HP's slim new $549 ProBooks target SMBs, mobile workers

CES 2019: Smart office tech meets physical security in new products from Targus & HP Open offices don't require open view of data, with new products from HP and Targus bring smarts to office docking systems, and screen privacy to prevent onlookers from shoulder surfing.

On Thursday, HP unveiled two new ProBooks designed for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and mobile professionals with a range of security features, near borderless displays, and fast charging options.

The HP ProBook 445 G6 and HP ProBook 455 G6 both feature a slim chassis and a near-borderless display that open up 180-degrees for easier content sharing, according to HP. They run on Windows 10 Pro, and users have the option to select the AMD Ryzen processor of their choice, which run on Windows 10 Pro, according to HP.

SEE: IT hardware procurement policy (Tech Pro Research)

Meant for business professionals who move between locations and modalities, the ProBooks have aluminum keyboard decks and durable, stamped aluminum covers. For security, the laptops include HP BIOSphere Gen4 firmware-level automation, automatic updates and security checks for enhanced security, and include multi-factor authentication options with fingerprints and facial recognition. Each machine holds up to 1 TB 5400 rpm SATA storage.

With a fast charge option, the ProBook 445 and ProBook 455 can recharge up to 50% battery life in 30 minutes. The laptops also allow professionals to transition from laptop to desktop with support for cable docking via USB-C.

The difference between the two are primarily in size: The ProBook 445 has a 14" display and weighs 3.5 pounds, while the ProBook 455 has a 15.6" display and weighs 4.4 pounds.

The HP ProBook 445 G6 and HP ProBook 455 G6 will face competition from a number of other business laptops on the market, many of which were unveiled at CES 2019, including the HP EliteBook x360 830 G5 for mobile workers, the Dell XPS 13, and the Dell Latitude 7400.

However, both ProBooks start at $549, making them a lower cost option than many competitors. The machines will be available in January.

The big takeaways for tech leaders:

• The HP ProBook 445 G6 and HP ProBook 455 G6 were designed for SMBs and mobile professionals.
• The new ProBooks will be available in January, starting at $549.

Microsoft Weekly Newsletter

Be your company's Microsoft insider with the help of these Windows and Office tutorials and our experts' analyses of Microsoft's enterprise products. Delivered Mondays and Wednesdays

Sign up today Sign up today

Also see

• 3D printing: A cheat sheet (TechRepublic)
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: An insider's guide (TechRepublic download)
• Hardware decommissioning policy (Tech Pro Research)
• How to securely erase hard drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs) (ZDNet)
• Best 2-in-1 laptops, convertibles, and hybrid laptops for business 2018 (ZDNet)
• Best cell phone trade-in options for iPhones and Android phones (CNET)
• Clean out junk files in Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 (Download.com)
• Raspberry Pi: More must-read coverage (TechRepublic on Flipboard)