Description
Description Processor Intel Core i7-4600M 2.90GHz4th gen Core i7 CPU RAM 12GB DDR3 Memory Display 15.6 LED Storage 128 SSD Optical DVDRW Video Intel HD Graphics 4600NVidia Quadro K610M Audio Integrated audio Networking Integrated ethernet/WiFi/Bluetooth Battery Included* AC Adapter Included Operating System WIN 7 GENUINE Other Webcam Review HP ZBook 15 Workstation Allen Ngo, 01/08/2014 Business Haswell Notebook Windows Pure business. The ZBook series may be new, but its first models are coming out with a bang. Following on the footsteps of the ZBook 17, the ZBook 15 is everything the EliteBook series is and more. We take a closer look at the $2999 model in this full review. Mobile workstations are in a league of their own compared to consumer class or even business class notebooks. They are relatively large, pricey, bulky and anything but minimalistic. However, we’d be damned if they couldn’t get demanding workloads done swiftly and reliably. The HP ZBook series succeeds the admittedly crowded ProBook/EliteBook series of workstations and starts afresh with a new, simpler naming convention. We touched upon the ZBook 17 in-depth late last year and walked away quite impressed. The new series is more than just a simple name change; it’s also the most overhauled iteration yet of an HP workstation. Our ZBook 15 in review continues this trend and is physically identical to its bigger brother including the chassis material and feel of the keyboard. The model on hand is equipped with a Core i7-4800MQ, 16 GB DDR3L RAM, Quadro K610M graphics, 500 GB 7200 RPM HDD + 32 GB SSD cache and a 1080p display. Combined with its wide-reaching connectivity options, the ZBook 15 starts at $1699 and can top $2999 retail. How well does the ZBook 15 stand against the likes of Dell and Lenovo in the mobile workstation arena? Case Like the larger ZBook 17, case quality is excellent all-around on the ZBook 15. The aluminum alloy lid and bottom plate are rigid and will only warp minimally under moderate pressure. Resistance to twisting and vibrations are also excellent on the lid, base and hinges, which is similar to the EliteBook predecessors. Since the ZBook does not utilize a unibody design, certain areas like the inner display bezel and palm rests can feel plastic, but are otherwise thick and just as tough to the touch. The industrial design of the model is surprisingly attractive for a mobile workstation and compares favorably against Dell Precision models or the Lenovo ThinkPad W series, both of which incorporate boxier and generally more lackluster designs. HP advertises its wedge design of the ZBook as innovative and sleek, which isn’t saying much for a workstation, but is enough to stand out against its duller competitors. The rubberized perimeter and edges of the lid, for example, feel purely aesthetic, but notably adds to the appeal of the all-matte and jet black ZBook 15. HP has managed to build an aesthetically pleasing workstation while remaining relatively light (2.82 kg) and thinner (30.5 mm) than the ThinkPad W530 (2.81 kg, 36 mm) and Precision M4800 (3.18 kg, 40 mm). A particular design choice carried over from the EliteBook is the removable screwless plate underneath for quick access to internals or HDD removal. According to HP, the screwless design was a hot request from users who may not always have the appropriate tools ready, so general upgrades are made much easier. It would have been great to have the optical drive be an easily accessible modular bay for even more expandability, though this is a minor complaint. Matte inner surfaces Glossy brushed aluminum lid Display opened at maximum angle Connectivity Workstations generally have the most connectivity options available in a notebook and the ZBook 15 is no exception. Both DisplayPort and Thunderport are available as well as a USB 2.0 port and VGA-out for legacy support. There are no HDMI, Firewire or eSATA ports, however, as found on the Precision M4800 and ThinkPad W530, respectively. There is a proprietary docking port for additional connections down the road. Port positioning is always tricky when there are so many connections to work with. On the ZBook 15, ports are seemingly placed at random on three of the four sides. We would have liked for some of the ports to be moved closer to the rear to save desk space, especially the DisplayPort and Thunderbolt ports as their respective cables tend to be thicker or more rigid than USB or audio cables. The available SIM slot can only be accessed after first removing the battery module underneath. Front: No connectivity Right: SD reader, 3.5 mm combo audio, 1x USB 3.0, Optical drive, VGA-out Left: Kensington Lock, 1x USB 2.0, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, 1x USB 3.0, 54 mm ExpressCard, Smart card Rear: 1x USB 3.0, AC power, Gigabit Lan Communication Both WLAN and WWAN are configura
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