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HP EliteBook 660 G11: A Comprehensive Review
HP's EliteBook series has consistently been a top choice for business professionals, offering a blend of performance, durability, and security. The HP EliteBook 660 G11, the latest in this line, aims to uphold these standards while introducing new features to meet the evolving needs of today's workforce. This review will delve into the various aspects of the HP EliteBook 660 G11, including design, performance, display, battery life, and more, to help you determine if it is the right laptop for your professional needs.
Design and Build Quality
The HP EliteBook 660 G11 maintains the sleek and professional look typical of the EliteBook series. Its magnesium-aluminum chassis not only gives it a premium appearance but also ensures durability and sturdiness. Weighing around 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) and with a thickness of 20 mm (0.78 inches), it strikes a balance between portability and robustness, making it ideal for professionals who are frequently on the move.
The build quality is impressive, with the laptop feeling solid and capable of withstanding the daily rigors of professional use. The hinges are sturdy, allowing for smooth opening and closing of the lid without any wobble. The keyboard deck is firm, providing a stable typing platform with no noticeable flex, which is crucial for long typing sessions.
Display
The HP EliteBook 660 G11 features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display. The screen offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it suitable for various professional tasks, such as document editing, presentations, and video conferencing. The anti-glare coating on the display helps reduce reflections, making it easier to work in brightly lit environments.
The viewing angles are outstanding, thanks to the IPS panel, ensuring that the screen remains clear and vibrant from different perspectives. This is particularly useful for collaborative work, where multiple people may need to view the screen simultaneously. Additionally, an optional 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) display variant is available for users who require even higher resolution and detail.
Performance
The HP EliteBook 660 G11 is powered by Intel's 12th generation Core i5 and i7 processors, paired with up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and various SSD storage options. This combination ensures that the laptop can handle a wide range of professional tasks with ease, from everyday productivity applications to more demanding software.
The laptop's performance is impressive, with fast boot times and smooth multitasking capabilities. Applications launch quickly, and switching between multiple programs is seamless, thanks to the ample RAM and fast SSD storage. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide a decent boost in graphical performance, making light photo editing and video playback smooth and efficient.
In benchmark tests, the HP EliteBook 660 G11 scores well, outperforming many competitors in the same category. Whether you're working on complex spreadsheets, conducting virtual meetings, or running business analytics software, this laptop delivers the performance needed without any noticeable lag.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard on the HP EliteBook 660 G11 is one of its standout features. It offers a comfortable typing experience with well-spaced keys that have good travel and tactile feedback. The backlit keyboard is a boon for working in low-light conditions, ensuring that you can continue typing efficiently regardless of the lighting.
The touchpad is equally impressive, featuring a smooth surface that allows for precise cursor control. It supports multi-touch gestures, making navigation through the Windows operating system intuitive and efficient. Additionally, the touchpad is responsive and free from any lag, further enhancing the overall user experience. For users who prefer more precise control, the laptop also includes a pointing stick.
Connectivity
The HP EliteBook 660 G11 is well-equipped in terms of connectivity options. It features a variety of ports, including two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, a USB Type-C port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support, an HDMI 2.0 port, an Ethernet port, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and a microSD card reader. This extensive range of ports ensures that you can connect to various peripherals and external displays without the need for additional adapters.
For wireless connectivity, the laptop includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, providing fast and reliable connections for online activities and peripheral devices. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E is particularly advantageous, offering improved performance and reduced latency in crowded network environments, which is essential for remote work and virtual meetings.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for business laptops, and the HP EliteBook 660 G11 delivers impressive longevity. The laptop is equipped with a 56Wh battery, which provides excellent battery life. In real-world usage scenarios, including web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing, the laptop can easily last a full workday on a single charge.
For those who require even longer battery life, the laptop supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery during breaks. This feature is particularly useful for professionals who are constantly on the move and may not have the luxury of staying plugged in for extended periods.
Security Features
Security is a paramount concern for business professionals, and the HP EliteBook 660 G11 is packed with features to ensure your data remains protected. It includes a fingerprint reader and an IR camera for facial recognition, both of which provide secure and convenient ways to log in to the system.
Additionally, the laptop features HP Sure Start, a self-healing BIOS that automatically recovers from attacks or corruption. Other security features include HP Sure Click, which helps protect against web-based threats, and HP Sure Sense, which uses AI to detect and prevent malware attacks. These robust security measures provide peace of mind for professionals who handle sensitive information.
Audio and Webcam
The audio quality on the HP EliteBook 660 G11 is commendable, with dual speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. While the audio output is not particularly loud, it is sufficient for video calls and multimedia playback. The inclusion of Bang & Olufsen tuning enhances the audio experience, ensuring that voices and music are reproduced accurately.
The integrated 1080p HD webcam is excellent, offering clear video quality for virtual meetings. It also includes a physical shutter for added privacy, allowing you to cover the camera when it's not in use. The dual-array microphones capture audio clearly, making your voice heard during video calls without the need for an external microphone.
Software and User Experience
The HP EliteBook 660 G11 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro, providing a familiar and versatile operating system for business use. HP also includes several proprietary software solutions designed to enhance the user experience, such as HP Connection Optimizer, HP Noise Cancellation, and HP Support Assistant.
These software tools contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable user experience, allowing you to optimize network performance, reduce background noise during calls, and easily manage system updates and troubleshooting. The overall software package is well thought out and adds significant value to the laptop.
Conclusion
The HP EliteBook 660 G11 is a worthy addition to the EliteBook family, offering a well-rounded package that caters to the needs of business professionals. Its sleek design, robust build quality, impressive performance, and extensive security features make it an excellent choice for those who require a reliable and efficient work machine.
While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, the HP EliteBook 660 G11 justifies its price tag with its premium features and exceptional user experience. Whether you're a corporate executive, a remote worker, or a business traveler, this laptop is equipped to handle your professional demands with aplomb. The combination of solid performance, excellent battery life, and comprehensive security measures makes it a standout choice for any business environment.
