This has been my backup machine for quite a few years now. And anything that lasts more than two years with Zepp is highly recommended in my book :)
I'm only using it as a backup machine in the event of a power interruption, my main machine breaks down, or whenever we're out on the road. I'm only using it for word processing, plus the occassional use of Photoshop, so it's specs are more than enough for my needs.
It has an i5 processor, 12GB of RAM and a separate graphics card so it is no pushover. I also replaced the HDD with an SDD, and I keep the HDD along in case the SDD breaks down. In the even that this happens, all you have to do is to swap it out. It also has a couple of USB 3.0 ports and a couple of regular ones, plus an expansion slot, a plug for a network cable, and an HDMI port. If they threw in an SD Card reader, this would be perfect (beat that Apple and your dongles!)
Which brings me to one of the things I like about it, upgrading its internals is easy, all you need is to slide the lock underneath and the bottom cover will come right off, giving you access to the RAM and the hard drive.
You do need to screw the hard drive in place, but everything is within easy reach.
It also features a spill-proof illuminated keyboard (great for working in the dark when the kids are asleep).
The keyboard was also pushed by Zepp to its limits with several spills, and finally gave up on me when Zepp spilled orange juice on it that was not immediately cleaned and it seeped overnight lol.
That's what it takes to break it down -- orange juice seeping overnight, and only a few keys that wouldn't work the next day! I guess I could clean it but it's too much work, and the replacement is only $10, so it's a no brainer :)
Fortunately, replacing the keyboard was easy as well. I just ordered a replacement keyboard online and the whole thing can be lifted up and the new one tabbed back in in less than ten minutes.
Two of the laptops that the company issued me had been broken in a matter of months, usually with the hinges giving up or a cracked screen, but in the case of the Elitebook, the shell was tough, and despite falling, rolling, being stepped on, bumped, bruised, and everything that Zepp has thrown at it, it still holds up with just a few nicks and scratches.
Another thing that I liked about it is that its battery is expandable. There is an option to attach a second battery that makes it last more than half a day of continuous use. Perfect for whenever we're out and Zepp gets bored.
I'm now thinking of getting a new one as this one is starting to get old, but I'm afraid that there's nothing out there at the moment, at a reasonable price range, that would be up to snuff.
So I guess I'll just hold on this one for a few more years. If it's good enough for Zeppelin, it surely is good enough for me :)
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Shameless Plug
If you haven't read it yet, please do take the time to read the beautifully-written A Day In The Clouds
