Case
In regards to the case, the manufacturer HP hasn't done much work, only dressing the new model up in the robes of its older brother, and why not? After all, the tried and tested case has already proven to be more than convincing when it comes to stability and robustness - and this time it also scores well. So once again we have a very pressure resistant case before us, which doesn't even give up a millimeter when direct pressure is applied. Even the typical weakness of notebooks, the back of the display lid, remains sturdy and doesn't give in.

Connectivity
The bulky case design brings advantages in terms of ports and HP knows how to use the extra space that is available well. Anyone familiar with the predecessor model EliteBook 8460p will be able to find hardly any updates to the ports. Both the arrangement as well as the ports are identical. Two of the four USB ports run the new USB 3.0 standard. The other two are only available with USB 2.0, one of which acts as an eSATA/USB combination port.

In addition to the standard ports, the EliteBook 8470p has a connection for a docking station and an interface for a second battery on the underside. With the help of this - according to the HP homepage - under optimal conditions the run time can be increased to a total of 36 hours (9-cell main battery + secondary).