HP ProBook 445 Review: Performance Meets Portability in the Workhorse Laptop

Looking for a laptop that combines business-ready performance with convenient portability? The HP ProBook 445 might just be your answer. In this detailed HP ProBook 445 review, we’ll explore whether this laptop holds up to the demands of productivity on the go while offering the necessary durability and connectivity. Discover what sets the ProBook 445 apart in a crowded market of professional laptops, without any extra fluff.

Key Takeaways

• The HP ProBook 445 delivers a compelling combination of portability and performance, featuring a sleek design, aluminum construction for durability, a Full HD display, and a wide array of connectivity options.

• It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB PCIe NVMe TLC SSD, along with integrated AMD Radeon graphics, providing robust performance for business and light gaming use.

• Despite some concerns over long-term battery life and initial issues with outdated pre-installed software, the ProBook 445 offers notable features like HP Wolf Pro Security, stereo speakers, and an HD webcam, all at a competitive price particularly with discounts applied.

First Impressions: Unboxing the HP ProBook 445

Upon unboxing, the sleek and modern design of the HP ProBook 445 immediately catches your eye. This device distinctly caters to today’s business users, marrying style and functionality in a manner that distinguishes it from other HP laptops in its segment.

The ProBook 445 comes encased in protective packaging that ensures the device arrives in perfect condition. The laptop itself is neatly tucked inside, and upon lifting it out, the first thing that strikes you is its lightweight design. It’s evident that HP has gone to great lengths to ensure that the ProBook 445 is not only robust but also portable, making it a perfect companion for the on-the-go professional.

Design and Build: A Closer Look at the HP ProBook 445

Upon examining the HP ProBook 445, it becomes apparent that the laptop’s design is one of its defining qualities. The device features sharp edges and rounded corners, lending it a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from the crowd. The glossy HP logo on the lid further enhances the laptop’s appeal, reflecting a sense of sophistication and professionalism.

Constructed from aluminum, the HP ProBook 445 effectively combines durability and portability. Weighing just 1.74 kg and measuring 19.8mm in thickness, it’s a lightweight laptop that doesn’t compromise on strength. Its rugged design is capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use, making it an ideal choice for professionals who need a reliable laptop for their day-to-day tasks.

Portability and Form Factor

The compact design of the HP ProBook 445 is undoubtedly one of its most appealing features. Measuring 32.4cm in width, 23.7cm in depth, and 1.79cm in thickness, the laptop aligns perfectly with the needs of business users who require a portable device.

The new compact design facilitates seamless transitions between varying work environments, including office desks, meeting rooms, and remote work areas. This makes the HP ProBook 445 an ideal laptop for mobile professionals who are constantly on the move. Whether you’re presenting in a boardroom or working from a coffee shop, the ProBook 445 is designed to adapt to your needs.

Material Quality and Durability

In terms of material quality, the HP ProBook 445 certainly lives up to expectations. The laptop’s chassis features aluminum components, offering a balance of lightweight characteristics for portability and strength for durability. This ensures that the laptop can withstand the rigors of daily use without compromising on its sleek and modern design.

Further enhancing the laptop’s durability is the possibility of a metal lid that complements the primarily plastic body. This rugged design, coupled with the fact that the HP ProBook 445 has withstood 120,000 hours of the HP Total Test Process, makes it clear that this laptop is built to last.

Connectivity Options

The HP ProBook 445 provides a plethora of connectivity options to accommodate the varied needs of its users. On the right side of the laptop, there are two USB 3.1 ports alongside a USB Type-C port. The left side features an additional USB Type-A port, providing ample options for connecting peripherals and devices.

Apart from USB connectivity, the HP ProBook 445 is also equipped with an HDMI port, audio jack, and a microSD card reader. The USB Type-C port supports both Power Delivery for charging and DisplayPort for video output, ensuring versatile connectivity for users. Whether you’re presenting a slideshow, sharing files, or charging your device, the ProBook 445 has got you covered.

Display and Visuals: The Viewing Experience on the HP ProBook 445

With its Full HD display, the HP ProBook 445 offers a remarkable viewing experience. It features:

• Resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels

• Sharp and clear images

• Ideal for both business and multimedia tasks

• Provides a visual treat whether you’re working on a spreadsheet or watching a video.

The laptop’s IPS panel provides comfortable viewing angles, making it easy to share your screen with others or even connect an external monitor. The display represents 50% of the sRGB color spectrum, catering to general business and multimedia tasks. Furthermore, the installation of Health-Guard profiles mitigates Blue Light emissions and eliminates the use of PWM, making the display less straining on the human eye for extended usage. Powered by an intel core processor, this laptop ensures smooth performance for your daily tasks.

Full HD Resolution and Color Accuracy

A standout feature of the HP ProBook 445’s display is its Full HD resolution, which ensures that images and videos appear sharp and clear. This is particularly beneficial for professionals who rely on detailed visuals for their work, such as graphic designers and video editors.

In addition to high resolution, the display of the HP ProBook 445 also boasts 100% sRGB color gamut, promising vibrant and accurate colors. This enhances the overall viewing experience, making images and videos come to life on the screen. Whether you’re editing a photo or watching a movie, the ProBook 445’s display delivers stunning color accuracy.

Angles and Brightness

The HP ProBook 445’s display offers comfortable viewing angles, making it easy to share your screen with others. Whether you’re presenting a slideshow in a meeting or watching a movie with friends, the ProBook 445’s display ensures a comfortable viewing experience from various angles.

However, the glossy-coated display can be inconvenient in high ambient light conditions due to visibility issues. To ensure optimal viewing, you may need to adjust the brightness settings when using the laptop outdoors. Disabling ‘Vari Bright’ in AMD’s Radeon settings may also be necessary to prevent loss of screen brightness when the laptop is running on battery power.

Performance Under Review: HP ProBook 445 Hardware Analysis

In terms of performance, the HP ProBook 445 is a force to be reckoned with. The laptop is powered by a Ryzen 5 5600U processor, providing robust computing capabilities for a range of tasks. From basic web browsing to more demanding tasks like video editing, the ProBook 445 is designed to handle it all with ease.

Supporting up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, the HP ProBook 445 is equipped to handle intensive multitasking and complex applications. Whether you’re running multiple browser tabs, working on a large spreadsheet, or editing a high-resolution video, the ProBook 445 ensures a smooth and lag-free experience.

CPU and Memory Capabilities

The powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor, one of the top-performing amd processors, forms the core of the HP ProBook 445. This CPU provides robust computing power, allowing the laptop to handle a range of demanding tasks with ease. Whether you’re working on a complex project, streaming videos, or playing games, the ProBook 445 delivers a smooth and responsive experience.

In addition to a powerful CPU, the HP ProBook 445 also offers:

• Memory configurations that operate at 3200MHz

• High-speed memory that enhances the overall performance of the laptop

• The ability to handle intensive multitasking and complex applications without breaking a sweat

• The capability to run multiple browser tabs and work on large spreadsheets

The ProBook 445 is equipped to handle it all.

Storage Solutions and Speed

Equipped with a 1 TB PCIe NVMe TLC SSD, the HP ProBook 445 provides copious storage space for users’ files and applications. This high-capacity storage solution ensures that you have plenty of space to store your important documents, multimedia files, and applications.

In addition to offering ample storage, the PCIe NVMe TLC SSD also enables notably fast system performance and quick boot times. This ensures a smooth user experience, allowing you to quickly access your files and applications whenever you need them. Whether you’re booting up the laptop or launching a complex application, the ProBook 445 delivers rapid performance.

Integrated Graphics Performance

The HP ProBook 445 comes equipped with integrated AMD Radeon graphics. This powerful graphics solution ensures smooth and responsive performance for a range of visual tasks. Whether you’re watching a high-definition video, playing a game, or working on a graphic-intensive project, the ProBook 445 delivers crisp and clear visuals.

These integrated graphics are capable of supporting light gaming tasks, making the ProBook 445 a versatile laptop that can cater to both work and play. Additionally, the laptop can handle video editing for non-intensive applications, making it a suitable choice for professionals who need to work on multimedia projects.

Audio and Communication: Sound Quality and Connectivity Features

The HP ProBook 445 excels not only in visual performance but also in audio delivery. The laptop’s speakers deliver robust audio output, making it suitable for close-range listening situations without the need for external speakers. Whether you’re watching a video, listening to music, or conducting a video call, the ProBook 445 ensures clear and immersive audio.

In addition to delivering high-quality audio, the HP ProBook 445 also features a high-definition webcam that ensures clear video quality for video conferences. This makes the laptop a great choice for professionals who frequently conduct video calls or virtual meetings. Whether you’re presenting to a client or connecting with your team, the ProBook 445 ensures clear and smooth video communication.

Stereo Speakers and Sound Reproduction

The HP ProBook 445 is equipped with:

• Stereo speakers that deliver high-quality audio

• Speakers that produce rich highs and mids, with well-defined bass

• A satisfying audio experience whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie, or conducting a video call.

Moreover, the sound reproduction on the HP ProBook 445 remains clear and distinct even at high volume levels. This makes the laptop suitable for a range of multimedia experiences, from watching videos to conducting effective online communication during meetings.

Regardless of the task at hand, the ProBook 445 ensures that you enjoy clear and immersive audio.

Video Calls and Webcam Clarity

The HP ProBook 445 features:

• A built-in HD camera that ensures clear video quality for video calls and conferences

• This high-definition webcam enhances personal connections and collaboration

• Making it easy to conduct clear and smooth video calls even in low lighting conditions.

In addition to delivering clear video, the ProBook 445’s microphone array also delivers clean and clearly defined sound, effective for communication during video calls from up to 50cm away. For added privacy, the laptop includes a webcam slider that can obscure the camera when not in use, safeguarding against unauthorized camera access.

Keyboard and Touchpad: Typing and Navigation

The spill-resistant keyboard of the HP ProBook 445 ensures a comfortable typing experience. The laptop uses an ABNT 2 keyboard layout, which does not include a numeric keypad, but provides decent key travel, clicky feedback, and an excellent typing experience. Whether you’re drafting a report, sending an email, or simply browsing the web, the ProBook 445 ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience.

In addition to a comfortable keyboard, the ProBook 445 also features:

• A smooth touchpad that ensures efficient navigation

• The touchpad responds quickly to gestures, making it easy to navigate through websites, documents, and applications

• Whether you’re scrolling through a webpage or zooming in on a document, the ProBook 445’s touchpad ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.

Battery Longevity and Charging

Under various usage conditions, the HP ProBook 445 provides commendable battery life. During video playback tests with maximum brightness and sound, the laptop demonstrated a battery life of 12 hours. This makes the ProBook 445 a reliable companion for professionals who need a laptop that can last through a full workday without needing to be recharged.

However, there are some concerns about the battery’s long-term value. The laptop is equipped with a 45Wh battery, and some users have reported a worn-out battery with 20% less capacity, which may raise concerns about the device’s long-term value.

Despite these concerns, the HP ProBook 445 maintains its performance capabilities when operating solely on battery power without reduction in performance.

Security and Business Features: HP ProBook 445 as a Business Laptop

The HP ProBook 445 is equipped with HP Wolf Pro Security Edition, providing a robust security suite that includes HP Sure Click Pro and HP Sure Sense Pro. This multi-layered security feature protects against threats, making the laptop a secure choice for professionals who handle sensitive data. With HP’s security suite, you can work with peace of mind knowing that your data is protected.

However, there have been reported instances where the advertised fingerprint reader was not included on the HP ProBook 445 G8. This indicates a need to verify hardware features upon purchase to ensure that you’re getting all the features that you need. Despite this, the ProBook 445’s comprehensive security features make it a reliable choice for professionals who value data protection.

Software and User Experience

Windows 10 Pro comes pre-installed as the operating system on the HP ProBook 445. This powerful operating system offers a range of features and capabilities that enhance productivity, making the laptop a suitable choice for professionals who need a reliable and efficient computing solution.

However, users have faced issues with an outdated pre-installed operating system on the HP ProBook 445 G7, which includes obsolete versions of Windows 10 and missing essential HP drivers. These issues can negatively affect the user experience, leading to connectivity issues and reduced system performance. It’s recommended to update the operating system and drivers to their latest versions upon purchase to ensure optimal performance.

Upgradability and Maintenance

The HP ProBook 445 provides straightforward access to internal components for upgrades and maintenance. The laptop comes with 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM occupying one of the two available SODIMM slots, supporting upgrades up to 32 GB for enhanced multitasking capabilities. This makes the ProBook 445 a versatile laptop that can be customized to meet your specific needs.

For storage, the HP ProBook 445 features a single M.2 PCIe x4 slot which can accommodate SSDs with a wide range of read and write speeds, from 540MB/s to 7,000MB/s. Accessing internal components for upgrades or maintenance requires unscrewing five Phillips-head screws and prying off the bottom panel. This ensures that you can easily upgrade or repair your laptop whenever necessary.

Price Considerations and Value Proposition

Considering its feature set and performance capabilities, the HP ProBook 445 is competitively priced. The HP ProBook 445 G8 is listed with a regular price of $1,585.00, indicating its position in the higher-midrange laptop market. However, a significant discount is available for the HP ProBook 445 G8, with a sale price of $849.00, amounting to savings of $736.00.

Considering the feature set and performance capabilities of the HP ProBook 445 G8, the discounted sale price enhances its value proposition significantly. This makes the ProBook 445 an attractive option for business users who need a high-performance laptop without breaking the bank. With its robust features and competitive price point, the ProBook 445 offers excellent value for money.

Summary

In conclusion, the HP ProBook 445 is a powerful, portable, and stylish laptop that offers a range of features designed to cater to the needs of modern professionals. With its robust performance capabilities, versatile connectivity options, and comprehensive security features, the ProBook 445 stands out as a reliable choice for business users. Whether you’re a mobile professional who needs a portable device for seamless transitions between work environments, or a power user who needs a high-performance laptop for complex tasks, the HP ProBook 445 is a laptop worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the HP ProBook 445?

The HP ProBook 445 offers a Full HD display, an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, a 1TB PCIe NVMe TLC SSD, integrated AMD Radeon graphics, and HP Wolf Pro Security Edition for multi-layered security. This makes it a powerful business laptop with comprehensive features.

Is the HP ProBook 445 suitable for gaming?

The HP ProBook 445 is suitable for light gaming tasks with its integrated AMD Radeon graphics, but may not be suitable for more demanding games that require a dedicated graphics card. Therefore, it is not the best choice for gaming.

How is the battery life of the HP ProBook 445?

The battery life of the HP ProBook 445 is good, offering up to 12 hours of usage during video playback with maximum brightness and sound. This indicates strong performance in different usage scenarios.

What security features does the HP ProBook 445 offer?

The HP ProBook 445 offers a robust security suite called HP Wolf Pro Security Edition, which includes HP Sure Click Pro and HP Sure Sense Pro, providing multi-layered security against threats.

Can I upgrade the memory and storage of the HP ProBook 445?

Yes, you can upgrade the memory to a maximum of 32 GB and the storage to a faster SSD using the available slots in the HP ProBook 445.