HP’s relatively new ProBook range sits below the corporate-focused EliteBook range and is aimed primarily at small businesses. There are several models in the range and we have previously examined the large 17.3in. 4710s. The ProBook 4310s is a recent addition bringing the screen size down to 13.3in. to make a much more portable system — at least in theory.
The ProBook 4310s is an interesting blend of professional and more consumer-focused features. The operating system in our review sample was Windows Vista Business, but Windows 7 models are also available. One model in the line-up comes with a downgrade to Windows XP Professional, while others run Vista Home Basic.
The optical drive is a Blu-ray unit, which is rare for any business notebook. It also supports LightScribe, so you can personalise any discs you burn (you’ll need compliant media and software).
Our review unit had a fast (7,200rpm) 320GB hard drive. The capacity is generous for a business machine, but the drive lacks the shock protection that we’re used to seeing in high-end business notebooks.
The processor in our review sample was a 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6670 with 2MB of Level 2 cache. The system had 3MB of RAM, its two SODIMM slots supporting 8GB in total. Graphics are handled by the Intel GM45 Express chipset’s integrated GMA 4500MHD.
We played a movie (not Blu-ray) and found that sound output was both louder and of better quality than we’d normally expect from a business notebook. If you need to give presentations with audio, or simply like to watch movies after work, this notebook will do the job satisfactorily
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g, Draft-N) and Bluetooth (2.1). Some models come with mobile broadband, but not this one. Gigabit Ethernet is present, and some configurations also include a 56Kbps modem.
As far as ports and connectors are concerned, the main issue is with the USB ports. There are only three of these, none of which support sleep-and-charge, and two of which are very close together on the left-hand side. It would be difficult to use the latter simultaneously unless the peripherals involved have small connectors.
The modem port on our review sample was next to the two left-hand USB ports, and we wonder whether this legacy feature might have been better omitted completely in order to allow them more space. The optical drive and mains power connectors are also on this edge.
The right side houses the third USB port, an HDMI port and a VGA connector for an external monitor. There’s also an ExpressCard/34 slot on this edge plus the RJ-45 (Ethernet) port. The front edge has a flash card slot which can accommodate both SD and Memory Stick compatible media. The audio ports are also on the front edge.
The HP DreamScreen is a combination of photo frame and Pandora Internet radio, it’s weighed down by several lukewarm features and an interface that demands patience.
