ASUS ROG Strix G531GU 15.6" FHD Gaming Laptop Core i5-9300H

ASUS gaming laptop series is one of the most competitive and eye-catching laptop range for gaming enthusiasts. The high-tech features, exclusive design, and emulsified gaming experience ensure the best for every gamer. The ASUS ROG Strix G531GU is one of the innovative models introduced for mid-level gaming needs. However, like other ASUS ROG laptops, this gaming machine packs some of the exciting features. So, let’s dig into it.

General Overview

The ASUS ROG Strix G531GU comes packed with Intel Core i-5 9th Gen 9300 2.4GHz Max Turbo Speed 4.1GHZ Quad-Core Processor. In addition, it features Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660Ti 6GB GDDR6 dedicated GPU for immaculate display. As for the memory, it comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB PCI-e SSD alongside 15.6” full HD Display (1920x1080).

The specs are amazing and provide excellent performance for handling AAA league games easily. Graphical integration is superb enough to provide a stunning gaming experience. Even though it lacks ray tracing, it’s still able to provide exceptional graphics.

A New Design Paradigm

One of the most intriguing elements from ASUS ROG laptops is their collaboration with BMW Designworks Group. That is why the ASUS ROG Strix G531GU comes with a stunning and awe-inspiring design. From 3D flow zone to amazingly contrasted brushed finishes, you can enjoy the asymmetrical cut-out alongside scissor door hinges. The sculpted shape with additional venting is perfect for all your gaming needs.

Your Gaming Glory

The ASUS ROG Strix provides impeccable performance for your gaming needs. The GeForce GTX allows you to enjoy stunning graphics for immersive gameplay. The processor pairs with the RAM & SSD to help you slice through the loading period. In addition, it also comes with an additional 1TB hard drive that will allow you to store your data efficiently. The additional hard drive is necessary because many of the high tier games will consume your SSD’s space. If you want to engage in activities other than gaming, then getting a separate space is important.

Remarkable Performance

The ASUS ROG Strix G531GU comes with a complete powerhouse, fulfilling your gaming needs. It’s better than the previous generations and the 120Hz fresh rate is there to boost your gameplay for an uninterrupted gaming experience.

Running high tier games at 1080p, you can enjoy your favorite games at 60fps immaculately. Games such as CS: GO, Dota, etc. require low tier settings, and can run without any interruption. The Intel Core i-5 with max turbo processor gives relentless power to the system, providing exceptional results for the gameplay you’ve always wanted to enjoy.

The rapid refresh rate unleashes the complete power of the GPU, giving smooth and high-end graphics, leaving no chance of missing any detail. With superior graphical accuracy, there’s no way that you cannot miss your chance of spotting or hitting your opponents.

Ultimate Gaming Keyboard

Though the ASUS ROG Strix G531GU lacks a numeric pad, still, the keyboard is smooth and has big keys to provide a firm grip. Dedicated hotkeys, highlighted WASD, and 4-zone RGB lighting provides a sight of first love. The keyboard is tested to withstand over 20 million key presses and will ensure accuracy for serious gaming needs without compromise.

Smart Amp Technology

Your gaming experience isn’t complete without proper sound effects. That is why it comes with Smart Amp Technology that provides real-time audio adjustments. This is done with monitoring the effects of the screen to minimize noise distortion, keeping the sound in thermal and excursion limits for preventing cone damage. As a result, you get to enjoy the quality sound with higher potential output, more bass, and a higher dynamic range. No more frustration of enemy sneaking up on you now that you can hear even the tiniest of the sound.

Unbounded Connectivity

It’s not like the keyboard isn’t enough. However, there are times when you want to enjoy gaming with your favorite peripherals. Well, that’s not an issue with ASUS ROG Strix G531GU. You can enjoy Gen 2 speed with USB 3.1.

It comes with type three USB 3.1 that provides immaculate transfer and connectivity. Moreover, the HDMI 2.0 allows you to connect your machine with a 4k monitor up to 60Hz. As far as internet connectivity is concerned, you need not to worry about it too.

The ASUS ROG Strix G531GU comes with an integrated Gigabit Ethernet that is superb in handling lower network latency. It provides you with an uninterrupted and lag-free gaming experience. The built-in wifi system is there to complement the overall architecture.

The ROG RangeBoost Technology allows you to get a stable wifi connection. The key behind its success is the algorithm that works on improving wifi range, choosing the best pair according to your location. Moreover, it comes paired with the latest Intel 802.11ac 2x2 Gigabit WIFI. Enjoy 1.7GBps speed almost anywhere without any lags.

Stream VR Seamlessly

With the high-powered GPU, you don’t have to worry about having lagging VR experience. The ASUS ROG Strix G531GU provides superb VR experience with smooth graphics and stutter-free streaming. All you need to do is plug-in and enjoy your favorite games on VR. In addition, you also get to enjoy the best cinematic experience because that’s what ASUS ROG Strix G531GU is all about.

Armory Crate Support

The ASUS ROG Strix G531GU comes with an integrated software control system known as the Armory Crate. It is designed to provide you with complete control over system performance. The single profile utility can be adjusted according to your taste, which will allow you to take control of your system’s settings. In addition, you also get to define as well as customize different screen portfolios with automatic adjustments for your regular gaming needs.

Final Note

The ASUS ROG Strix G531GU is truly a competitive choice for mid-level gaming needs. The three- and half-hour battery timing can be an issue. However, the Dual N-blade fans allow the best cooling experience too. In the end, it all comes to personal choices. When considered for specs, the ASUS ROG Strix is quite a machine and well-suited for its price. It offers superior graphics and uninterrupted performance, which is the most requirement for every gamer! For more gaming laptops range just visit Laptop Outlet.

HP OMEN 15-dc1007na 15.6" Gaming Laptop Core i7-8750H

One of the most competitive brands in the tech industry, HP has never failed to amaze the market with its amazing laptops and tech. HP gaming laptops have been widely regarded for their magnificent architecture and competitive performance. HP OMEN is one of these laptops that we’re going to focus on. So, let’s get started:

Appealing & Stylish

The body design of HP OMEN 15-dc1007na is quite amazing. The two hinges are placed to make the screen floating, giving a slim bezel look for the users. In addition, the lid itself looks like something from a warzone, making it extra appealing.

The glossy Omen logo is placed in the middle with cross hair crimson design that is formed around it. The finish comprises the combination of aluminum and carbon fiber, giving a smooth texture, more like silk. Though some argue that the chassis could have been slimmer as many of its competitor laptops such as ASUS Rog, Alienware m15, etc. are lighter in weight.

In addition, port additions have been made to enhance your gaming experience. It has separate inputs for headphones and mic, 3 USB 3.0 ports, Thunderbolt Port, security lock socket, and much more.

An Enigmatic Display

Don’t go just for the exteriors as this is surely important for HP OMEN 15. The 1080p 15.6” screen provides superb colors, smooth animations, and an amazingly 144Hz refresh rate. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 comes with a 6GB dedicated GPU that is enough to bring your gameplay more than just lively.

The GPU is also powered with the Intel Core processor that makes it superbly efficient in providing outclass graphics. However, you would need to go for an external webcam if you’re in for HD streaming. The webcam isn’t effective as it is unable to provide quality display, showing pixels and unable to clean the surroundings as well as showing an ominously dark picture.

Stunning Performance

The HP OMEN comes with stunning performance parameters. It is powered by Intel Core i-7 8750H with 2.2 GHz Max Turbo Speed 4.1 GHz Hexa Core Processor. The superb performance parameter is what makes HP OMEN a competitive gaming laptop in the market.

Moreover, it has been enhanced with 16GB Ram with 1GB HDD and 256GB SSD to provide outstanding performance to the laptop. This immense power allows you to run your favorite games while scrolling through 40 tabs on your chrome browser easily.

It also provides immense transferring speed, allowing 231MBps transfer rate, and transferring 4.97GB data within 22 seconds. Although its average is below the average of several other gaming laptops, including Rog Zephyrus M (300MBps), it still delivered an effective transfer rate.

Many geek techs have evaluated their performance and found it to be competitive in comparison with other laptops. The HP OMEN excelled with an overall score of 21, 870 in terms of performance, greater than average laptops, including Stealth Thin, Zephyrus S, etc.

When it came to converting 4k video into 1080p, Omen took 10 minutes and 25 seconds for the entire conversion, which is above the average for gaming laptops. It shows that even lacking some of the competitive features such as enhanced SSD, GPU, etc. HP OMEN showed no signs of backing down in performance. One can easily choose this bad boy to play, stream, and broadcast their gameplay in 1080p without any interruption.

Effective Cooling

Gaming laptops tend to produce a lot of heat during their usage. The same goes for HP gaming laptops and Omen. However, the laptop is able to provide a comfortable usage experience during low power consuming tasks. While on gaming, it can produce heat, leading to creating hotspots with 143 degrees. It comes with a paired cooling fan system that allows maximum heat to escape. However, running at max settings does have its setbacks.

Additional Perks

The HP Omen comes with Bang & Olufsen speakers that produce immaculate vocals without any noise. However, a buzzing sound can be heard when listened over full volume. In addition, the Omen Audio Control software can help you equalize the sounds that would minimize the issue.

Apart from that, it comes with a mushy keyword that will allow your keys to tap dance all over it. It’s quite comfortable and with four-zone RGB backlighting, it provides an immersive user experience. The 4x2.1 inch touchpad is super smooth and comes with discrete buttons that are highly responsive. It also supports two-finger and three-finger tab switching, which is also cool.

The HDMI output is enough to transmit HD video and sound with ease. With Omen GameStream, you can freely and remotely control your gameplay services. In addition, it also allows you to stream your gameplay over other Omen PCs and Windows 10 PCs without any hassle.

Final Note

The HP OMEN 15-dc1007na is surely one of the most desired gaming laptops in the market. The reason is its superb compatibility, outstanding performance, and magnificent graphics, all in a sound offer. The rigged design makes it effectively portable, and you’d surely want to keep it on the list for buying a new gaming laptop. It comes with a 1-year warranty, and provides value for your investment, especially if you’re looking for something under £1500.

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 14" Business Laptop Core i5-10210U

Among all the ThinkPad series, the E series is the most affordable one. Laptops in this series carry all the good features, such as the ThinkPad keyboard and the red TrackPoint. But what makes these laptops more suitable for an extensive range of customers is their reasonable prices. One of its latest models that carries the mantle is Lenovo ThinkPad E14.

The ThinkPad E14 features the traditional ThinkPad design that we have seen on predecessor models. It comes in silver grey colour and is powered by the Comet Lake CPU with a 14-inch display. The E14 has all the software goodies that Lenovo provides including an integrated fingerprint reader with the power button and a webcam privacy shutter.

We are going to share with you the strengths and weaknesses of Lenovo ThinkPad E14 - 20RA0016UK here. We have evaluated the design, display, specs and functionality of this model in detail.

Specs Sheet

Processor: Intel Quad-Core i5-10210U (10th Gen.) / 1.6GHz Max. Turbo Speed 4.2GHz

RAM: 8GB 

Storage: 256GB SSD

Display: 14-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) Resolution

Graphics: Intel UHD Integrated

Weight: around 3.72 lbs (1.69 Kg) Battery: 45Wh

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)

Design

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 comes in a number of configurations and material quality. You can get it in all-plastic, all-aluminium or with a plastic base with a metal lid. All these options vary in weight and profile, so you must choose the one that fits your needs.

The one with the plastic chassis weighs around 3.9 lbs (1.77 Kg) with a profile of 20.5mm. Whereas, the one with the all-aluminium body has a profile of 17.9mm and weighs around 3.81 lbs (1.73 Kg). The one we got our hands on had a metal lid with a plastic base and weighs around 3.72 lbs (1.69 Kg) with an 18.9mm profile.

Keyboard

The keyboard on the ThinkPad E14 has long-travel keys and offer great feedback. Ours had no backlight, but Lenovo also offers one with the backlight feature. Like all the ThinkPads, it also comes with the inversed control and function buttons. However, we didn’t like the idea of placing the ‘Page Down’ and ‘Page Up’ buttons around the right and left Arrow keys.

We found the touchpad a bit more agile with matte finish. Although the finish offers more gliding, we didn’t find it useful. Nevertheless, it is a good touchpad that is responsive and attracts fewer fingerprints. In the middle of the keyboard, there is the traditional Red Nipple that works as a neat tracking device.

Display

As we mentioned earlier, Lenovo has equipped the ThinkPad E14 with a 14-inch wide FHD display. It is armed with the IPS technology and comes with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080p. The screen offers 157 PPI pixel density along with 0.161 х 0.161 mm pixel pitch and a screen ratio of 16:9.

At a distance of 22-inches, the screen of ThinkPad E14 turns Retina. With a maximum 5% deviation, it offers an average screen brightness of 295 nits. The screen delivers a superb visual experience with bright colours, thanks to the Intel integrated UHD graphics.

Connectivity

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 houses enough ports on both sides. On the right side, there is a Type-A USB 2.0, a Kensington lock and an RJ45 Ethernet port. On the other side, it houses two Type-A USB 3.0 ports, a Type-C USB 3.1 Gen. 1 port a 3.5 mm combo audio jack and an HDMI port.

Performance

The model we evaluated for this review was ThinkPad E14 - 20RA0016UK. It came with a 10th generation core i5 CPU with the Windows 10 Pro pre-installed. This is a quad-core processor that offers a base speed of 1.6GHz with a maximum turbo speed of 4.2GHz. Lenovo has equipped this model with 256GB SSD storage and an 8GB memory.

This is a powerful combo that ensures your laptop runs smoothly and offers high-speed performance. Its processor can consume 25W for up to 30 seconds, but it only consumes 15W afterward. We tested its performance by running office programs and light media editing tools along with 10 Chrome tabs. The ThinkPad E14 showed good performance without any lags as we jump between different apps.

 

Battery Life

Lenovo has equipped the E14 with a 45Wh battery that it claims can last for almost 12 hours. However, in our performance test, the battery failed to meet this claim. We were able to extract around 10 hours of battery life during web surfing and 9 hours on video playback. 

Verdict

Lenovo has done well, and this is a good ThinkPad laptop. With the ThinkPad E14, the company has successfully evolved the E series. A good display, Core i5 CPU of 10th generation, USB-C charging and a long-lasting battery are some of its advantages. On the contrary, it lacks a Thunderbolt 3 port and only covers 52% of sRGB. However, its overall performance makes up for these features, making it a reasonably good ThinkPad.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M720s SFF Desktop PC Core i5-9400

Lenovo ThinkCentre M720s is an ultra-portable small form factor (SFF) desktop. This is a cleanly assembled PC for those who want to save some space on their desks without compromising over productivity. Lenovo has designed it by keeping the portability, compactness aligned with high-end specs and connectivity. It is a straightforward desktop choice that would wow you with its unique design and power.

The ThinkCentre M720s features the latest tech components as well as features that you have always been wishing for. Added security features and additional support for multiple monitors make it the best pick for creative professionals.

We have reviewed this SFF Lenovo desktop PC for its design and performance as well as its strengths and weaknesses. We evaluated the functionality of Lenovo ThinkCentre M720s - 10ST007EUK to find out whether it has got what it takes to be a quality office desktop PC.

Specs Sheet

Processor: Intel Hexa-Core i5-9400 (9th Gen.) / 2.9GHz Max. Turbo Speed 4.1GHz

RAM: 8GB Storage: 256GB SSD

Graphics: Intel UHD 620 Integrated

Dimensions: 3.64 x 11.44 x 13.52 inches

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)

Design

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M720s features a no-frills design that we mostly see on professional desktops. It has a metal chassis that is simple but the honeycomb-patterned grill adds a splash of flair. Lenovo has opted for a completely black colour, but the logos on the PC are in white and red colours.

This a well-thought design and you can either place it vertically or horizontally depending on the space you have. Lenovo also offers a small stand in case you want to erect the ThinkCentre M720s vertically. This is a small plastic bracket that provides stability and slips onto the side of its body.

Connectivity

The ThinkCentre M720s has surprisingly a lot of ports on a small form factor chassis. On the front, it houses a Type-C USB 3.1 (Gen1) port, two USB 3.1 (Gen1) ports, two USB 3.1 (Gen2) ports and a 3.5mm combo mic/headphone jack. On the backside, there are four USB 2.0 ports, a pair of DisplayPort ports, a VGA port and an Ethernet (RJ-45) port.

In addition, there is a LAN port for wired networking and a screw-on antenna for the Wi-Fi adapter. You can connect three additional monitors with the ThinkCentre M720s to further improve your productivity, thanks to an ample number of video ports.

Performance

Lenovo ThinkCentre M720s - 10ST007EUK has a powerful combination of hardware including the Core i5 9th generation CPU. This is a hexa-core processor that delivers a base frequency of 2.9GHz and can offer a maximum turbo speed of 4.1GHz. Then there is an 8GB RAM paired with a 256GB SSD to ensure smooth, high-speed performance.

An 8GB memory means that your RAM will works hand in hand with the CPU and your PC can handle intensive workloads. While having a Solid-state drive (SSD) means fast access to data as compared to the creaky mechanical hard drives. This is a powerful duo that delivers snappy responsiveness when you need your PC to deliver quick results.

With such incredible specs, the ThinkCentre M720s can thrive and handle all your office-centric tasks. You don’t have to worry about the productivity or low system speed while working on spreadsheets, word processing, browsing and video calling your team. This is a desktop PC that performs exceedingly well when you are multitasking.

We evaluated its performance by streaming both audio and video while browsing through a dozen Chrome tabs and the system did not hold back. We run some media editing tools and found the results too much promising. So, you can throw all your computing tasks including image and video editing towards it. Lenovo has the power and hardware to handle all your tough tasks. 

Graphics

The M720s we tested for performance came with the Intel UHD 620 integrated graphics but lacks a discrete graphics card. In layman’s term, you cannot use it to render complex 3D models or as a gaming rig. However, the integrated graphics card is powerful enough to fulfill your everyday graphics needs. You will still get rich visuals while streaming videos or when you are editing an image.

Verdict

Lenovo’s ThinkCentre M720s is a small powerhouse packed inside a simple, sleek chassis. This small form factor PC is compact yet has got the perfect specs that you need for office computing. It has a fair number of ports distributed on the front and rear sides for connectivity. You can buy it for your home entertainment unit or for your office to attach multiple monitors. As an affordable desktop PC, it fits the bill and is worth the price.

Lenovo V14 - Business Laptop Intel Core-i5 1035G1

Lenovo V14 is one of Lenovo’s midrange laptop that is categorized in its most of the budget-friendly options. This laptop is equipped with 10th Generation Intel’s processor that is perfect for operating usual programs and applications. While we get multiple choices in selecting Lenovo’s affordable range, this core i5 laptop comes handy with its lightweight presence and ultra-portable design. The Lenovo V14-82C40019UK doesn’t come slow in fulfilling your demands for running several commands with heavy-duty maintenance.

This small to medium business laptop is focused with an abundant storage of 256 GB that can also be upgraded, paired with sufficient RAM. We will have to see how well it performs in its benchmark value in our detailed review for final clarification. This little compact laptop although comes with a typical style, but packs enough power to lead you through a hectic work day.

If you need stability at low cost, with efficient solutions and durable functionalities, the Lenovo V14 might be the one for you. With affordable price tag, there come few setbacks, just like its average screen and Integrated Graphics. But, most of the buyers might not be interested in getting a dedicated graphics solution. Let’s move on to the detailed review of Lenovo V14 and check it out!

SPECS

• Processor: (10th Gen) Intel Core i5-1035G1 | 1.0 GHz - 3.6 GHz Max Turbo Speed | Quad Core 

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage: 256GB HDD

• Display: 14-inch screen with Full HD (1920 x 1080) Resolution

• GPU: Integrated Graphics Intel UHD 

• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

• SKU: 82C40019UK

Pros

• Excellent battery

• Power-packed performance

• Budget-friendly

• Good keyboard

Cons

• TN Panel

• No USB Type C and RJ-45 connector

Build & Design

The build of Lenovo V14 is on the good quality side, but the design is kept very basic and simple with plastic body. There’s not a single hint of aluminium you will find on this laptop except a woven texture finish on the lid and base. Mostly, the case of Lenovo V14 is wrapped with plastic body showcasing a neat look. The laptop doesn’t seem super bendable, but it surely contains the 180-degree rotation, so you can lay it flat anywhere you use it.

On the flexible side, you can’t open this device with single hand, but it’s also not hard to handle with both hands. It weighs just around 1.6 kg, which certainly makes it on a higher portable side. Carrying it around for your work projects won’t cause any difficulty with its 19.9 mm thickness. Moreover, despite of a low weight this laptop appears bigger with its top and bottom bezels, including the huge latter.

Keyboard

The keyboard, on the other side is one of the best parts equipped in Lenovo V14 due to its spill resistance. The keyboard has naturally bigger keycaps and responsive outcome with tactile feedback. Clicking and typing on its keyboard feels comfortable and smooth while working through it. We personally adored the keyboard as it also has a decent key travel, even though it lacks backlight.

Performance

The performance of this laptop terms to be the finest stroke of power in such affordable price. With 10th Generation brilliance by Intel, you get a core-i5 processor that has no shortage of command when you need to work on hefty projects, multimedia files or heavy files. Along the processing capability, we are enhanced with an 8GB RAM that copes remarkably with 256GB storage to allow us smooth multitasking.  On the graphics side, you rather get an Integrated graphics coverage, which isn’t superb in terms of visuals, but not worst at all. You can enjoy long-hour video watching and casual game playing with this speed and graphics.

DISPLAY

The display of this Lenovo model exhibits a TN panel, which was quite assumable considering its price range. The quick response of screen and good monitoring of brightness keeps it on a reasonable side. But, the TN panel makes it a little uncomfortable for viewing angles and contrast ratio. However, it’s not as bad as an average user would like to see. With TN panel, the contrast ratio we get to see is 16:9 with a pixel density of 157 ppi. The 14-inch screen offers a full HD Resolution with a bright display and the screen also turns Retina when you view it at least from 56 cm. Overall, the reaction times of display were quick with a contented backlight, but the average modest colour and poor viewpoints makes it somehow unlikeable.

BATTERY

The battery of Lenovo V14 unquestionably performs better than we imagined. The 35 Wh battery pack with Lithium ion lasted for longer, staying up to 8.5 hours. If you adjust brightness to 120 Nits, with video playing and web surfing, it will stay longer than 8 hours. So, the battery longevity surely impressed us and every workaholic can take utmost advantage out of it. If you are more concerned about the battery durability, the Lenovo V14 stands strong in this feature.

CONNECTIVITY

On the left side, you will see a visible collection of ports on Lenovo V14 including an HDMI connector, 3 USB Type A ports and 2 USB 3.1 ports as well. There is no USB Type C port found it and also the RJ-45 connector also isn’t included in its ports crew. On the right side, you will observe an SD card and an audio jack. The ports aren’t much fascinating with more variety, but the necessary ports are included as usual.

VERDICT

The Lenovo V14 - 82C40019UK showed us a durable performance overall in all its features, either we talk about processing speed with core-i5 and 8GB RAM or the battery power. This laptop is a rock-solid combination of portability and power with one prominent lack of highly efficient screen. But, pricing around £521.99, you can satisfy all your tech requirements within its compactness. Moreover, this one can be very useful for local employees or vivid workers, who are always on the run for their online work. You can get this laptop on amazing deals too, from our web store Laptop Outlet. Don’t forget to check it out!

Review: HP ProBook 430 G6 13.3" Business Laptop Core i5-8265U

HP’s ProBook line is an inexpensive alternative for business users who don’t want to spend much on the HP EliteBook series. These are budget-friendly devices that come with impressive hardware and design at reasonably lower prices. The latest G-series HP ProBook 430 G6 is packed with outstanding arsenal and is a relatively affordable option for mainstream business users than an EliteBook.

The ProBook 430 G6 - 5TJ81ET#ABU is an Intel Core i5 laptop that features some promising specs and features. In fact, this is a solid business laptop that has everything you might need while working in an office. In case you want to read more about the HP ProBook 430 G6 core i5, we have reviewed this powerful laptop for you.

We have evaluated its specs, speed, performance, and battery life to assess its functionality.

Specs Sheet

SKU: 5TJ81ET#ABU

Processor: Intel Quad-Core i5-8265U (8th Gen.) / 1.6GHz Max. Turbo Speed 3.4GHz

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 256GB SSD

Display: 13.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Resolution

Graphics: Intel UHD 620 Integrated

Battery: Up to 11 hours Weight: around 3.28 lbs (1.49 Kg)

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

Let’s find out whether ProBook 430 G6 - 5TJ81ET#ABU has what it takes to be a true business laptop. We have reviewed its design and evaluated its performance and functionality.

Design

HP has borrowed the case design from its EliteBook series for the ProBook 430 G6. It looks like a clone of an EliteBook which gives this Intel Core i5 laptop a premium look. The manufacturer has also opted for a slightly thinner base and bezels. It weighs around 3.28 lbs (1.49 Kg) with a thin 18 mm profile.

Its aluminium made lid is durable and can withstand serious knocks and bumps. But the best part is that you can lift the lid with a single hand. On the bottom side, there are grills for ventilation, while the vent is present on the left side.

Display

HP ProBook 430 G6 features a 13.3-inch wide diagonal display that comes with an FHD IPS panel. Its screen ratio is 16:9, while the resolution is 1920 х 1080 pixels. In addition, it offers a pixel density of 166 PPI with 0.153 х 0.153 mm pitch. Moreover, its screen turns Retina at around 20.8-inches or 53 cm.

The matte finish of the ProBook 430 G6 diffuses some reflections under the light. Furthermore, its dim display makes it difficult for a user to work outdoor. However, this isn’t much of an issue if you are buying this ProBook to use in the office.

Keyboard

The keyboard on the HP ProBook 430 G6 core i5 laptop is good for typing. The key travel is not the most impressive, while the keycap size is also average. Plus, the feedback is somewhat clicky which might irritate you if you want to work quietly. However, we found the touchpad on the ProBook 430 G6 accurate and snappy.

Its touchpad is larger than the regular size, like a Windows laptop which is rare. Also, there is an optional fingerprint reader on the right side below the keyboard. We won’t say that this is amongst the best, but it is certainly not a bad keyboard. You would enjoy typing on it, whether you are a writer or a creative professional.

Ports

HP ProBook 430 G6 has an array of ports for connectivity on it. On the right side, there is a 3.5mm audio jack, an HDMI, an RJ-45 and a USB Type-A 3.1 (Gen. 1) port. In addition, you are going to see a barrel-style plug and another USB Type-C 3.1 with a DisplayPort output.  On the left side, there is an SD card reader accompanying the exhaust and a USB Type-A 3.1 port (Gen. 1).

Performance

HP ProBook 430 G6 - 5TJ81ET#ABU is a true business laptop when we look at its specs. It is armed with an 8the generation Intel i5 processor that runs on the Windows 10 Pro OS. This is a quad-core processor that delivers 1.6GHz clock speed and offer a maximum clock speed of 3.4GHz. In addition, HP has added an 8GB RAM paired with a 256GB SSD drive to further improve its speed.

The ProBook 430 G6 delivers smooth, high-speed performance in daily use and won’t let you down while working on a demanding task. You’ll get the most out of its CPU and won’t experience any lags while playing 3D games or working on heavy software. The good thing is that you can upgrade its SSD, RAM and can also add a spare 2.5-inch drive bay.

The ProBook 430 G6 features a 45 Wh battery, which can power the device for up to 11 hours. We tested this claim through the Wi-Fi test and got a runtime of around 9 hours. This is still very impressive for a 13-inch business laptop with such high-end components and a 45 Wh battery.

You must also know that HP has disabled the Turbo Boost. In layman’s term, the system will limit the CPU performance by default on battery. However, you can rectify this by enabling the Turbo Boost on the DC option.

Verdict

In a nutshell, the ProBook 430 G6 is a premium business laptop that resembles in look with an EliteBook. Unique design, powerful CPU, high-end hardware and a long-lasting battery make it an ideal choice for professionals. The bottom line is that HP ProBook 430 G6 is a decent business laptop that offers the best value for money.

Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T490 - Best Business Laptop Intel Core i5-8265

Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is another versatile addition in Lenovo’s laptop range withstanding strong build, slimmer design and compact performance. The laptop comes in a reasonable price compared to many laptops offering same specifications on paper, so you might get a great deal. Lenovo never gives up in enhancing some of the credible features to be involved within its laptop according to the price factor. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 20N20009UK seems to stand solid in most of its terminologies.

Most of the sectors and Lenovo itself claims it to be one of the best business laptops that can implement all required functionalities needed by a business enthusiast or moderate workaholic. But, we needed a practical version on how well the specs actually perform in reality. We found out the WQHD display to be the most fascinating part of this laptop with HDR and it also proved to be one of the finest core-i5 laptops. The battery performance wasn’t up to mark and might disappoint you. However, some additional features of security, dTPM 2.0 chip, fingerprint reader gives this laptop an extra plus. Let’s get into the review!

SPECS

• Processor: (8th Gen) Intel Core i5-8265U | 1.6 GHz Max Turbo Speed 3.9 GHz |Quad Core
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Display: 14-inch screen with Full HD IPS (1920 x 1080) Resolution
• GPU: Integrated Graphics Intel UHD 620
• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• SKU: 20N20009UK

PROS

• Spectacular WQHD Display
• 
  
• ThinkShutter to hide Webcam
• 
  
• Type C USB Charging
• 
  
• Lighter and Thinner

CONS

• Average Battery Life
• 
  
• Fan noise

DESIGN & BUILD

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 being at just 1.44kg is on the lighter side with best portability you can get.  The design encapsulates thinner edges and sleek body with aluminium casing and the chassis is covered by black soft paint that increases its grace. With 17.9 mm thinness, its build includes dual hinges that allow 180-degree rotation so you will be able to bend it easily. This laptop has a smaller footprint and an optional IR camera is also there above the display along with PrivacyGuard display option. You also get dual 2W speakers positioned alongside keyboard with clear and crisp audio.

DISPLAY

The high-end WQHD display grabs the best spot with its seamless design and immersive visuals. The 14 inches screen comes with an IPS Panel, which is best for viewing angles and better illustration. You will not find any difficulty if you try to view it from side and distant angles. Plus, the Dolby Vision HDR and 500 nits brightness makes the display worth it. Most of the tests also show 100% sRGB colour gamut, which is brilliant along with an FHD display.

PERFORMANCE

When we contemplated on the performance levels of this laptop, there were many highs and some lows to get an overall perspective. If you are an absolute employee or a business individual looking for a laptop that can run all your office-based files, applications or programs, this laptop comes in handy with its lightweight existence and reliable core-i5 processor. The Whiskey Lake processor packed in the laptop works quite reluctantly whether you need to maintain heavy files, work on compound software or complete excessive spreadsheets. There might be very few lags for extremely high voltage games or applications, but they tend to be easily preventable.

Moreover, the 8GB RAM comes with an adequate combination of 256 GB storage that makes the multi-tasking very convenient. For people who need to store large files in their laptop and maintain the data with a good running speed, this laptop can work greatly.

BATTERY

There was a swappable battery system that was added in its previous model but in this one, there’s no such swap bridge battery system. The battery capacity offered in this model is 50 Wh, which doesn’t last much longer and the charging is a bit of a task too. The battery is acceptable if you aren’t too concerned about it, but we can get much better options for battery power in the tech market.

VERDICT

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 clearly gets over the typical scenario with its potent hardware and credible in-house features. It can be termed as a durable workhorse for most individuals working in multiple fields including media houses, business firms or software houses. Well, the most we liked about it was unquestionably its display and processing efficiency. Only the battery was a perceptible flaw, but some may deal with it quite easily. Don’t forget to check it out on our web store, Laptop Outlet!