HP ZBook 15, we've tested it

HP ZBook 15

The HP ZBook 15 is a 15-inch portable workstation for professionals who want a powerful computer but with a more manageable format. This workstation incorporates next- generation Intel Core processors and NVIDIA Quadro graphics for more powerful performance when using modern graphics or gaming applications. In addition, it incorporates a Thunderbolt connection to be able to use this useful protocol (until now this technology has almost always been found in Mac computers ) that doubles the transfer speed of USB 3.0 . All this with a robust design and aLong-lasting battery that allows use of up to nine hours without looking for an outlet. We have had the opportunity to hold this team in our hands. We tell you our impressions.

HP ZBook 15

Power at the service of the professional

The configuration that we have tested of the HP ZBook 15 integrates an Intel Core i7-4700MQ processor of the latest generation of the American company. It is a chip that offers a performance similar to that obtained with a desktop computer, with four cores and a power of 2.4 GHz per core . Thanks to Turbo Boost 2.0 technology , we can bring this power up to 3.4 GHz , while Hyper-Threading technology will allow us to work as if we actually had eight process cores . This chip joins a 4 GB RAMin this configuration, a bit short for what we expect from a workstation. Other configurations do raise this RAM to 8 GB or even 16 GB of RAM.

Another of the great points of this workstation is found in its graphics card. Specifically, this laptop combines Intel's integrated graphics for simpler processes with a discrete NVIDIA Quadro K610M card , with 1GB dedicated memory . In case you need more power, there are configurations of this laptop that come to look like an NVIDIA Quadro K2100M with 2 GB of memory. Without a doubt, a very important support to be able to use different graphic design applications (or the most modern games for leisure time).

HP ZBook 15

Thick but very accessible design

Let's be honest. The ZBook 15 is very far from the idea of ​​the HP ZBook 14 , an ultrabook disguised as a workstation that is very easy to handle. The HP ZBook 15 moves away from that concept with a thickness of three centimeters and a weight of 2.82 kilos that make it a more cumbersome device to transport. Of course, this sacrifice also translates into greater power and a remarkable cooling system that keeps the equipment in good temperature ranges most of the time. Another advantage of the ZBook 15 designis its bottom. The grille can be removed with a simple mechanism to access all components and change items such as RAM or storage unit. Without a doubt, a point in favor for users who want to personalize this model to their liking and get the most out of it.

HP ZBook 15

Bright display and multiple storage options

In the field of display, this laptop uses a 15.6-inch panel with a Full HD resolution . It is a panel that provides a good level of detail when viewing the different content and that has good color management. We also liked its shine. Of course, it seems to us that in this case we could have opted for a matte screen to improve its use in environments where there is a direct impact from a light source, although its use outside the office will be rare. On the other hand, the company has introduced various storage options according to our needs. Specifically, we can opt for a configuration with a hard drive of up to 1 TBwith a speed of 5400 revolutions per minute (if we opt for a 750 GB hard disk its speed will be 7,200 rpm) or for an SSD card of up to 500 GB . This storage format has the advantage of being faster in loading the system and applications, and also has greater reliability by not having physical parts that wear out due to friction. In addition to these options, you can also opt for a 256 GB SSD card with the ability to encrypt the data for greater security.

HP ZBook 15

First-level connections and operating system

The HP Zbook 15 includes an extensive set of connections for the professional field. Probably the biggest attraction of this set is the presence of a Thunderbolt connector . This type of connection allows double the speed of the USB 3.0 standard and is also multiprotocolar. That means that we can connect different equipment to this laptop, such as a monitor or a compatible disk without having to change the cable. The ZBook also incorporates two normal USB 3.0 ports , a third USB 3.0 port with fast charging so that we can plug in our smartphones and tablets and a USB 2.0 port for those peripherals that do not need a lot of speed (such as a mouse or a simple USB memory).

On the other hand, we have a DisplayPort to chain several screens or a traditional VGA output . As with the ZBook 14 , it seems to us that the presence of an HDMI port, a very popular connector on the market, may be missed. The Internet connection is made via WiFi or through a built-in Ethernet port , which usually improves the speed of connection to the network. This equipment can also incorporate a 3G module to connect the equipment through mobile networks and Bluetooth connection . As is normal in a laptop of this size, we have a DVD recorder or a Blu-ray drive.

Regarding the operating system, we can choose the Windows 7 Professional version or the most recent Windows 8 Pro platform . Although this system has received much criticism since its launch for its hybrid proposal between a platform oriented to the touch world and the classic interface desktop, there are some elements that can be an advantage for the professional world. For example, the task manager has been greatly improved to make it much more accessible and with more advanced control of the processes that run in Windows. Another advantage is a tool to create automatic backup copies of our files, or the advanced system startup options.

HP ZBook 15

Autonomy, price and opinions

The autonomy of this laptop is one of the great surprises that this device has in store for us. In normal use, it has lasted a little more than seven hours , an excellent figure if we consider that we are talking about a workstation. Thanks to this, we can use the laptop for hours on trips and long trips without looking for a plug. The price of the HP ZBook 15 in the market stands at a starting figure of 1,935 euros, an important investment but quite reasonable considering the guts of this team. In short, a very good proposal for mobile professionals who need a good relationship between powerful specifications and battery, and who do not mind having to live with a somewhat thicker and heavier format than what we are used to seeing in recent years. time.

HP ZBook 15

BrandHP
ModelHP ZBook 15

Display and keyboard HP ZBook 15, we've tested it 1

Size15.6 inch
ResolutionFull HD 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
Density141 dpi
TechnologyLED
Brightness-
Backlight keyboardYes, three levels

Power and graphics 

CPU processorIntel Core i7-4700MQ Processor
Number of cores4 (8 threads with Hyper-Threading)
Power2.4 GHz (up to 3.4 GHz)
Graphics processor (GPU)NVIDIA Quadro K610M with 1GB memory
RAM4 GB (up to 16 GB)

Memory

FormatHard drive or SSD
Capacity Up to 1 TB in hard drive format

Up to 500 GB in SSD format

256GB Self Encrypting SSD

Design

Dimensions38.15 x 25.7 x 3.05 cm
Weight2.82 kg
ColorsBlack
Resistance Splashing on the keyboard

Sound

TechnologyDTS Studio Sound HD
SpeakersStereo
MicrophoneDouble with webcam

software

Operating systemWindows 8 Pro (upgradeable to Windows 8.1 Update)

Windows 7 Professional

Applications Desktop applications

Microsoft Store

Connections

Mobile NetworkPossibility of introducing 4G module
WifiWiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n
USB ports3 x USB 3.0 (one of them with fast charging function), 1 x USB 2.0
HDMINot
EthernetYes
VgaYes
DisplayPortYes
Card readerSmart cards and SD cards
BluetoothYes, 4.0
OthersThunderbolt port

DVD or Blu-ray recorder

Autonomy

CapacityLong-lasting 3-cell lithium battery
Official figures-
Figures in more intensive useMore than seven hours in normal use

+ info

Release dateAvailable
Manufacturer's websiteHP

Price from 1,935 euros