The bulky EliteBooks from the past are gone – HP's business-series now primarily uses thin cases and efficient ULV hardware. We review the entry-level configuration of the new EliteBook 850 G1 for around 1,000 Euros (~$1387).

Light and high-quality case; Good input devices; Outdoor-capable display with high resolution; Solid application performance; Comprehensive upgradability; Very quiet fan; Low temperature development; 36 months warranty; We already know the combination of a business notebook and ULV hardware; but...

Lower performance than the predecessors; Limited performance on battery power; Backlight flickering with reduced brightness; Loud hard drive; High price level; Even though the quality of the input devices is at a good level; there is still room for improvement.

The EliteBook 850 G1 is a Windows 7 Pro notebook built for productivity and security. Complete with a fingerprint scanner, HP's security software, a durable design and a luminous 15.6-inch 1080p display, the $1,614 laptop (starting at $954) has everything a business user could want.

it is a great laptop that is much lighter than the previous models and it works well with the new style of docking station also

Great light-weight laptop with nice performance

it doesn't have a numeric pad for some reason

I purchased to replace a 17"HP. Switched the 250GB HD for a 1TB SSD. Wow. Runs smooth and fast. Have Windows 7 and installed Office 2013. They work well together. Buying a new computer always takes a bit of getting used to and this is no exception.

The HP EliteBook 850 G1 ($1,614, as tested) is a well-designed, future-proofed business ultrabook. Its easy upgradability makes it an attractive choice for IT professionals looking to buy laptops for their company, particularly if they have an IT staff that handles repairs and upgrades in-house.

Removable bottom panel; Dual pointing devices; Windows 7 Professional; Space available for system memory and M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) upgrades; Conforms to MIL-STD-810 specs for durability; Numerous connectivity options

No touch screen; Oddly placed rubber bumpers; Battery life lags

HP presented a large number of new notebooks today aimed at the business segment. They're all part of the existing ProBook and EliteBook series from HP. According to Herbert Koeck, managing director of HP EMEA, the company wants to continue investing in its traditional PC business of laptops and...