HP ProBook 445 G9 Review: Powerful and Portable Business Laptop
HP ProBook 445 G9 Review: Powerful and Portable Business Laptop
Table of Contents
Introduction
The HP ProBook 445 G9 is a business-oriented laptop that strikes a balance between portability and performance. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it a solid choice for everyday productivity tasks, web browsing, and light multitasking. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value, exploring whether it lives up to its billing as a reliable and efficient work companion.
Key Features
The HP ProBook 445 G9 boasts a comprehensive set of features that cater to business professionals, including:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625U Processor: This powerful processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- 8GB DDR4 RAM: Ample RAM allows for efficient multitasking and smooth application switching.
- 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD: The fast storage provides quick boot times, rapid application launches, and ample space for your files.
- 14″ FHD IPS Display: The vibrant and detailed display offers excellent visuals for work and entertainment.
- Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics: Enjoy smooth graphics for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and multimedia playback.
- Durable Design: Built with a robust chassis and a spill-resistant keyboard, the ProBook 445 G9 is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
- Extensive Security Features: HP Sure Start, HP Sure Click, and TPM 2.0 provide robust security measures to protect your data and privacy.
Performance
During my testing, the HP ProBook 445 G9 impressed with its overall performance. The AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor handled everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing with ease. It also delivered smooth performance for light photo editing and video playback. While not a gaming powerhouse, the integrated AMD Radeon Graphics allowed for decent performance in casual games at lower settings.
The 8GB RAM proved sufficient for multitasking, and the 512GB SSD ensured quick boot times and fast application launches. The 14″ FHD IPS display delivered crisp and vibrant visuals, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods. The keyboard was comfortable to type on, and the trackpad provided accurate and responsive navigation.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summary of the key advantages and disadvantages of the HP ProBook 445 G9:
Pros:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor for smooth performance
- Fast 512GB SSD for quick boot times and application launches
- Durable and portable design
- Excellent display quality
- Comprehensive security features
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad
Cons:
- Limited RAM upgradeability (only 2 SODIMM slots)
- Average battery life
- Integrated graphics not suitable for demanding gaming
Final Verdict
The HP ProBook 445 G9 is a well-rounded business laptop that delivers impressive performance, portability, and security features. Its powerful processor, fast storage, and durable build make it a reliable choice for everyday tasks. While the battery life could be better, and the graphics are not suitable for demanding gaming, it’s still a strong contender in the mid-range business laptop market. If you’re looking for a reliable, portable, and secure laptop for work, the HP ProBook 445 G9 is worth considering.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (HP recommends Windows 11 Pro for business) |
| Processor Family | AMD Ryzen™ 5 processor |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ 5 5625U (up to 4.3 GHz max boost clock, 16 MB L3 cache, 6 cores, 12 threads) |
| Graphics | Integrated, AMD Radeon™ Graphics |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (1 x 8 GB) |
| Memory Slots | 2 SODIMM |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ SSD |
| Display | 14″ diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, narrow bezel, anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Color Gamut | 45% NTSC |
| Brightness | 250 nits |
| Minimum Dimensions (W x D x H) | 32.19 x 21.39 x 1.99 cm |
| Weight | Starting at 1.38 kg (Weight will vary by configuration) |
| Available Software | HP Smart Support |
| Management Features | HP Client Management Script Library (download); HP Driver Packs (download); HP Client Catalog (download); HP Manageability Integration Kit Gen4 (download); HP Image Assistant Gen5 (download); HP Patch Assistant (download); HP Connect for Microsoft Endpoint Manager |
| Battery Type | HP Long Life 3-cell, 51 Wh Li-ion |
| Battery Life | Internal and not replaceable by customer (serviceable by warranty) |
| Wireless | Realtek Wi-Fi 6 RTL8852BE (2×2) and Bluetooth® 5.3 wireless card |
| Network Interface | Realtek RTL8111HSH-CG 10/100/1000 GbE NIC |
| Keyboard | Spill-resistant keyboard |
| Camera | 720p HD privacy camera |
| Audio | Dual stereo speakers, dual array microphones |
| Pointing Device | Clickpad with multi-touch gesture support, taps enabled as default |
| Ports | 1 Thunderbolt™ 4 with USB Type-C® 40Gbps signaling rate (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort™ 1.4); 3 USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 AC power; 1 HDMI 2.0b; 1 stereo headphone/microphone combo jack; 1 RJ-45 |
| Power | HP Smart 45 W USB Type-C™ adapter |
| Security Management | Absolute persistence module; HP DriveLock and Automatic DriveLock; HP Secure Erase; HP Sure Click; HP Sure Sense; BIOS Update via Network; HP Sure Admin; HP BIOSphere Gen6; TPM 2.0 embedded security chip (Common Criteria EAL4+ and FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Certified); HP Sure Start Gen7; HP Wake on WLAN; HP Tamper Lock |
| Fingerprint Reader | Fingerprint sensor |
