HP ProBook 4430s notebook
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
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The ProBook 4430s replaces last generation’s 4420s and starts at $579. It’s equipped with a 14-inch (1366×768) display, Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors, and either integrated or discrete graphics depending on the build. Starting weight is a reasonable 4.5 pounds, or a bit more if you go with the optical drive (which most people will) instead of an empty bay. Compared to the 4420s the newer model has second generation Intel processors (Sandy Bridge) along with optional switchable graphics, and a few tweaks to the exterior design. Basically, aside from the components inside, this is an an evolutionary change from the previous model.
The 4430s has some light business features, like the staid grey exterior, HP ProtectTools security suite (complete with hard drive encryption and fingerprint reader), an HD webcam, QuickWeb instant-on OS, power management software, and HP’s Data Pass (a prepaid, contract-free data plan), but it has user-friendly concessions as well. These include an SD card reader, SRS premium sound, DVD upscaling, and the use of an HDMI port (as opposed to DisplayPort). This last choice will make connecting the computer to a television much easier.
On the design side the 4430s is a reasonably nice package, even if the ports (ethernet, four USB slots, and HDMI) are all pushed far forward on the sides of the computer. The confidence-inspiring metal exterior extends to the inside of the computer, there is a modern-looking chiclet-style keyboard, and the gesture-capable trackpad is larger than you might expect on a business system. HP kept the design relatively clean and cleverly made the bottom of the computer a single panel so accessing the hard drive or memory can be done with speed and ease.
We’ve posted about HP’s new-for-2011 design changes in the page. The FORGE industrial design was rolled out to the Elitebooks as well as the s and b series business notebooks.
The 4430s comes outfitted with either a 6- or 9-cell battery and HP says it will last a maximum of 12.5 hours (9-cell and integrated graphics) to a minimum of 5:45 hours (6-cell with discrete graphics). My Core i3 system with integrated graphics was good for about 4.5 hours of general use, making it reasonably long-lived given its size.
When it came to using the ProBooks 4430s I was satisfied with it. The 14-inch display has a matte finish which can give it a dull look compared to the increasingly common glosses finishes we see today but it ended up being glare-free. The 1366×768 resolution isn’t great, but it is fine for day-to-day use and there are both VGA and HDMI outputs when an external monitor is needed. The system invests a significant amount of room in an optical drive that I no longer need (which is one reason I really like HP’s m series of small business notebooks) and the s series does seem a bit thick for what it is. But for the money it offers a solid amount of power–the Core i3 is more than fine for most tasks–and the rest of the components adequate.
HP’s ProBook 4430s is a computer with very few flaws, but it’s not exactly something you’ll be bragging to your friends about. It’s a very good option for a person or business that needs a reliable computer with all the necessary features–plus some very useful perks–but doesn’t want to spend a lot to get it. The use of Intel’s second generation processors means there is power to spare and HP’s updated design makes the ProBook look more like a premium laptop than something we’d expect from a small business system, let alone one that starts for under $600.
