HP EliteBook 2170p review
HP EliteBook 2170p — from 2012, 1.42 kg, performance 28.
Technical specifications
| Type | Business |
| Release year | 2012 |
| Screen | 11.6" · 1366x768 |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 3687U , Intel Core i5 3427U , Intel Core i5 3437U , Intel Core i7 3667U |
| Max. RAM | 16 GB |
| Weight | 1.42 kg |
Performance scores
EliteBook 2170p — a 2012 subnotebook with the classic HP small-body build
The 2012 EliteBook 2170p is HP's 11.6-inch premium subnotebook: an i7-3687U with 16 GB of RAM in a compact magnesium chassis. At $175 it sits below the business-class median of $297. The scores need honest framing: a mainstream graphics placing (45.85, top quarter) that flatters the integrated hardware, CPU 13.1 against a 52.97 median (basic tier), reliability 13 against a 42.5 median (worn).
The small-body premium formula
The 2170p was the EliteBook for people who carried machines all day: a genuine dual-core i7 (the ultrabook-class 3687U, quick for its era), 16 GB of RAM — generous for an 11.6-inch machine of any generation — and HP's premium small-body build with a surprisingly good keyboard for the footprint. As a typing-and-carrying machine, the formula still has admirers.
Reading the numbers without flattery
The mainstream graphics placing reflects the class's low graphics baseline — the integrated HD 4000-class part handles display output and nothing more; modern minimum-tier games fail on this silicon. The CPU's basic-tier score (−75% versus class) bounds the machine to documents and patient browsing. Reliability at 13 (−69%) is the used-buyer's caveat: small bodies wear hinges faster, and batteries of this vintage rarely hold design charge.
Price trajectory
From roughly $1,300 new to $175 today at 5.95% per year, projecting to $155 in two years (11.6% lower). Terminal pricing for the tier — the residual value is the chassis and keyboard, not the compute.
Where it sits against peers
Pricier neighbors are the Dell Latitude 7370 ($184) and EliteBook Folio 1040 G2 ($184) — newer premium machines in the same spirit; cheaper options are the EliteBook 8570p ($152) and Dell Latitude E7240 ($160), the E7240 being the direct 12-inch rival one generation newer. The 2170p's 16 GB is the standout spec in its band.
Bottom line
Worth the asking price for the small-form-factor faithful: the best keyboard-to-footprint ratio of its era with genuine RAM headroom. The graphics placing is cosmetic, the CPU pace is a decade old, and the reliability reading demands inspection. As a modern daily machine it is outclassed; as a compact typewriter it retains charm and utility.
🧭 Your context
Stage: Refining requirements
You're refining — compare finalists head-to-head.
🎯 For your profile
You've viewed: You've recently viewed 5 models — compare this model with them in the analogs matrix.
⭐ What stands out
-
graphics performance is higher than typical business class (+200%) (mainstream tier).
top 25% of its category -
CPU performance is lower than typical business class (+75.2%) (basic tier).
budget segment of category -
reliability is lower than typical business class (+69.4%) (low tier).
budget segment of category
🔁 Alternatives
Compromise axis: reliability ↔ price
🎮 What it can run
⚙️ Configuration analysis
Top configuration suits everyday productivity, light photo editing, and esports titles.
🤔 How to choose
Universal advice for any use case.
- Reliability vs price: reliability (median 42.5) ↔ price (median 297.4).
- Weight vs CPU: mobility (median 60) ↔ overall performance (median 41.5).
- Upgradeability vs battery: upgradability (median 62.5) ↔ battery life (median 3.3).
EliteBook 2170p: verdict
➡️ Next step
You're refining — compare finalists head-to-head.