HP TECH TAKES /...
Best HP ZBooks for On-the-Go Editors and Artist
Artists, editors, and designers who are constantly on the road need the ultimate companion capable of handling the high demand of video rendering and graphic production - enter the HP ZBooks.
With unrivalled power, performance, and portability, you can redefine your craft with the most cutting-edge features a workstation has to offer.
Why HP ZBooks?
Why settle for anything less than premium? With the embedded technology, these workhorses provide a stellar performance for unmatched reliability, no matter what the task is.
A workstation laptop is different from a regular laptop. Workstation laptops are specialized computers that are intrinsically designed for high performance. You will see workstations used in production, engineering, design, and research industries, whereas regular laptops are more for personal use.
Features of HP ZBooks
What gives HP ZBooks the capabilities they have? Let’s find out!
Performance
You can expect unparalleled performance from HP ZBooks, which makes them the best laptops for content creators. Labour-intensive tasks are no problem for these mobile workstations as they feature Intel® Core™processors.
Graphics
It’s hard to get more professional-grade than NVIDIA® Quadro® graphics cards and the ZBooks have them to provide smooth rendering, the most accurate colour reproduction, and top-of-the-line performance.
Display
From 4K to 8K, the ZBook workstation laptops can rival the displays of your living room flatscreen TV. You can get an immersive experience complete with vivid colour depictions and intricate details.
Memory and storage
There are various storage options for the HP ZBook, including a solid-state drive (SSD). The memory is expandable to provide enough space to house larger files.
Connectivity
ZBooks come with multiple connection ports including the coveted HDMI, SD card slots, and USBs for external devices. Your mobile workstation will become the central hub for your creativity.
Durability
Another aspect these laptop workstations are known for is their durability. HP laptops are subjected to “rigorous military environment tests” that evaluate the laptop’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and exposure to dust, shocks, and more.
Security
To keep its contents safe, HP ZBooks are equipped with biometric security features such as fingerprint and facial recognition.
Software optimization
In order to ensure optimal performance and compatibility, your upgraded laptop workstation will be put to the test and equipped with ISV certification, come with the HP Performance Advisor and more.
Battery life
ZBooks are provided with reliable battery life, no matter the model, to meet the demanding needs of creators on the go.
Top HP ZBooks for Creators
HP ZBook Power 15.6” G9 Mobile Workstation
Shop HP ZBook Power 15.6 G9 Mobile Workstation
First up is the HP ZBook Power, with a 15.6-inch full high definition (FHD) display with Windows 10 Pro preinstalled. The 16GB RAM will make sure you can have multiple programs running simultaneously without compromising efficiency and performance.
The internal storage of 512GB SSD will be enough for all your files, designs, and documents, and maybe have some space left over for your favourite tunes. Of course, there’s also the NVIDIA Quadro T600 graphics card that is more than enough to showcase your work in great detail on your FHD screen.
Pros
Powerful performance
Large and crisp display screen
Expandable memory and storage
Lightweight for its size
Who it’s best for
The ZBook Power is the best laptop for artists that don’t need to spend long hours away from home.
HP ZBook Firefly 14” G9 Mobile Workstation
Shop HP ZBook Firefly 14 G9 Mobile Workstation
The ZBook Firefly is a bit smaller than the Power, but it doesn’t affect its capabilities of handling demanding tasks thanks to the Intel Core i7 processor. As for memory and storage, the Firefly also comes with the standard 16GB and 512GB SSD that can be extended.
What stands out about the Firefly is its integrated Intel Iris® Xe Graphics that benefits not only designers but also gamers as well. The Firefly doesn’t leave much to be desired in terms of external connectivity and features one SuperSpeed USB Type-A, one HDMI port, two Thunderbolt ports, and one mic and headphone combo port.
Pros
Fast-charging battery
5MP HD IR camera
Quiet keyboard with DuraKeys
WUXGA display
Who it’s best for
The battery really lasts, which makes this the best laptop for photo editing all day.
HP ZBook Studio 16” G9 Mobile Workstation
Shop HP ZBook Studio 16 G9 Mobile Workstation
If a large screen is what you prize, the HP ZBook Studio comes in a 16-inch model. The processing and graphics power are impressive with an amazing anti-glare WQXGA display. The Intel Core i7 processor can handle various CPU-hungry programs running at the same time and the power in your laptop will not deplete thanks to the HP fast-charge feature.
Memory-intensive tasks can really decrease operation speed, but its configurable memory and storage can help offload some of the stress.
Pros
HP Z Turbo Drive High-Speed Storage
HP Fast Charge battery
Advanced security features
12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
Who it’s best for
The 16-inch HP ZBook Studio is the best laptop for movie editing, as it can even handle strenuous tasks software engineers perform.
HP ZBook Firefly 16” G9 Mobile Workstation
Shop HP ZBook Firefly 16 G9 Mobile Workstation
Did you like the Firefly but weren’t a fan of the smaller screen? Luckily, it comes in a 16-inch option! Although it is larger, it is one of HP’s sleekest designs that can move easily with you on the road. The Intel Core i7 processor makes sure you can perform at professional standards with a noise-reduction microphone and an auto-framing 5MP camera to go with it.
You also get your full lineup of connection ports down the lefthand side that includes a USB Type-A and C, HDMI, SD card reader, and Thunderbolt to expand your workstation.
Pros
Robust build yet lightweight
Fingerprint scanner
Quick charging
WUXGA (1920 x 1200) display
Who it’s best for
The Firefly 16-inch would be the best laptop for video editing due to the NVIDIA graphics T550 graphics card and WUXGA display.
Features to look for in a workstation laptop
A workstation laptop is more than just components and specs, everything must work together in tandem to become a device you can rely on. Start by looking for the below features.
Processor
The processor is the heart of the machine, so you need one with power. High-performance processors include the Intel Core i7 and i9, which can promise a seamless workflow and can handle multitasking.
Memory (RAM)
Look for a workstation laptop with at least 16GB of RAM, which all of our presented options have. They are also expandable if you require extra power for memory-exhaustive tasks.
Graphics capability (GPU)
For engineers, editors, designers, artists, and anyone in the creative field, the graphics capability of a laptop can make or break it. Look for a unit with a professional-grade graphics card such as the NVIDIA Quadro.
Storage
With lots of options for external storage these days, the native storage options in a laptop are not as crucial as before. A 512GB SSD is a good place to start and look for extra configuration options and expandable storage if necessary.
Display
Editing and designing are visually intensive, so a larger display with a high resolution is paramount. Look for FHD options or even 4K ultra high definition (UHD).
Connectivity
If you require third-party device integrations, then the connectivity on your laptop is an important aspect to consider. The standard includes USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt, and an SD card reader.
Battery life
If you need a mobile workstation, then you need a laptop with an extended battery life. It may not be a big deal if you’re near a power outlet, but you may not have that convenience while you’re on the go. Power-saving features can also help prolong your battery life.
Construction
In the case of laptop workstations, what’s on the outside matters just as much as what’s on the inside. Strength is power, so look for devices that have gone through rigorous environmental testing. Many editors and artists value portability in their units, so even though you want a laptop with a larger screen, make sure it is still lightweight.
Summary
The HP ZBooks line was designed for creators and engineers. Each model features smooth lines, robust construction, and is equipped with top-of-the-line features to handle tasks from video rendering to architectural design.
You can expect superior performance with Intel Core processors, high-quality graphics cards, and large displays with high definition. HP ZBooks are easy on the eyes and shoulders when you’re on the go.
About the Author: Jessica Lin a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. She is a content creator, UX/UI writer, and marketing specialist.