HP EliteBook 2560p Review

Build and Design
The 12.5-inch 2560p was designed for the traveling business professional in mind as it is the smallest and lightest in the EliteBook family of notebooks and because it's built with HP's DuraCase technology. Meaning, this notebook is supposed to hold up against bangs, scratches, bumps, and falls--and prevent things such as display cracks, broken hinges, and hard drive data loss. 

The chassis has a hard magnesium alloy as a sturdy support structure and is made to protect the top and bottom of the notebook against the elements. The display is layered in magnesium and then covered in an anodized aluminum sheet. HP points out that this construction is "50 percent stronger than magnesium alone." The palmrests are brushed with an aluminum finish that helps prevent against scratches, and the display's hinges are made of metal alloy with steel pin axels. HP has tested the hinges withstanding power, stating that the notebook can be opened and closed ten times every day for a total of six years or 25,000 cycles. It's quite impressive that the notebook still weighs in at 3.68 pounds with all of this added material and layering.

When pressing down in the middle of the keyboard, the notebook does not flex under pressure; nor do the palmrests. The display lid is similarly firm even though the outside screen surrounds are plastic. The entire bottom outside casing is also plastic but doesn't feel poorly constructed.

The design hasn't changed much from last year--it's still covered in black and silver accents and carries a very professional look without being bland. Simply put, the silver against black color scheme creates a nice contrast without being too outlandish. The surfaces are also smooth and feel great.

Overall, the build is exceptional and strong and the design is pleasing to the eyes. I have confidence that it will withstand years of bumps, bruises and the occasional mishap. Speaking of mishaps, the 2560p has a shock-mounted hard drive (to help prevent data loss in the event of a drop) and the keyboard is spill resistant. Really, there isn't much at all to complain about, but perhaps some users would be slightly put off or concerned that the battery sticks out from the backside. But, this is surely one of the best built and attractively designed 12-inch notebook I've come across.

Ports and Features
As we point out in our first look of the newer HP notebooks, the 2560p is the only notebook in the market with an integrated optical drive in this smaller 12.5-inch form factor. Our review model didn't come equipped with one, but users have the option of adding a DVD+/-RW SuperMulti or a DVD-ROM optical drive. The port selection the notebook is quite extensive. Since this is meant to be primarily a travel/business notebook, it doesn't have HDMI. It also doesn't have USB 3.0 even though given its cost, it should have. What it does have is three USB 2.0 ports in total (one for charging mobile devices), a Smart Card reader, ExpressCard/34, SD/MMC, DisplayPort, eSATA, and a lock slot.