The Laptop Company Product News and Updates

iFixit scores the HP EliteBook 800 G5 10/10 for repairability

19/4/2018

The iFixit results

iFixit, which advocates repairability in computer hardware for the benefit of consumers, has stripped the HP EliteBook 800 G5 series. The verdict is in - a near perfect result for the 800 for repairability.

This is as a result of HP's accessible design and proves it is possible to design a device that does not depend on glues or welding to achieve lightness, thinness and durability.

Why should notebooks be repairable?

A repairable device is a longer-life device. Warranty faults and accidental damage can be repaired without requiring the disposal or re-manufacture of the device. For fleet managers and users this means:

Less risk of devices being disposed of because of minor damage or battery wear
Repairs can be performed locally or on-site without freight and approval delays
And often most critically, user data is not lost (unless the storage drive is destroyed).

Keep your data

A device that is not repairable may feature a replacement warranty. Unfortunately, these do not typically provide for the transfer of data from a broken to a replacement device. In the event the device cannot turn on, this means user data and software is lost forever.

Even where devices are operable (for example where a screen is broken), the burden is still placed on the fleet manager or user to undertake the transfer of data from the old to the new device (or pay for this to be performed). This can be beyond the capability of remote users and travellers, and cause headaches and delays for mission-critical projects.

By contrast, data that's on an undamaged storage drive is ready and waiting for its user when a device is repaired. For users, this means less disruption and no loss of data in the event of a fault or accident.

What does this mean for managers?

For IT managers, this means happier users. It also means that damage to a minor component (for example a keyboard) can be repaired for the cost of component replacement, not for an entire new device.