HP Refreshes Business-Minded ProBook Notebook Lineup

Intel just launched a new Atom processor today, but HP would rather talk about AMD. The company has introduced a new ProBook line of machines this morning, aimed at business users and consumers who prefer classic machines with little flair on the exterior. There's no doubt that the ProBook line is about as beautiful as a business notebook can get, and the new line starts at a reasonable $549.

The new range is quite varied; users can opt for a Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 CPU if they choose, but the multi-core AMD processors are stealing the show. On the GPU side, there's the option for integrated Intel HD graphics or ATI's Mobility Radeon HD 540v. Users can choose between a 14" or 15" display, though no USB 3.0 ports are found anywhere. Of note, HP does sell specific docking stations made for these machines, which is a really rare find these days.

The full list of available ProBook notebooks are below, complete with CPU details, ship dates and price points.

 HP Delivers Affordable Notebook PCs Across All Business Segments

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HP (NYSE:HPQ) today introduced nine affordable business notebook PCs tailored for corporate and small to midsize business customers.

With prices starting at $549,(1) the new notebooks deliver HP’s best combination of features, functionality and value for businesses. The introduction continues a series of announcements that provide businesses the broadest mix of products to update aging desktops, workstations and notebooks.

Additions to the HP notebook portfolio include:

    * The HP ProBook 6455b/6555b series offers the latest VISION Pro technology from AMD to deliver cost-effective performance, while the notebook’s security features maintain a more secure, mobile environment.
    * The HP ProBook 6450b/6550b series features Intel® vPro technology to help businesses cut costs and increase efficiency, as well as flexible docking and battery options and a range of wireless connectivity choices.(2,3)
    * The HP ProBook 4325s/4425s/4525s series sports brushed-aluminum metal cases in caviar or bordeaux. The notebooks offer a range of configurable options, including new AMD Phenom™ II, AMD Turion™ II, AMD Athlon™ II or AMD V-series processors(4) that deliver different levels of performance at varying prices.
    * The HP 425 and HP 625 are the company’s most affordable notebook offerings. Features such as optional wireless technologies,(2,3) a 2-megapixel webcam,(5) an integrated microphone and a spill-resistant keyboard keep users connected and protected while on the go.

HP customers get improved performance on popular applications with the updated AMD multicore processors. For example, an HP notebook that employs a new AMD Phenom II Dual-Core N620 processor offers up to 69 percent faster performance than previous generation HP AMD-powered notebooks(6) and gets up to 24 percent longer battery life.(7) This performance, coupled with flexible battery options, provides hours of battery use. Exceptional visual performance via UMA graphics gives users hassle-free, efficient computing.

The new HP ProBook 6450b and HP ProBook 6550b notebooks offer the latest Intel Core™ i7, i5 and i3 processors.(8) The Core i7 and Core i5 include optional Intel vPro technology(9) to deliver intelligent performance, flexible graphics options, and unique hardware-assisted security and manageability features.

A choice of Intel HD Graphics or ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 540v graphics processor delivers amazing visual performance.

Users can choose a 14-inch (6450b/6455b) or 15.6-inch (6550b/6555b) diagonal high-definition (HD)(10) LED-backlit display and extensive wireless connectivity options, including HP Mobile Broadband(2) and optional dual-pointing devices(11) that offer greater ease of use.

Other features include multiple battery options, including the HP Long Life Battery, compatibility with the HP 12-cell ultra-capacity battery, an eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port and optional dual hard drive support.(11)

All of the new HP ProBook b-series feature a spill-resistant keyboard with drains. This helps protect sensitive electronics and key components from minor spills by combining a thin layer of Mylar film under the keyboard with a drain system that funnels the fluid through a hole in the bottom of the notebook.

All ProBook b-series notebooks are designed to work with the recently introduced HP 90W and HP 120W Advanced Docking Stations.(11) The docking stations connect to notebooks in one easy step and eliminate the need to plug and unplug peripherals or accessories into the notebooks every time they are used. The HP 120W Advanced Docking Station allows users to expand the notebook’s functionality with an integrated Upgrade Bay.

Cost-effective performance for a secure, mobile environment

Ideal for budget-conscious mobile professionals, the new HP ProBook 4325s (13.3-inch diagonal), HP ProBook 4425s (14-inch diagonal) and HP ProBook 4525s (15.6-inch diagonal) notebook PCs feature a range of configurable options and essential office and multimedia applications to assist small business professionals with everyday needs.

The new notebooks offer a choice of processor technology from AMD and a choice of UMA or discrete graphics options depending on the model. Users also can choose multiple wireless connectivity options, including HP Mobile Broadband, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®.(2,3)

The HP ProBook s-series features new multimedia controls for video and comes loaded with the new ArcSoft TotalMedia Suite to allow users to play, edit and create video and audio files. They also feature ClickPad Gestures to allow for a more intuitive document navigation experience.

The b-series and s-series notebooks also include several HP Professional Innovations, including HP Power Assistant software to allow users to more easily monitor energy usage(12) and Central Management for HP ProtectTools,(13) which offers remote security management, deployment, monitoring and auditing from one central location. Central Management for HP ProtectTools can be used on HP or other industry-standard notebooks so IT administrators can manage all the notebooks in their environment with one easy-to-use software application.

HP DayStarter(14) allows users to get a head start on the day’s activities with access to key information such as their calendar and battery status, even before the operating system boots, while HP QuickWeb(15) allows users to access the web in seconds when the notebook is shut down. The application resides outside the notebook’s operating system, so there is no need to wait for the computer to boot up; users can simply push the dedicated button.

Full-function performance, affordability and value

With a new industrial design featuring a stone gray microfiber pattern texture for a clean professional look, the HP 425 and HP 625 notebook PCs are ideal for small business users looking for a versatile notebook at a smart value.

The notebooks feature VISION Pro Technology from AMD with AMD Phenom II, AMD Turion II, AMD Athlon II and AMD V-Series processors to deliver the right level of performance.

The HP 425 and HP 625 business notebooks are available in two display sizes – 14-inch or 15.6-inch diagonal respectively, in a choice of HD LED-backlit or LED-backlit BrightView HD displays.

An optional integrated 2-megapixel webcam(5) and integrated microphone allow for video conferencing as well as video and still-image capture. The HDMI port provides connectivity to HD(10) displays with one convenient HDMI cable.

Like all HP business notebooks, the HP 425 and HP 625 undergo more than 100,000 hours of rigorous quality testing to ensure the highest standards in design, materials and components.(16)

Financing options(17)

HP is offering businesses zero percent vendor-direct financing plans for the new HP ProBook and HP lines through HP Financial Services, the company’s leasing and life cycle asset management services subsidiary. Customers can choose from two plans – a 12-month lease with a $1 purchase option or a 36-month lease with a fair market value purchase option.

Qualifying transactions must be between $1,500 and $150,000 in the United States and between $5,000 and $150,000 in Canada. More details on these financing options are available at www.hp.com/go/totalfinancing.

Pricing and availability(1)

Product availability will vary by region and country.

The HP ProBook 6455b and 6555b notebook PCs are expected to be available in the United States in June and start at $779.

The HP ProBook 6450b and 6550b notebook PCs are expected to be available in the United States in June and start at $859.

The HP ProBook 4425s Notebook PC is expected to be available in the United States later this month and starts at $619.

The HP 425 Notebook PC is expected to be available in the United States in June and starts at $549.

More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.