019 - my review of the Dell Latitude E7240
Four years ago: my ultrabook Dell Latitude E7240 |
Xiaomi Notebook Air 13 Win10 i5-7200U Dual Core 8G/256GB specs
Full specifications and features of the 13 inch ultrabook Xiaomi Notebook Air 13 Win10 i5-7200U Dual Core 8G/256GB
Today, I will be taking a closer look at the specifications of a very popular Chinese ultra-portable laptop by Xiaomi - the Notebook Air 13 with Win10 i5-7200U Dual Core 8G/256GB. Here are they:
Lenovo Thinkpad T460 ultrabook - problems and issues
Hardware and software problems and issues with the Lenovo Thinkpad T460 ultrabook
Working on Lenovo Thinkpad T460 could be quite stressful sometimes |
Lenovo Thinkpad T460 is one of the most popular ultrabooks in 2017 but unfortunately it gained its popularity thanks to the problems and issues it can cause to its users.
High-end ultrabook unreliability
Ultrabooks are usually quite expensive because of their quality parts and extreme productivity. Businesses usually spend a lot of money on such laptops in order to trust them for most daily computing activities. And here is where the Lenovo Thinkpad T460 really fails - it is unreliable.On paper the T460 is really a good computer with top of the line components but in reality it is million miles away from its direct competitors like Dell.
Problems and issues
When I first tested the Thinkpad T460 couple of months ago I instantly noticed that it does't offer the smoothest experience taken right out of the box. Of course later on a lot of software need to be installed on this brand new machine and that made things really bad for the T460. It constantly lags and crashes without any obvious reason and that is a huge reliability problem, especially if this is your primary work machine.Lenovo Legion y520-15ikbn gaming laptop
Connectivity issues is a constant and connecting to VPN through WiFi sometimes may take couple of resets before things even get going (slowly).
No matter the fact that the Lenovo I tested had more than enough RAM and processing power sometimes it surprises me how hard it is to manage simple daily tasks.
The battery performance is one of its strong characteristics but it really can't make it up for the overall bad impressions leaves most of the time.
The trackpad is another thing that frustrates many of the T460's users - it is far from accurate and it is not rare that it would miss a click.
I can keep on going and tell you about how bad and ridiculous the its display looks for $2000 laptop but I don't want to take more of your time and share my problems and issues with the Thinkpad T460. If you need good performing laptop you should definitely check something like the Dell XPS or Latitude 7450 which both I think are just amazing.
My old Dell Latitude e7240 also does a great job but it is not for sale in computer stores anymore.
Lenovo Thinkpad Ultrabook T460 user review and experience
Lenovo Thinkpad Ultrabook T460 is good but far from what Dell ultrabooks deliver these days
Thinkpad Ultrabook T460 performed OK but far from the best in class |
After using the business laptop Lenovo Thinkpad Ultrabook T460 for almost a year, I would like to share my experience with you - the good, bad and the ugly.
HP Spectre 13-v000nu - world's thinnest laptop
The thinnest laptop in the world - HP Spectre 13-v000nu
HP Spectre 13 |
Lenovo Yoga 300 11.6 full test and review
Test and video review of the small hybrid device Lenovo Yoga 300 11.6
Today, we are taking a look at one of the small hybrid laptop - the Lenovo Yoga 300 11.6.360º Flip-and-Fold Design
A PC when you need it, a tablet when you want it, and more. Easily change between four modes — Laptop, Stand, Tent, and Tablet. The secret: The 11" Lenovo Yoga 300's unique design and touchscreen display. It allows the screen to flip around 360º, which means you can select the mode you use based on what you choose to Do.Impressive Performance for Work and Play
Enjoy a PC with the new Intel Celeron processor. Experience brilliant PC performance as you multitask effortlessly – communicate with friends and family, enjoy entertainment, and get your work done. Get the impressive performance and quality you’ve come to expect with an Intel Celeron processor. That’s serious processing. Only with Intel Inside.
Ultra Thin, Light, & Portable
Starting at a mere 3.0 lbs and just 0.85" thin, the Yoga 300 is ultra portable — it's perfect for doers on the go. And with up to 8 hours on a standard battery, you can go all day without recharging.Harmony
Lenovo Harmony adapts to you by intuitively optimizing settings, making app recommendations by mode, and sharing statistics about how you use your device.
Stereo Speakers
The Yoga 300's speakers deliver rich stereo sound, while Dolby Home Theater provides an immersive audio experience.
McAfee LiveSafe Free Trial
Keep your entire digital life secure with the comprehensive protection afforded by McAfee LiveSafe software. LiveSafe protects cross-device, through the cloud, and locally to ensure total security for your data and identity. Enjoy a free 30-day trial with purchase. Or, upgrade to the full version during the purchase process and enjoy peace-of-mind security from day one.
Lenovo DOit Apps
Do more with your Yoga 300 with premium Lenovo applications like SHAREit, which lets you share files quickly without network charges or a WiFi connection. In addition, SYNCit backs up and restores your contacts and SMS
Lenovo IdeaPad K1 tablet review
What makes the Dell Latitude E7240 the ultimate ultrabook?
Why I think the Dell Latitude E7240 is the ultimate business ultrabook - my consumer opinion
Is it really the ultimate ultrabook? |
I've been using the Dell Latitude E7240 as personal work computer for over a year now and meanwhile testing some of the newest ultrabook laptops released on the market. And even though the E7240 is not perfect I can confidently say that is among the top 3 ultra portable laptops ever sold.
HP Spectre X360 - video review
Full review of the compact touchscreen ultrabook HP Spectre X360
For more information and in-depth look of this interesting laptop please check the video review below.
Video review 2015 HP Spectre X360 ultrabook
Please also make sure to check our favorite ultrabook - the amazing Dell Latitude E7240.
Vaio Z Monster PC - is it really the ultimate laptop?
Short video with one of the most powerful laptops currently for sale in Japan - Vaio Z Monster PC
Dell Latitude E7240 - six months review
Review of the premium 12 inch ultrabook Dell Latitude E7240 after six months of intense use
After six months of intense use I decided to share the feedback with you so lets not waste any more time and begin with the useful stuff.
The good
To be improved
Disappointing battery life from Dell Latitude E7240 ultrabook
HP Pavilion X360 11-n010dx - a real competition for the Lenovo Yoga 11?
Quick video review of the 11.6" laptop with touchscreen HP Pavilion X360 11-n010dx
HP Pavilion X360 11-n010dx video review
Driver and BIOS issues with Dell Latitude E7240
Driver and BIOS issues and problems with Dell Latitude E7240 - fan noise and heat
The issues
Drivers recommended by Dell
After updates
After updating everything, including BIOS, sound and graphics drivers, networking drivers the machine was running pretty smooth. Unfortunately very soon I noticed something wrong - the laptop was often overheating and fan was running on maximum power even when processor load was less than 50%. Of course the first thing I did is to remove some of the 'useful' drivers that I had on my ultrabook - removed the HD premium sound, the Intel WiFi pro interface and couple more and magically my laptop was running much more cool and quiet.
Of course there was a noticeable difference in sound quality and other performance figures and features but I am using this laptop mostly for work so these were not as important.
Update: Never considered Windows 8 as an option, of course Windows 10 was the natural upgrade from Windows 7 Professional.
Hama Ultra Style bag for 13.3 inch ultrabooks
Price, specifications and review of the Hama Ultra Style bag for ultrabooks up to 13.3 inch
Hama Ultra Style bag for 13.3 inch ultrabooks |
Dell Latitude E7240 touchpad test
Touchpad test of the premium ultrabook Dell Latitude E7240
My Dell Latitude E7240 touchpad - tested |
DELL XPS 13 vs Latitude E7240 ultrabook video comparison
Video comparison with two of the top ultrabooks on the market - DELL XPS 13 and Latitude E7240 Ultrabook
DELL XPS 13 vs Latitude E7240 ultrabooks |
Both these machines look and performance awesome and even though they have so many things in common they are also different in many aspects. Probably the biggest difference between these two are the screens which for the XPS is a 13-inch touchscreen display while on the business oriented Latitude E7240 we have a regular TFT panel. On the other hand probably the biggest similarity between these computers is the price, which is quite high for each one of them.
My personal preference goes for the Latitude E7240 as this is my choice when I was choosing new computer for work related purposes. I can say that I am pretty much impressed, just few minor downfalls ruin the perfect score for this very capable and yet mobile. DELL XPS 13 is probably for those looking for a better media experience and the glare touchsccreen does the job just fine. Here is the video where you can see the DELL XPS 13 and Latitude E7240 head to head in a battle for the crown in the expensive ultrabook segment:
DELL XPS 13 vs Latitude E7240 ultrabook video comparison
In my opinion both these laptops are very good ans super productive. I currently own a Latitude E7240 and I am very pleased with it (using it for more than 3 years now, exceptional ultrabook). If it was my money I would go with the Latitude even though I like the XPS a lot. But I guess when discussing such high-end mobile computing devices it is up to personal preferences and needs.
2018 Update: The Latitude E7240 one of the greatest business laptops ever :)