For weeks, the HP EliteBook 845 G8 (61D34UA#ABA) has been my daily driver. This silver powerhouse, boasting a Ryzen 5 Pro 3500U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a speedy 512GB SSD, promised a blend of performance and security. But does it deliver on its ambitious claims? Let’s dive in.

The HP EliteBook 845 G8 is more than just a pretty face. The 14-inch display is crisp and vibrant, making it a pleasure to work on for extended periods. The keyboard is comfortable, with good key travel, and the trackpad is responsive and accurate. But the real standout features are the security enhancements. HP Sure Sense, using deep learning AI, provides an extra layer of protection against malware, a welcome addition for any user, especially in a business context. The physical privacy camera shutter adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

The Ryzen 5 Pro 3500U handles everyday tasks with ease. I’ve run multiple applications simultaneously, including video editing software, without experiencing any noticeable slowdown. The 512GB SSD boots up the system incredibly fast, and application loading times are minimal. While it’s not a gaming beast, the integrated AMD Radeon Graphics handles casual gaming adequately. For heavy workloads, however, you might want to consider upgrading the RAM. During demanding tasks, the fan can become noticeable, but it’s not overly loud or intrusive.

Pros:

• Powerful Ryzen 5 Pro processor
• Fast 512GB SSD
• Excellent security features (HP Sure Sense, Sure Start, Privacy Camera)
• Comfortable keyboard and trackpad
• Crisp and vibrant 14-inch display

Cons:

• Fan can be audible under heavy load
• 8GB RAM might be limiting for power users
• No upgradeable RAM

Overall, the HP EliteBook 845 G8 (61D34UA#ABA) is a solid performer. Its robust security features, coupled with decent performance and a comfortable design, make it an excellent choice for professionals and anyone looking for a reliable and secure laptop. While the 8GB RAM might be a limiting factor for some, the overall package is hard to beat in this price range. I would happily recommend this laptop to friends and colleagues.