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Comparing HP's Business Laptops: EliteBook vs ProBook vs ZBook
Jamie Finch
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September 11, 2023
Countless professionals worldwide need a powerful workstation to work through their tasks efficiently. As such, many of the latest laptops have been designed with professionals in mind and their specific needs and preferences.
HP has created some of the most effective business laptops available, including the EliteBook, ProBook and ZBook ranges. These machines are packed with power and functionality that will help you stay productive and have features that help you work safely online.
Read on to learn more about these portable workstations and the benefits they offer.
What to look for in a good business laptop
Your requirements will depend on factors such as how you will use your laptop and your budget. Regardless, a good business laptop will usually have the following characteristics:
Powerful processors
A central processing unit (CPU) processes data coming from other components in your computer. You can think of a CPU as the computer’s brain that receives and processes data from other components. If your processor can’t keep up then bottlenecks can occur, causing performance issues. Such issues include a slow computer while your machine might also freeze altogether.
Business laptops often focus on powerful CPUs to help you run the most advanced software. A powerful CPU will also let you have several apps running simultaneously without slowing the machine down. You will also need a powerful CPU if you need a high-quality graphics processor unit (GPU).
Plenty of RAM
A typical business laptop will have plenty of random access memory (RAM) to help you get more from your processor. You think of RAM as a type of workspace that makes it easier for the CPU to perform calculations, improving its performance.
The more RAM you have, the faster your machine is likely to be, and most business professionals will need at least 16GB. However, if you’re using particularly demanding software then you may need 32GB RAM or more. If your software isn’t complex, 8GB RAM may be just right for you.
High-security
A business laptop will often hold sensitive data that you need to keep safe. As such, businesspeople will often need a machine that gives them the peace of mind of knowing their information is secure.
Today’s laptops offer sophisticated software and hardware that help to detect and block potential hackers from gaining access to your machine. Not only that, but security options will also help keep your data safe when working offline.
Storage capacity
A business laptop will likely need to store numerous documents, including large files and software. With this in mind, you should pay attention to your computer’s storage options.
Many business users will need at least 512GB of storage, although others can manage with 256GB. You should also be sure to look for solid-state drive (SSD) storage over hard disk drives (HDDs). SSD technology is preferable because it uses newer technology that offers significantly faster data transfer rates than HDD. Not only that, but SSD also takes less space, leaving more room for other components.
Portability
The reason why many people choose a laptop over a desktop computer is portability. And portability typically means a machine with manageable dimensions and low weight. Weight is often kept down with help from strong yet light materials like aluminium, helping to add durability.
Another key feature of a portable work machine is a long battery life. After all, many businesspeople will spend time working on their laptops remotely. Some models offer impressive batteries that last for as long as you need, while some also come with convenient quick-charging options.
Connectivity
When working remotely you will need easy and secure access to the internet. Some of the best options on the market offer numerous connection options that help make it easy to get online and ensure reliable, stable connections.
Bear in mind that connectivity can also mean connecting to other devices like portable printers. As such, your machine should offer all the connectivity options you need to be productive. You can check a laptop’s compatibility with other devices by ensuring it has the right ports and software.
Aesthetics
Making the right first impression can be essential in business, and you will find sleek, professional-looking machines that impress at first sight.
Business laptops tend not to be as flashy as other powerful machines like gaming laptops. However, most will still have features like backlighting that help you stay productive at night.
HP EliteBook 1040 G10 WQXGA Laptop
The HP EliteBook 1040 G10 is among the most powerful business laptops available. This model lets you choose between an Intel® Core™ i5 or an Intel Core i7 CPU, helping you power through your tasks. These CPUs use multiple processing cores, helping them work on numerous tasks simultaneously.
Another popular feature of this model is its wide quad extended graphics array (WQXGA) display. The WQXGA aspect ratio provides more screen space to work from, which can be particularly useful for creative professionals. You can also choose to have a widescreen ultra extended graphics array (WUXGA) display which also offers plenty of screen space.
This model also lets you choose between 512GB or 1TB SSD storage, and you can choose between 16GB or 32GB RAM. Graphics are provided by an Intel Iris® Xe Graphics GPU which offers all the visual quality most professionals will need. Thanks to its powerful CPUs and GPU, this workstation will also play the latest gaming titles.
The HP EliteBook 1040 G10 is also popular for its portability, weighing just under 1.2 kg. Despite its low weight, this machine is also durable thanks to its aluminium casing. The slim design of this laptop also makes it easier to fit into a laptop bag along with peripherals.
HP ProBook 455 G9 Laptop
The HP ProBook 455 G9 is a more affordable option for those with a limited budget. Despite its lower price, you can choose between an AMD Ryzen™ 5 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, giving most professionals the power they need.
This option also lets you choose between 256GB or 512GB storage, which is more than enough for most people. You can also choose between 8GB or 16GB RAM, ensuring your machine is fast enough to keep you productive. Graphics are provided from an AMD Radeon™ Graphics GPU.
The HP ProBook 455 G9 offers sophisticated security features like a fingerprint sensor that ensures only authorized people can access your laptop. This laptop also uses HP Sure Sense which helps keep your machine protected online. HP Sure Sense uses sophisticated AI algorithms that keep you safe from new threats as they emerge.
This laptop is another good option for people who need a lightweight machine, weighing just over 1.7 kg. You will also have solid internet connectivity options thanks to gigabit-speed WiFi 6. For many users, this machine offers sufficient performance at an affordable price.
HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation
The HP ZBook Firefly G9 is another portable powerhouse that helps professionals work through their tasks efficiently. Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor this laptop will handle some of the most sophisticated business software available.
This business laptop also has a 14-inch WUXGA display, making it a good choice for creative professionals and those who need screen space so they can have multiple apps open at once. The HP ZBook Firefly G9 also comes with 512GB SSD storage and 16GB RAM. Graphics are provided with help from an NVIDIA® T550 GPU.
This model also offers some of the best security solutions available, keeping your sensitive data safe. You can work online with confidence thanks to HP’s sophisticated security technology. This includes HP’s Sure Start feature that helps keep your machine safe against potential intruders.
Other appealing features of this laptop include a spill-resistant keyboard with a drain hole for easy cleaning. This machine also offers HP Fast Charge, which lets you charge your battery from empty to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Summary
Each of the models above has features that help business people work efficiently, safely and comfortably. However, which one works best for you depends on how you intend to use your workstation and your budget.
For example, if you are a creative professional then you may prefer options with aspect ratios offering a more spacious canvas to work on. Others may need to focus on the CPU and RAM which will help your laptop run the latest business platforms.
Security tends to be another important consideration for many businesses, and HP laptops come with some of the most sophisticated online and offline protection available. Work with peace of mind knowing your privacy and sensitive data are safe.
Before you decide, it would help if you can define how you will use the machine and which features are most important to you. It can also be a good idea to consider which software you use and which hardware it requires.
