HP ProBook 6540b review

HP also provides a decent range of accessories. Expansion options range from a basic 68 Port Replicator (which offers USB and headphone connections) to a fully featured 187 Advanced Docking Station which provides charging, USB ports, security features and even a SATA hard disk bay for additional storage.

One disappointing note is the warranty, which is only good for 12 months of collect and return service. It's possible to purchase additional protection but, inevitably, this increases the cost.

Nevertheless, there's plenty to like about the ProBook. It may not be flashy, but it excels in all the right places. Superb performance, rock-solid build quality and sensible design mean that, at 746 exc VAT, this feels like a steal. If you're after a capable corporate workhorse, few are better.

Verdict

It’s not flashy, but the dour-looking ProBook ticks the right boxes elsewhere: Intel’s Core i5 processor means that there’s plenty of power available, battery life is on the right side of five hours, and build quality is top-notch. Couple this with an excellent keyboard and bright, accurate screen, and it’s clear that HP’s latest ProBook is perfect if you’re after a capable corporate laptop.

Processor: Intel Core i5-430M 2.27GHz (512MB L2 cache, 3MB L3 cache, Turbo Boost, Hyper-Threading, 500MHz GPU) Memory: 4GB 1,066MHz DDR3 Graphics: Intel GMA X4500 Optical drive: DVD writer Hard disk: 320GB Western Digital Scorpio Black Display: 15.6in 1,600 x 900 LED-backlit Features: Kensington lock, webcam, fingerprint reader, TPM 2.1 Connectivity: 802.11bgn, 10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports: 4 x USB, D-SUB output, DisplayPort output. 4-in-1 card reader, FireWire, RS-232 serial, ExpressCard/54 Dimensions: 371 x 248 x 43mm (WxDxH) Weight: 2.72kg (3.17kg with charger) Warranty: 1yr C&R?OS: Windows 7 Professional 32-bit Software: HP ProtectTools, HP Recovery Manager, HP QuickLaunch, HP Power Assistant, HP Connection Manager, HP 3D DriveGuard, Skype, HP ProtectTools, HP Disk Sanitiser, HP File Sanitiser