HP ProBook 4710s Performance and Conclusion

wPrime processor comparison results (lower scores mean better performance):

PCMark05 measures overall system performance (higher scores mean better performance):

3DMark06 graphics comparison against notebooks @ 1280 x 800 resolution (higher scores mean better performance):

HDTune Storage drive performance test:

Heat and Noise
During normal use (browsing the web or working on a text document) the ProBook 4710s remained relatively cool but not very quiet. The exhaust fan seemingly runs a full blast when the notebook is plugged in, so your coworkers might hear what sounds like a distant hair dryer in a quiet office. This is exactly the same problem we noted with the smaller ProBook 4510s, and we suspect the fan is running loud because there isn't sufficient air flow coming from the bottom of the chassis. The solid bottom of the notebook inhibits air intake for the cooling fan, making the internal components run warmer and the cooling fan has to work harder. When doing tasks that stress the processor and graphics, the laptop's fan works extremely hard to keep this laptop cool.  Five minutes after running the 3DMark06 benchmark the bottom of the notebook was still hotter than 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Battery
HP offers the ProBook 4710s with a 8-cell 63WHr battery. The battery life of the extended life 8-cell battery is better than average for a 17-inch notebook, but not amazing. During our timed tests, with the laptop set to "HP Optimized" mode, wireless active, and 70% screen brightness, the 4710s lasted for 3 hours and 35 minutes before critical shut down. Battery life can also be extended by lowering the screen brightness and using the "power saver" power profile in Windows Vista.

Conclusion
The HP ProBook 4710s is a well-configured desktop replacement that probably deserves some attention from medium business buyers. HP did a good job balancing the system specs such as processor, graphics and high-resolution screen with a modest price point.

Still, things like the plastic construction, uncomfortable touchpad design, difficulty of upgrades, and poor cooling might give potential buyers reasons to look at alternatives such as the Dell Vostro 1720 or Toshiba Satellite L550.

Bottom line, the HP ProBook 4710s, like the rest of the ProBook line, is a good notebook for its intended market. However, HP has some room for improvement if they want to turn this laptop into a deal that's too good to pass up.

Pros:

• A great price for a 17" business notebook
• Nice keyboard
• Attractive, conservative design

Cons:

• Sub-par build quality
• Bad touchpad buttons
• Too difficult to upgrade
• Poor thermal design (gets hot)

• HP ProBook 4510s Review