HP Pavilion Aero 13 vs HP EliteBook 840 G5

Buy the Pavilion Aero 13 for a light, modern everyday laptop. It weighs about 2.1 lbs, has a sharper 13.3-inch 16:10 screen, newer Ryzen 7000 chips and DDR5 memory. The EliteBook 840 G5 is a refurbished 2018 business machine: heavier at 1.48 kg, a dimmer 16:9 FHD panel and an older 8th-gen Core i5. Pick it only if you want a 14-inch screen, built-in Ethernet and a business chassis. Owners praise the Aero's weight and screen; EliteBook buyers value its keyboard and ports but accept older performance and a used unit.

• Choose the HP Pavilion Aero 13 if you want the lightest, newest laptop with a sharper screen and better battery life for study, travel and everyday work.
• Choose the HP EliteBook 840 G5 if you need a 14-inch screen, wired Ethernet and a sturdier business build, and you are fine with a refurbished older machine.