HP’s laptop for business: the HP ProBook 5310m

HP is calling its newest business machine the “world’s thinnest full-performance notebook.” Why do they use that tag line? It’s the thinnest standard-voltage notebook measured at its thickest point. The ProBook 5310m has an Intel Core 2 Duo SP9300 (2.26 GHz) processor. If you choose, you can get an Intel Celeron SU2300 (1.20GHz). Battery life is somewhere between 6 and 7 hours. You get more battery life with the Celeron. HP chose to put in a display port into this notebook since it is more versatile than placing a HDMI port. There’s a 13.3-inch LED backlit LCD display at a resolution of 1366 x 768.

Since this is HP’s business machine, there is an anti-glare option, as well as HP QuickLook 3 which gives you access to your Outlook calendar, and QuickWeb browser. QuickLook and QuickWeb are accessible via dedicated buttons on the right of the keyboard – they allow you quick access to apps without needing to boot up a full operating system. There is a 4 cell battery as well as a 6 cell battery option.

After handling this particular laptop, it seems like a winner. The black brushed aluminum case along with a rubberized bottom case make the 5310m seem sturdy and hard to drop. The HP ProBook 5310m starts at $699.

Selected Specs:
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo SP9300 (2.26 GHz, 6 MB L2 cache) or Intel Celeron SU2300 (1.20 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache)
• Memory: DDR3 SDRAM, 1333 MHz (running at 1066 MHz), one slot supporting 1024/2048/4096 MB SODIMM
• Graphics: Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD
• Networking: 802.11a/b/g/n, 10/100/1000 NIC
• Secure Digital slot: supports SD (Secure Digital), MMC (MultiMedia Card)
• Connectors: 3 USB 2.0 ports (1 powered), DisplayPort, power connector, RJ-45/Ethernet, combo stereo headphone/mic jack

Company Site: [HP.com]