The HP EliteBook 845 G11 is a sleek, silver 14in enterprise laptop that means business. This premium WIndows 11 unit features an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor and Radeon 780M Graphics, 32GB RAM, and 512GB storage - which is more than enough to power productivity throughout the day. 

As one of the best business laptop lines out there, the EliteBook is smart and professional, with MacBook pretensions once you crack open the lid to expose a well-spaced, backlit keyboard of black against the silver frame. In use, it’s comfortable and intuitive (any typos are strictly my own), although as with so many thin laptops, key travel can feel stubby and shallow.

I’ve always had a hit-and-miss experience with HP laptops - they often feel cheap and plasticky, lids soft and hollow, keys shallow. So there was relief taking hold of the all-metal EliteBook 845 G11. In hand, it doesn’t feel quite as nice or durable as the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s I recently reviewed, but there’s a comforting robustness and weightiness to the device. 

Performance-wise, this laptop offers exactly what you’d expect, and everything you hoped. It blazes through the likes of web browsing, Microsoft Office and G Suite apps. I experienced no performance-related issues, whether writing and editing in the notoriously resource-hungry Chrome or taking conference video calls. Having said that, during prolonged use, both the underside and palm rests get fairly warm, which is especially noticeable when the device is charging. 

Overall, an excellent business laptop, with plenty of scope for coding, use on campus, and regular home use, too. The lack of decent GPU renders this laptop less useful for high-resolution video editing and 3D rendering. But CPU and RAM are more than sufficient to deliver a smooth experience for everyday office tasks. 

HP EliteBook 845 G11: Price & availability

You should have no difficulty picking up the HP EliteBook 845 G11, which is widely available from online retailers and direct from HP. Even older EliteBooks are readily available. Prices for the laptop start at $1790 / £1200.  

HP EliteBook 845 G11: Design & features

Weighing in at 1.42kg, measuring 12.4 x 8.83 x 0.64in, the HP EliteBook 845 G11 has a good weight and feel. Constructed with an all-metal chassis “based on high quality aluminum and magnesium” according to the manufacturer, I felt this was a laptop that can take a few knocks on the commute, or being shunted from hot-desk to hot-desk.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, 14in is the ideal size for a business laptop. Not too small, not too bulky, perfect for extended use without weighing you down too much. This EliteBook fits nicely into this category. Here, the display on the base model is a 14in anti-glare rocking a 1920x1200 resolution and a disappointingly average 300nits brightness. That’s fine in the home and office, but you’ll struggle more to see the screen outdoors in bright light. On the other hand, HP offers a range of alternative panels, with low blue light and touch features, and 400, 500, and 800nits options.

Above the panel is a 5MP webcam that does the job but not much more. Again, you can upgrade to the 5MP IR webcam, or strip out the camera if you never again want to endure another Zoom presentation. What I especially like here is the physical camera cover - fast becoming a necessity for business laptops. Neatly sliding the ridged switch to the left ‘grays out’ camera, disabling it in the settings rather than simply masking the lens.

Using the keyboard is a comfortable experience. It features a backlight of soft white, which automatically turns off to preserve the battery after a few minutes of inactivity, for low-light and night-time use. Keys are not too spongy like for instance the Microsoft Surface, but gentle and firm enough to take a battering when bashing out a report, spreadsheet, or writing a laptop review. While it can’t quite compare to the excellent keyboards you typically find on the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops - by far the best I’ve used on any business laptop - the spacious design really lets the fingers flow, creating a good rhythm when typing. The welcome addition of a keyboard backlight of soft white, which automatically turns off to preserve the battery after a few minutes of inactivity. I did experience a few near-misses with the arrow and Pg Up/Pg Dn keys so clustered together, but these were few and far between. 

The trackpad is broad, allowing for sweeping gestures without being hindered by physical buttons here. Just be careful not to brush the palm of your hand against it while typing, as I did on occasion, sending the cursor to all kinds of unwanted places. 

For everyday usage, connectivity is good. It’s a thin laptop, and thin laptops typically mean as few ports as possible, but you’ll still find a HDMI, two USB Type-A 5Gbps ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, nano-SIM card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. You may still need to invest in any of the best laptop docking stations, although there’s plenty of space here to connect key peripherals or hook up a second monitor. 

HP EliteBook 845 G11: Performance

I tested this laptop for normal business use - the type the HP EliteBook 845 G11 is built for, straight out of the box. Running plenty of Google Docs and Sheets, jumping into the odd meeting, light photo editing, opening more tabs than necessary open in the web browser. And, of course, in time honored tradition, writing this review on the laptop. Equipped with all that RAM, the EliteBook breezed through all these tasks in almost total silence. 

I can’t say it’s the best laptop for photo editing. If you’re a pro, a dedicated content creation station like the MacBook Pro will serve you better - not least because the screen’s brightness and 100% sRGB color space coverage leaves something to be desired in a professional design setting. But for undemanding Photoshop work, social media imagery, lower resolution video editing for your website, HP’s machine capably serves its purpose. 

Battery life was ok - I got around 6-7 hours of use, getting through most of the day before I needed to charge up. And that was under standard operation - mostly Google Docs and content management systems. That’s pretty standard for a laptop like this, which has to balance heavy batteries with portability, but I would’ve liked to see it last a bit longer. 

As mentioned, the laptop did run warm after a lot of use, even more so than the Lenovo T14s. This was the only real issue I found, and an expected one at that for a powerful business laptop like this. Otherwise, for productivity and performance, the EliteBook 845 G11 shines.

HP EliteBook 845 G11: Final verdict

There’s a lot to like about the HP EliteBook 845 G11, and not much to dislike here. It’s well-built, well-designed machine that easily handled all the tasks I threw at it. I also found the keyboard very comfortable to use even over long periods - and while it’s not quite up to ThinkPad standards in this department, in almost every other way, the EliteBook gives Lenovo’s business line-up a serious run for its money. 

The screen may be a deal-breaker for some - with its average 300nits brightness and low color space coverage, it’s not going to suit those who need to do more than basic image editing and creating online assets. But with plenty of RAM and a powerful CPU, my whole experience using this as a day-to-day business laptop was seamless and silent. At times, it did get hot around the underside and palm rests, but not to the point where the laptop became unusable or too uncomfortable. Elsewhere, though, this is a very well-built machine that, though not a rugged device with an assortment of IP and MIL-STD ratings, feels reliable and robust. 

Should I buy the HP EliteBook 845 G11?

Looking for more power in a portable machine? We tested the best mobile workstations.

When I was sent the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4, I thought it would be the easiest review in the world. 

A few months prior, I’d bought the exact same model, with more or less the same specs, for personal use. At the time, I was looking for one of the best business laptops I could find. Fast, reliable, capable of running all the usual Office apps and browsers and nothing too strenuous. A key requirement was a comfortable keyboard for typing. It was probably the best money I ever spent on a device. So, being very familiar with the performance of the T14s, I thought I could draw on my months-long experience and spend the rest of the time playing Mario Kart. Then I cracked open the lid of the new laptop - and fell in love all over again. I can’t stay away from this ThinkPad. I admire its purity. 

The model reviewed here is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7840U with Radeon 780M Graphics, 32GB RAM, and 512GB storage. However, unlike older ThinkPads, it’s worth noting that while you can expand SSD storage, the RAM is soldered to the board and can’t be upgraded, so choose wisely. Ports and connectivity is fair, with a smart card reader, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports (one of which is used for charging the device), HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack, and a nano-sim slot around the back. 

On paper, the T14s may not be the best Lenovo ThinkPad out there. The P14 is superior for graphically intensive use, the X1 Carbon beloved for its ultra-lightweight design, the T480 is widely considered the pick of the bunch. And the Intel version of this model reportedly suffers cooling issues, so opt for the AMD version if you can get it. But this is a beautiful machine in its own right - thin, light, sleek, its all-black chassis accented with Lenovo red across the trackpad and trackpoint. For standard business use - think emails, internet, Microsoft Office, Google Docs - there’s little to beat this light, compact, commuter-friendly machine. 

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4: Price & availability

The Lenovo T14s is widely available, retailing at around $1000 / £1000 for the base model. Intel T14s tend to be priced higher than AMD models, and again, we stress that if you can, go for AMD, which will help keep the laptop cooler. 

With the recent release of the Gen 5 and Snapdragon-powered Gen 6 versions, it should mean you’ll be able to get some good deals here as stores begin to get rid of the older stock. 

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4: Design & features

Lenovo’s flagship business machine feels good in the hand. This is a sturdy laptop, built from premium-grade materials - magnesium for the keyboard frame, carbon fiber for the top cover - that you’d expect from the S variants in the company’s line-up. If you’re wondering, the S stands for slim, and at 12.50 x 8.93 x 0.65in the T14s is certainly that. The suffix also means these laptops are lighter (this one clocks in at 1.26kg) and more durable than plastic-based counterparts like the T14 and P14. The only real downside in construction is that the T14s is undeniably a finger-print magnet. 

In my experience, 14in is the perfect size for a business laptop. A 13in feels too cramped, while 15.6in models tend to be heavier and less easy to transport. Here, the base screen is a 14in 1080p anti-glare IPS panel with 300 nits brightness, in the 16:10 aspect ratio. You can also upgrade to touchscreen versions, a 400 nits lower power display, and a 2.8K OLED version that boasts 400 nits, HDR 500, and 100% DCI-P3 color space coverage. That might be of interest to anyone looking for the best video editing laptop, but it drains the battery a lot faster and you can find better bang for your buck elsewhere if editing is your main concern. Helpfully, the T14s display can also be laid flat, letting you literally share your screen and collaborate with colleagues. Above this, one of my favorite features: a physical camera cover (Lenovo calls it the ThinkShutter) that slides into place. 

The keyboard is the real reason I chose a ThinkPad over rivals like the Dell XPS 15 or Microsoft Surface. I’ve never understood the love these laptops get for their keyboards, which feel light and spongy, with very little key travel. Fine, perhaps, for writing emails or messages on Slack and Teams, though not for any extended writing and editing. The T14s features the same backlit keyboard you’ll find on other modern ThinkPads, well-spaced and slightly curved for greater ergonomics. Yes, at 1.5mm the key travel is shallower than older 1.8mm models, and it is a noticeable downgrade, but it doesn’t detract from the relaxed typing experience compared to similar laptops.

The device was more or less ready to go out of the box, although I had to add the UK keyboard layout in the Windows settings and solve that famous Lenovo quirk: swapping over Fn and Ctrl buttons. Using the Lenovo Vantage app, I headed into Settings > Device > Inputs & accessories. Here, a toggle switch lets you change the function of the Fn and Ctrl keys to mirror most other keyboards.

The ThinkPad’s most famous feature is alive and well in the T14s. The trackpoint, that nippled red circle nestled between the G-H-B keys, acts as an off-hand cursor, so you can keep your fingers on the keys. Once you adjust to the required sensitivity - firm and gentle does the trick, lightly moving with purpose - it becomes a breeze to use. And if you don’t use it, you’ll never notice it’s there. In day-to-day use over months, I’ve never once accidently jostled it when typing.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4: Performance

When it comes to business, my laptop use is the sort replicated in offices across the globe. Chrome, Slack, occasional photo editing, the whole Google  G Suite, and a handful of video meetings via Google Meet, Teams, and Zoom. The ThinkPad T14s is tailored to these sorts of tasks, powering through them in near-silence thanks to its CPU and the bountiful RAM. In use, the trackpad is smooth, responsive, with three physical buttons above for additional cursor control. Running basic photo editor tools proved no problem for the laptop, and while best photo editing laptops offer a bit more for the money, this is more than capable of tackling those sorts of tasks as it caters to a broad range of business needs. 

Without a decent GPU, the laptop will struggle with triple-A games. But then, you shouldn’t be playing games at work, my friend, where this laptop was chiefly designed for use. And while you shouldn’t have too many issues editing HD videos, that GPU limitation also rules out high-resolution video editing and 3D rendering, where a graphics-led ThinkPad like the P14s will shine. 

Battery life was fair but not jaw-dropping. With the screen set to average brightness (I also prefer leaving Night Light on to off-set the harshness of the whites), it lasted around 6 hours. You can extend it by turning off the backlit keyboard or upgrading to the low power display, which in my experience will add an hour or so before you need to recharge. At least the batteries are replaceable. After extended use, I did find the laptop can run warm. With exhaust ports to the right and underneath, you’ll certainly feel the warmth when using a mouse or on the lap. 

Overall, the performance is excellent for its use-case. Fast with no frustrating lags and slow-downs - even when opening multiple tabs in the memory-hogging Chrome (admittedly, your mileage may vary on this one).

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4: Final verdict

I enjoyed my time with the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s - just as much this time around as the first time I cracked open the lid of one. When it came to taking one laptop with me while working away from home, confronted with the choice of the T14s, HP EliteBook 845 G11, and the 13in Microsoft Surface Laptop, it was Lenovo’s machine I reached for every time. It felt like a natural fit for working on the go, but then again, it was my literal Editor’s Choice just a few months before. 

Throughout this review, I’ve been calling the T14s a business machine - and it’s certainly built for the job. But I’ve found this is just as suitable for regular home use (as in my case), as a future-proofed student laptop to last throughout school or college, and as a laptop for programming thanks to those hardy specs and glorious keyboard that will make coding on the go a breeze. Robustly constructed, the device feels like it should last a long time, too. 

The lack of upgradeability - a defining factor in the popularity of ThinkPads past - may limit the appeal of the T14s, but for most, the soldered RAM and performance-driven processor will be more than enough to power users through the working day. 

Should I buy the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s?

For more power and performance, we tested the best mobile workstations.

Lenovo's ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 G4 is an excellent choice for small business owners and professionals seeking an affordable, versatile laptop. 

While it doesn't boast the brightest display or the latest Wi-Fi tech found on some of the best business laptops, it makes up for its robust performance, excellent keyboard, and well-rounded features.

Lenovo has been a reliable choice for professional computers for many years. They offer several outstanding product lines, with the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops tailored for the skilled workforce. The ThinkBook, on the other hand, is designed for the prosumer-level, effectively bridging the gap between professional and casual use. These laptops are ideal for freelancers, contractors, and professionals working in various settings.

The ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 G4 is no different. I am quickly falling in love with the 14-inch laptop size. My workhorse is still the M2 MacBook Pro 13-inch. I love it, but it feels small when I need a lot of screen actual state on the go. The 14-inch form factor, even in a standard screen resolution, is a fantastic size for portability and can still get real work done without compromising or needing an external monitor to see anything.

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 G4: Unboxing & first impressions

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 G4 comes in simple packaging for its professional target audience. When I unboxed it, I first noticed its two-tone Luna Gray aluminum chassis, which gives it a sleek and modern look. 

The device feels sturdy and well-built, and the hinge supports smooth transitions between laptop and tablet modes. I will not damage the hinge easily when switching between modes, and primary use doesn't cause a lot of wear and tear. As mentioned, I love the size of the laptop. It feels robust without feeling bulky, minimalist, and accessible without feeling frail or limited.

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 G4: Design and Build Quality

The ThinkBook 14 G4 sports a durable aluminum chassis with a slightly heavier build than other portable laptops, coming in at 3.61 pounds. Its compact dimensions (0.66 x 12.3 x 8.8 inches) make it a practical choice for on-the-go professionals. It's easy for me to throw in even my smaller backpacks, and I barely notice it once I throw them on my back. The 360-degree hinge is robust, allowing for flexible usage modes. The display is framed by slim bezels on three sides, giving it a modern look, though the bottom bezel is slightly thicker.

Overall, the design of this laptop will age well since it's sleek and modern yet not overly trendy. In addition to aging well, I have found more uses where this 2-in-1 design is handy than I thought I would. Of course, this works just fine as a standard laptop. In addition, though, I have found it to be a great tool to mark up documents on, even in portrait orientation; I have found myself keeping the laptop open but bending the keyboard back and under while plugging into my monitor so that I have a secondary display essentially popped right up and easy to use. This is a way that I never thought I'd want to try, but then, after attempting it, I get the best of both worlds; I still get to use my monitor, and now I get a highly intelligent screen added that doesn't cost any extra nor does it take up space and clutter my minimalist desk space.

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 G4: In use

Performance-wise, the ThinkBook 14 G4 handles everyday tasks, from browsing to running productivity apps. The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, paired with 16GB of RAM, ensures smooth multitasking. The keyboard is one of the standout features, offering a responsive and comfortable typing experience, further enhanced by its thoughtful layout. The trackpad, while not the largest, is sufficient and responsive. 

For anything beyond mostly word processing or administrative tasks, I suggest bumping to at least these 16GB of RAM, especially on Intel chips. That seems to help things run smoother for longer. However, if you are looking for a cheap option and you don't think of yourself as running more than one thing at a time, nor are you going to be doing any heavy work on the machine, 8GB will be just fine for those like this that are a bit more casual with their work computer needs.

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 G4: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 G4 may differ from the flashiest or lightest convertible. Still, it delivers where it counts—reliable performance, excellent build quality, and a versatile design at a price that makes it accessible for small businesses and professionals. While it could benefit from a brighter display and newer Wi-Fi standards, these are minor trade-offs for what is otherwise a solid and dependable work companion.

Altogether, I have enjoyed using this computer. It's quick, a great size, does what I need it to do, Is powerful enough to handle the vast majority of tasks quickly, has excellent ports, looks sharp, and is at a fantastic price for the specs.

For extra power in your laptop, we tested the best mobile workstations.