Think of the EliteBook 2170p as the smaller counterpart of the HP Elitebook 8460p. It employs the latter's design cues but does so in a much smaller chassis.Consequently, the Elitebook 2170p's.
Introducing the HP EliteBook 8570wWe recently reviewed Dell's top of the line mobile workstation and found that the overall design left something to be desired compared to HP's high end EliteBooks, but that the price was definitely right for the performance. The M6700 is likely to remain a good value for the enterprise sector (much as Dell's desktop workstations continue to be), and the 10-bit PremierColor display uses a similar LG panel to the ones HP employs in their DreamColor displays.
Can we get something like that in a smaller form factor, though?As it turns out, theoretically at least, we can. We have an HP EliteBook 8570w on hand for review, and the 15.6' 1080p DreamColor display threatens to hit the sweet spot for productivity, with a smaller chassis footprint than larger workstations like the M6700 and EliteBook 8760w/8770w. But is the 8570w able to hit the same value propositions as Dell's mobile workstations, can it offer similar performance, or is our memory of the HP EliteBook line a little rosier than reality?The HP EliteBook 8570w is pretty much as high end as you can get in a 15.6' form factor; the only competition comes from Dell's Precision M4700 and Lenovo's ThinkPad W530, and unfortunately neither of these notebooks can be ordered with a 10-bit full gamut IPS panel like the 8570w can.
Invariably someone is going to mention Apple's MacBook Pro, but it must be said that the MBP does not necessarily compete in the same markets as these mobile workstations do. If a user has need of a professional, workstation-class GPU, the MBP is immediately ruled out.With all that in mind, let's see how the EliteBook 8570w we were sent is configured. Tuesday, December 18, 2012 - This review was better than the last but I still take issue with two points:1. It's OK to comment on it but you make it sound as if others should consider your opinion on this issue when purchasing. As you said above, you thought the 8760w was better built and that's what we need to hear.
Quality of materials and build. But try to keep in mind that other people don't have the same appreciation for HPs design as you.2. 'Standard' keyboards.
Why do you consider HPs the more 'standard' layout? The layout on the Dell is the same as they've been using in the Latitudes and Precisions since 2001. Literally more than 10 years.HP on the other hand has switched during the EliteBook's short life. Interestingly, the first and second generation used the SAME keyboard layout as Dell. So I'd argue (and have evidence to support) that the current HPs are using a NON-standard layout.This is why we have issue with these reviews. You're making sweeping statements that aren't backed up by fact and you're using these to support your position.As soon as you do this, you lose credibility.
This review was better than the last, but you've still got room for growth. Tuesday, December 18, 2012 - Have you addressed the lack of basic technical research regarding the Optimus system? This is critical in any informed discussion of these laptops.Optimus with an 8 bit screen makes for great battery life, but you do not get that wonderful IPS screen. Note that HP does not bother even giving you this choice due to their design.If you want IPS, FirePro, or HP you lose 60% runtime.
This would have taken almost no research to find out, and nowhere in any publications I have seen does it state that Optimus does not work with Quadro.This site has always seemed to be about having accurate information, even if the reviews were a little behind. Your reviews, and your unwillingness to acknowledge the errors in a timely manner (as Anand has done many times) are not in keeping with this sites reputation.This is a long time readers opinion. I do not typically comment because so many others do such a good job of covering what I may be interested in.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 - What exactly are you asking for with regards to Optimus?From your statement, I suspect that you are already aware of the fact that Optimus is not supported on Quadro cards, just as it's not supported on desktop systems.What else is there, then, to say about the matter?The article clearly states that the use of the 10-bit panel precludes the use of Optimus.Lastly, since a Quadro card was not used in this laptop, I don't understand how the lack of Optimus support for Quadro is germane to this review.