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    Which Probook should i buy?

    Discussion in 'HP Business Class Notebooks' started by Luke1708, Jul 5, 2011.

  1. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Cost is a factor for me. I'm looking for portability, battery life, matte screen, resolution and mobile web.

    I came across these 3 models:

    Probook 6360b @ £699

    Processor
    Intel® Core™ i5-2520M (2.50 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache)
    Operating system
    Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64
    Chipset
    Mobile Intel® HM65 Express
    Dimensions and weight
    Weight
    Starting at 1.9 kg
    Dimensions (W x D x H)
    32.2 x 22 x 3.4 cm
    Memory
    Memory, standard
    4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM
    Memory slots
    2 SODIMM
    Storage
    Hard drive
    500 GB 7200 rpm SATA II
    Optical drive
    DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL
    Graphics
    Display
    33,8 cm (13.3") diagonal LED-backlit HD anti-glare
    Graphics
    Intel® HD Graphics 3000
    Expansion features
    Ports
    3 USB 2.0
    1 eSATA/USB combo
    1 external VGA monitor
    1 DisplayPort
    1 stereo microphone in
    1 stereo headphone/line-out
    1 1394a
    1 AC power
    1 RJ-11
    1 RJ-45
    1 docking connector
    1 secondary battery connector
    Slots
    1 Express Card/54
    1 SD/MMC
    An optional Integrated Smart Card Reader is available and replaces the ExpressCard/54 slot
    Audio
    SRS Premium Sound, stereo speakers, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, integrated microphone (integrated dual-microphone array with optional webcam)
    Integrated camera
    720p HD Webcam
    Keyboard
    Full-size, spill-resistant keyboard with drains
    What's in the box
    Touchpad with on/off button, two-way scroll, gestures, two pick buttons
    Pointstick with two additional pointstick buttons (select models)
    Communications
    Network interface
    Integrated Intel 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000 NIC)
    Integrated Intel 82579V Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000 NIC)
    Wireless
    Broadcom 802.11b/g/n
    HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth 2.1+EDR Wireless Technology
    HP hs2340 HSPA+ Mobile Broadband
    Power and operating requirements
    Energy efficiency compliance
    ENERGY STAR®
    Power
    65W HP AC Adapter (integrated); HP Fast Charge
    Battery type
    6-cell (55 WHr) Li-Ion
    Operating temperature range
    5 to 35°C
    Security management
    Security
    Standard: HP ProtectTools, Central Management capable, TPM Embedded Security Chip 1.2, Enhanced Pre-Boot Security, HP Spare Key (requires initial user setup), HP Disk Sanitizer, Enhanced Drive Lock, Drive Encryption for HP ProtectTools, Credential Manager for HP ProtectTools, File Sanitizer for HP ProtectTools, security lock slot
    Optional: Computrace Pro for HP ProtectTools, HP Fingerprint Sensor, Smart Card Reader (replaces ExpressCard), HP Privacy Filter
    What's included
    Software included
    Roxio Secure Burn
    Microsoft Office 2010 preloaded (purchase of a Product Key required to activate a full Office 2010 suite)
    Norton Internet Security 2011 (60-day subscription). Additional software included
    see QuickSpecs for details.
    Management
    HP 3D DriveGuard (Windows only)
    Warranty
    1 year carry-in, pick-up and return in some countries (upgrades available, sold separately), 1 year warranty on primary battery.


    Probook 6460b @£715

    Processor
    Intel® Core™ i5-2520M (2.50 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache)
    Operating system
    Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64
    Chipset
    Mobile Intel® HM65 Express
    Dimensions and weight
    Weight
    Starting at 2.02 kg
    Dimensions (W x D x H)
    33.8 x 23.1 x 3.4 cm
    Memory
    Memory, standard
    4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM
    Memory slots
    2 SODIMM
    Storage
    Hard drive
    500 GB 7200 rpm SATA II
    Optical drive
    DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL
    Graphics
    Display
    35,6 cm (14") diagonal LED-backlit HD+ anti-glare
    Graphics
    Intel® HD Graphics 3000
    Expansion features
    Ports
    3 USB 2.0
    1 eSATA/USB combo
    1 external VGA monitor
    1 DisplayPort
    1 stereo microphone in
    1 stereo headphone/line-out
    1 1394a
    1 AC power
    1 RJ-11
    1 RJ-45
    1 docking connector
    1 secondary battery connector
    Slots
    1 Express Card/54
    1 SD/MMC
    An optional Integrated Smart Card Reader is available and replaces the ExpressCard/54 slot
    Audio
    SRS Premium Sound, Integrated stereo speakers, Stereo headphone/line out, Stereo microphone in, Integrated microphone (integrated dual-microphone array with optional webcam)
    Integrated camera
    720p HD Webcam
    Keyboard
    Full-size, spill-resistant keyboard with drains
    What's in the box
    Touchpad with on/off button, two-way scroll, gestures, two pick buttons
    Pointstick with two additional pointstick buttons (select models)
    Communications
    Network interface
    Integrated Intel 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000 NIC), Integrated Intel 82579V Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000 NIC)
    Wireless
    Broadcom 802.11b/g/n
    HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth 2.1+EDR Wireless Technology
    HP hs2340 HSPA+ Mobile Broadband
    Power and operating requirements
    Energy efficiency compliance
    ENERGY STAR®
    Power
    65W HP Smart AC adapter; HP Fast Charge
    Battery type
    6-cell (55 WHr) Li-Ion
    Operating temperature range
    5 to 35°C
    Security management
    Security
    Standard: HP ProtectTools, Central Management capable, TPM Embedded Security Chip 1.2, Enhanced Pre-Boot Security, HP Spare Key (requires initial user setup), HP Disk Sanitizer, Drive Encryption for HP ProtectTools, Credential Manager for HP ProtectTools, File Sanitizer for HP ProtectTools, security lock slot
    Optional: Computrace Pro for HP ProtectTools, HP Fingerprint Sensor, Smart Card Reader (replaces ExpressCard), HP Privacy Filter
    What's included
    Software included
    Roxio Secure Burn
    Microsoft Office 2010 preloaded (purchase of a Product Key required to activate a full Office 2010 suite)
    Norton Internet Security 2011 (60-day subscription). Additional software included
    see QuickSpecs for details.
    Management
    HP 3D DriveGuard (Windows only)
    Warranty
    1 year carry-in, pick-up and return in some countries (upgrades available, sold separately), 1 year warranty on primary battery.


    Probook 6465b @£633

    Processor
    AMD Quad-Core A6-3410MX APU with Radeon HD 6520G Graphics (2.3 GHz/1.6 GHz, 4 MB L2 cache)
    Operating system
    Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64
    Chipset
    AMD A60M FCH
    Dimensions and weight
    Weight
    Starting at 2.12 kg
    Dimensions (W x D x H)
    33.8 x 23.13 x 3.4 cm
    Memory
    Memory, standard
    4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM
    Memory slots
    2 SODIMM
    Storage
    Hard drive
    500 GB 7200 rpm SATA II
    Optical drive
    DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL
    Graphics
    Display
    35,6 cm (14") diagonal LED-backlit HD+ anti-glare (1600 x 900)
    Graphics
    AMD Radeon HD 6520G
    Expansion features
    Ports
    3 USB 2.0
    1 eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo
    1 DisplayPort
    1 VGA
    1 1394a
    1 stereo headphone/line-out
    1 stereo microphone in
    1 AC power
    1 RJ-11
    1 RJ-45
    1 docking connector
    1 secondary battery connector
    Slots
    1 Express Card/34
    1 SD/MMC
    An optional Integrated Smart Card Reader is available and replaces the ExpressCard/54 slot
    Audio
    SRS Premium Sound; Integrated stereo speakers; Integrated microphone (dual-microphone array when equipped with optional webcam); Button for volume mute; function keys for volume up and down; Stereo headphone/line out; Stereo microphone/line in
    Integrated camera
    HD Webcam
    Keyboard
    Full-size, spill-resistant keyboard with drains
    What's in the box
    Touchpad with on/off button, two-way scroll, gestures, two pick buttons
    Pointstick with two additional pointstick buttons (select models)
    Communications
    Network interface
    Integrated Realtek 10/100/1000
    Wireless
    Broadcom 802.11b/g/n
    HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth 2.1+EDR Wireless Technology
    HP hs2340 HSPA+ Mobile Broadband
    Power and operating requirements
    Energy efficiency compliance
    ENERGY STAR®
    Power
    90W Smart AC Adapter; HP Fast Charge
    Battery type
    HP Long Life 6-cell (51 WHr)
    Operating temperature range
    5 to 35°C
    Security management
    Security
    Standard: HP ProtectTools Security Manager: Credential Manager, Computrace Pro, Device Access Manager, Drive Encryption, Face Recognition (webcam configurations only), File Sanitizer
    Privacy Manager, Embedded Security
    Enhanced Pre-Boot Security (Multiuser / Multifactor)
    HP SpareKey
    One-Step Logon
    TPM 1.2 Embedded Security Chip
    HP Disk Sanitizer
    Security lock slot
    What's included
    Software included
    Roxio Secure Burn
    Microsoft Office 2010 preloaded (purchase of a Product Key required to activate a full Office 2010 suite)
    Norton Internet Security 2011 (60-day subscription). Additional software included
    see QuickSpecs for details.
    Management
    HP 3D DriveGuard (Windows only)
    Warranty
    1 year carry-in, pick-up and return in some countries (upgrades available, sold separately), 1 year warranty on primary battery




    The 6465b seems appealing but the battery life would take a hit because it has a 45W tdp APU.Also concerning the weight What is the difference in weight between the 6360b and the 2 others? I will be using the laptop to code. If i go with the 6360b, will the hd resolution affect me? I code on visual studio a lot. I have a 24" external monitor but i will not always be on my desk. I often do my coding in front of the tv. I cannot go any other brands because i'm getting a discount on the hp. It has to be a b series probook because the elitebook is too expensive and the s series does not seem as durable as the b series.

    I have had a macbook pro for 3 years and this thing has been a pain to carry around at uni. 2.5 kg is OK to carry but it becomes a pain to carry it around a whole day. which one do i go for?

    The 6465b wins on pricing.
    The 6360b wins on portability.
    The 64xx series win on screen resolution.
    What about the battery life?
     
  2. excalibur1814

    excalibur1814 Notebook Evangelist

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    I really do like the 6360b due to it's size and the fact that it would replace my Envy 13 but the lack of a dedicated GPU means it's not exactly a fantastic upgrade (HD 3000). The 15.6" seems to be the best option

    As for battery life, all of them support the 100Whr battery options which vastly upgrade the usage. (External 100Whr and the slice option would make for one heck of a battery monster)
     
  3. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Yeah the additional battery is very appealing but it would mean a heavier notebook. I think you should do like me. Dedicated desktop for casual gaming and notebook for portability. Btw, how do i know which models come with pointstick and which one don't. It says select models only. i'm leaning towards the 6360b a bit.
    Does anyone know if i'll have problems with the display resolution? I'll bring it with me to the library but at home i'll have my monitor.
     
  4. Chris_ast1

    Chris_ast1 Notebook Consultant

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    Luke1708 just remember that (except 6465b) other have almost-pathetic GPU. I You are more than happy about Core 2 Duo P8600 (as I am in my dell E6400) then you'll be more than happy with real x4 core cpu that this time is available rather cheap. If You do work similarly as I am (most light apps. but multipple running at once) then I assume that AMD offer could be appealing. I do wear glasses and 1600x900 in 14" is too much for me. 1440x900 is max that I handle in 14.1" screen. I'm eager to see first user reviews of those hardware.
     
  5. jcannon1018

    jcannon1018 Notebook Consultant

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    I would think 1366x768 would be a terrible resolution for any type of coding. It would work in a pinch, but to be the main screen to look at all day may frustrate and hinder optimal performance while coding. For me that would rule out the 13 incher.

    Intel hd 3000 isn't terribly bad especially for your needs. From what you say gaming isn't a priority, although the hd 3000 can handle modest gaming. It also looks like battery is a concern to you. The amd apu may offer better performance being a quad core, but it will not get the battery life of the sandy bridge processor. The i5 will, without a doubt, handle all of your coding needs without a sweat.

    My vote is for the 6460b.