HP Smartbuy EliteBook 8540w

HP laptops have been disappointing to me. I personally would not buy another HP product. But I have this laptop for work.

If you are left-handed, you operate the mouse next to the fire-breathing cooling fan exhaust and your hand will be burnt. This laptop runs hot; the exhaust temperature exceeds 55C. So why does HP place the cooling on the left side not on the back?

After a year of use, the first button on the touchpad stuck and is no longer useable.

This is the worst computer I've ever owned. The specs are impressive, but it was incredibly poorly designed. The placement of the fan makes it so that the computer overheats and shuts itself off regularly. If you're doing any kind of work that requires heavy processor usage, save early and save often, because this hunk of junk WILL crash on you. Not only that, it's heavy. I recommend that you use this PC as a paperweight, but not a computer.

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I have bought this machine after giving much consideration to competition and specs. The HP is not the latest in terms of processor since there are machines out there that have i7 second generation processors for about the same price or perhaps less. What attracted me this system is not the latest in terms of processor clock speed but overall build quality and configuration that is paired in the very nice and fast package? Most of the main points for me, since I do use this computer for 3D CAD is the graphics card and chipset. The performance QM57 chipset in the HP vs. for instance Asus`s G73SW-XA1 (HM67 chipset which is just a main street chipset)is significantly better in the performance and security departments. Also as many of us start to use the new generation wireless routers HP as of right now is the only machine that uses true 5ghz network speeds with Intel's Ultimate6300 Intel's ultimate 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi adapter for business and home. The Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6300 dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), 3x3 adapter delivers up to 450 Mbps¹ bandwidth, maximum range and reliability, and unique Intel-only features including Intel® Wireless Display, and Intel® vPro(tm) technology support. In closing great machine, yes not the latest but a solid performer with 3 year warranty with good price to boot at Amazon if you're not a gamer this machine will last you for a long time.

P.S. Do your research before you buy, read the small print cross-reference with components manufactures and you'll have a good buy and great machine that meets your needs

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I have had this computer for about 2 years, using it primarily for school use. The computer has done its job for the most part. Windows Professional isn't exactly necessary for business students, as my primary uses for this computer are Chrome, Office, iTunes, and Torrenting. I think the main reason why I went with it was because it had the side number pad (I use excel frequently for accounting and finance).

I purchased a 3-year warranty for it and I'm glad I did. The screen is very flimsy you must be careful about grabbing the cheap plastic that encases the screen along the sides. I've done this twice and I have had to get a new screen both times. With that being said, the screen is very high quality and the resolution is almost comparable to my Retina Display iPad.

This computer is incredibly heavy, and is not ideal for travel, walking to class, bringing to work. Also, the battery life is not great (4 hours?) and the computer gets very hot if it is sitting on your lap.

Maybe I did not buy this computer for the proper reasons, but it is not that amazing. Very average.

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Bought this laptop almost three years ago, and have never had a major issue with the thing. Everything still works except for the little keyboard illuminator which got jammed shut (which I never used anyway).

I am most impressed with this machine's ability to survive spills. I spilled an entire beer right on the keyboard, and after quickly flipping it over and removing the battery and keyboard, I let it dry overnight. The next morning I pried all the keys off and soaked them and scrubbed the board, then rinsed the whole keyboard with distilled water. 12 hours later the machine was working, and as clean as it was brand new.

The thing has also fallen off multiple counters, no problems yet. Battery still lasts a long time.

Overall a great buy.