Laptops Review

Business users need certain security features on their notebook, such as password protection or a fingerprint scanner. These ensure that data on the computer cannot be read by third parties. The HP ProBook 640 fulfills all of these requirements and also offers additional features such as a TPM module and a spill-resistant keyboard.

The HP ProBook 640 G2 Y3B44ES features a 14-inch Full HD display, making it ideal for working on the go. Thanks to its powerful battery, it even lasts up to 6 hours. The internal hardware is based on an Intel Core i7 processor, 8 GB of fast RAM, and a 512 GB M.2 module. It runs Windows 10 Pro, which is specifically designed for business users.

The HP ProBook 640 G2 Y3B44ES features a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels. The matte surface allows for easy viewing from the sides. Tilting the display too far forward or backward results in color and contrast loss. The average brightness is a very good 300 cd/ ^m² .

Hardware

The HP ProBook 640 uses a power-efficient 6th-generation Intel Core i processor. This is a Core i7-6600U, which can reach a maximum clock speed of 3.4 GHz. The RAM consists of an 8 GB module, which can be expanded with an additional S0 DIMM module. The ProBook features two graphics solutions for graphics processing: the integrated HD Graphics of the Intel CPU and a dedicated AMD Radeon R7 M365X graphics card with access to 2 GB of VRAM.

Both graphics solutions are well suited for office applications, and you can switch between the graphics cards at any time using the AMD Catalyst Control Center.

However, the AMD graphics don't have enough power to play high-resolution games on the ProBook 640. Usable frame rates can only be achieved at 1280 x 720 resolution. Current games like Battlefield 1 manage at least 30 FPS at this resolution. Since the ProBook 640 is a business notebook, this shortcoming is manageable.

The operating system, in this case Windows 10 Pro, is installed on an M.2 SSD module. This has a storage capacity of 512 GB, of which 419 GB is still free as shipped. The M.2 module offers good read and write performance, achieving transfer rates of over 523 MB/s (read). It is only slightly slower when writing, achieving transfer rates of 454 MB/s (measured with CrystalDiskMark).

The network connection on this ProBook is either via a fast WLAN (ac standard) or wired via the RJ-45 socket on the side.

The integrated battery, which is only screwed into the device, has a very good battery life, lasting a good 6 hours in the PC Mark 8 benchmark.

The HP ProBook 640 G2 Y3B44ES is characterized by the following specific product features:

• Display: 35.56 cm (14-inch) anti-glare FHD SVA flat panel, LED backlight
• Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (Full HD)
• Processor:  Intel® Core™ i7-6600U (2x 2.60 GHz; 4 MB cache)
• Graphic:
  • AMD Radeon™ R7 M365X, 2GB VRAM
  • Intel® HD Graphics 520
• Memory: 8 GB DDR4 RAM (2133 MHz, SODIMM)
• Hard drive: 512 GB M.2 SSD SATA
• Drive: DVD burner
• Network:
  • Gigabit Ethernet LAN (10/100/1000 Mbit/s)
  • Wireless LAN 802.11 ac+a/b/g/n
  • Bluetooth® 4.0
• Connections:
  • 1x USB 3.0
  • 1x USB 3.0 (with charging function)
  • 1x USB Type-C
  • 1x DisplayPort
  • 1x VGA
  • 1x LAN (RJ-45)
  • 1x docking port
  • 1x Kensington Lock device
  • 1x AC power connection
  • Audio: Headphone/Microphone combo jack
• Input devices: Spill-resistant HP Premium Keyboard
• Other:  720p HD webcam, dual array microphones, fingerprint scanner
• Sound: Two integrated stereo speakers, HD audio with DTS Studio Sound™
• Battery: HP Long-Life Li-Ion battery, 3-cell, 48 Wh, prismatic
• Dimensions (W x D x H):  34 x 23.7 x 2.7 cm
• Weight: approx. 1.95 kg
• Case: Silver / Gray
• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit, pre-installed)

Connections

Almost all of the various ports are located on the right side of the case. Only the DVD burner and smart card reader are located on the left. The ProBook 640 has a total of three USB ports, one of which is Type-C. External monitors can be connected via the rear VGA port or the side DisplayPort. Both graphics solutions can output up to 4K resolution externally via the DisplayPort. The ProBook also has a proprietary docking port and a SIM card slot. The latter can only be used if a corresponding UMTS or LTE module is retrofitted.

Keyboard

For typing, the ProBook 640 features a large, spill-resistant keyboard with a separate numeric keypad. The chiclet-style keys are all a comfortable size; only two directional keys have been reduced in size and share space. In front of the keyboard is the touchpad, slightly offset to the left, with two large mouse-like buttons. The touchpad recognizes gestures and can be disabled if desired.

To protect data and the notebook, the HP ProBook has a fingerprint sensor . This allows access to be restricted to specific users. A password can also be stored in the BIOS . Another security feature is the spill-resistant keyboard. Raindrops or a spilled glass of water pose no problems for the HP ProBook. A special drainage system allows the liquid to flow through the casing without coming into contact with the hardware. This can be clearly seen in the following video. 

Interior views

The ProBook is quite easy to open. Eight screws must be removed, after which the back panel can be removed without much effort. Inside, the first thing you'll notice is the large battery, which is only held in place by screws. The RAM in this model consists of an 8 GB RAM module. Another slot is still available, so the RAM can be easily upgraded with another module.

HP has installed the M.2 module where the hard drive would normally be. This means a hard drive cannot be upgraded. The M.2 module has a good capacity of 512 GB, so it won't need replacing anytime soon. In addition to the pre-installed Wi-Fi module, a UMTS/LTE module can also be installed. The antenna cables are included, as is a free slot.

Heat measurements

In the stress test, where the CPU, graphics, and RAM were particularly stressed, the top of the case only heated up in the rear area. A hot spot measured over 35 degrees Celsius. The keyboard and palm rest remained pleasantly cool. On the back, there was only one warmer spot, measuring over 31 degrees Celsius. On the left side, where the fan dissipates waste heat, temperatures also exceeded 45 degrees Celsius. The ventilation system had to work significantly harder under load. However, the fan was only audible in close proximity.

With the ProBook 640 G2, HP has created a reliable business notebook that offers numerous security features, such as a fingerprint scanner and a spill-resistant premium keyboard. The notebook features a 14-inch display with Full HD resolution. The average brightness is 300 cd/m² ^, allowing the screen content to be clearly visible even outdoors. HP does not use an IPS panel in this model, which can lead to contrast and color distortions at unfavorable viewing angles.

The built-in hardware is ideal for all office applications and office work. Thanks to the dedicated AMD graphics, games can also be run on this business notebook. However, you should avoid graphics-intensive games.

To ensure you can work on the go for extended periods with your ProBook 640, HP has installed a powerful battery that lasts for around six hours. The business notebook, which weighs around 2 kg, is easy to open and can be expanded with additional RAM. Even a UMTS/LTE module could be installed. HP has already pre-installed the appropriate antenna cables and SIM card slot.

For more details please visit https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-probook-640-g2-notebook-pc/8430730