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    PB 4430s vs. PB 6460b vs. EB 8460p. New to HP business laptops

    Discussion in 'HP Business Class Notebooks' started by Draconius, Apr 23, 2011.

  1. Draconius

    Draconius Notebook Consultant

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    I'm brand new to the world of HP business grade laptops and I HATE that I cannot customize of a base model and get only what I need/want without having to add $300+ just to customize. I have these three options pulled up on buy.com and I can't figure out which is the best option for me.

    Also...what is the difference between the s, b and p??

    I am going back to school for Paralegal (to test the waters before I go to Law School). I need something durable yet media friendly because this laptop will also be used during travel to watch DVD's, edit photos and videos, and other "prosumer" needs. I would love to have 1600x900, but that increases the cost exponentially...eek :(. If I could narrow it down to one that would be awesome. I don't know where I could go to give them a test drive (ideas? I am in San Diego, CA).

    ProBook 4430s
    Buy.com - HP ProBook 4430s XU014UT 14" LED Notebook - Core i5 i5-2410M 2.3GHz - 1366 x 768 WXGA Display - 4 GB RAM - 500 GB HDD - DVD-Writer LightScribe - Intel GMA HD 3000 - Bluetooth - Webcam - Windows 7 Professional - 6 Hour Battery - HDMI

    ProBook 6460b
    Buy.com - HP ProBook 6460b XU050UT 14.0" LED Notebook - Core i5 i5-2410M 2.3GHz - 1366 x 768 WXGA Display - 4 GB RAM - 320 GB HDD - DVD-Writer LightScribe - Intel GMA HD 3000 - Webcam - Windows 7 Professional - 7.25 Hour Battery - DisplayPort

    EliteBook 8460p
    Buy.com - HP EliteBook 8460p XU057UT 14.0" LED Notebook - Core i5 i5-2410M 2.30GHz - 1366 x 768 WXGA Display - 4 GB RAM - 320 GB HDD - DVD-Writer LightScribe - Intel GMA HD 3000 - Bluetooth - Webcam - Finger Print Reader - Windows 7 Professional - 8.

    Screen quality is a MUST. Must have a good viewing angle, and decent picture representation (see photo and video editing). I know the 6550b had a pretty good screen ( http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-HP-ProBook-6550b-Notebook.42583.0.html). Does this translate to the other probook lines?

    Thanks for all you help!
     
    Draconius, Apr 23, 2011
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  2. klezmer41

    klezmer41 Notebook Evangelist

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    The best screen quality comes with an IPS panel, and so far I think your only choices are:

    HP 8740
    HP 8760
    Lenovo X220
     
    klezmer41, Apr 24, 2011
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  3. Draconius

    Draconius Notebook Consultant

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    I don't need the IPS panel and I don't want to go up to 17". I'm sticking with the 14" range only. Those suggestions are out guaranteed, the I am shying away from the Lenovo's for now...that's why I suggested those three in the OP. Thanks for the effort though.
     
    Draconius, Apr 24, 2011
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  4. Ponder

    Ponder Newbie

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    You should be a bit nicer, everyone is just trying to help and give suggestions. IPS is often considered a requirement by those who take color and photo editing seriously. SO even mentioning the desire to edit photos will normally bring up such concerns. You might want to consider a stand alone monitor at a later date should it become a problem.

    "Also...what is the difference between the s, b and p??"

    Basically quality of various parts and how long HP plans to make the system. s is their Value line. B is in the middle and P is the upper end. The hinges on the S are not as nice as the B and P for example. The P has a nicer looking finish normally and has a better track pad for example. High end models offer more options, they tend to be in production for a little bit longer and they tend to be more rugged.(the p is nicely rugged) I think the warranty is about the same now but before the P came with a longer warranty. The higher end models are also designed to work with a docking station. The Probook has better battery options.

    My concern is the battery life might not not live up to your standards and that you might be better off with something like Asus's U30 or Acers Timeline. SO this is something you should relook into to make sure.
     
    Ponder, Apr 26, 2011
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  5. Yoshimeow

    Yoshimeow Notebook Consultant

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    from what I have gathered most 14 inch laptops have poor screens.. Especially the contrast ratio which is what really makes a screen pop or look dull.
     
    Yoshimeow, Apr 26, 2011
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  6. SL2

    SL2 Notebook Deity

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    Does that really include 1366x768 resolution? :confused:

    To me it's like looking through a keyhole, I'd go for 1600x900.
     
    SL2, Apr 26, 2011
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  7. Draconius

    Draconius Notebook Consultant

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    Unfortunately that is the only option for the probook and elitebooks without having to buy the config your own for way more money. Sucks that you can't configure a base model to get just what you need like you can with the Latitudes/Vostros.

    I would be willing to downgrade to the 1366x768 if the screen has a good contract and gamut rating.
     
    Draconius, Apr 26, 2011
    #7