HP ProBook 450 Gen 6

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i3, i5, i7 (Whisky Lake) processors, including the i5-8265U and i7-8565U. Options also include Intel Pentium 5405U and Intel Celeron 4255U/4205U.
• RAM: Up to 32 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM across two SODIMM slots.
• Storage: Dual storage options available, supporting up to 512 GB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drives (SSD) and up to 1 TB Hard Disk Drives (HDD).
• Display: 15.6-inch diagonal options include HD (1366x768) with anti-glare, and Full HD (1920x1080) Ultra Wide Viewing Angle (UWVA) with optional touch.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 (or HD Graphics 610/UHD 610) or optional discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX130 or MX250 with 2 GB GDDR5 dedicated memory.
• Ports: 1x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 (Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.2), 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 (power port), 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x RJ-45 (Gigabit Ethernet), 1x headphone/microphone combo jack, SD card reader, AC power port.
• Wireless Connectivity: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9560 802.11ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 Combo. Optional Intel XMM 7262 LTE-Advanced (Cat6) WWAN.
• Battery: 45 Wh 3-cell Lithium-Ion with HP Fast Charge technology, capable of recharging up to 50% in 30 minutes.
• Webcam: 720p HD webcam.
• Keyboard: Spill-resistant, full-size keyboard with numeric keypad, and optional backlighting.
• Dimensions & Weight: Starting at 2.0 kg (4.41 lbs).

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The HP ProBook 450 G6 offers a versatile range of configurations, making it suitable for diverse business needs. The 8th Gen Intel Core processors provide ample performance for general office applications and multitasking. While the base HD display option is often criticized for its poor viewing angles and low resolution, the Full HD IPS display significantly enhances the visual experience. Memory is highly expandable up to 32GB, which is more than sufficient for most professional workloads, and the dual SODIMM slots allow for dual-channel memory configurations, improving integrated graphics performance. Storage flexibility, with options for fast NVMe SSDs and larger HDDs, allows users to prioritize speed or capacity. The port selection is comprehensive for a business laptop, including modern USB-C with DisplayPort and power delivery, although the HDMI 1.4b limits 4K output to 30Hz. Wireless connectivity is robust, offering excellent Wi-Fi performance and optional LTE for mobile professionals. The battery provides a full workday's power for general use, complemented by convenient fast charging.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Primarily supports Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and Windows 10 Home 64-bit. FreeDOS 3.0 is also an available option.
• End of Support Date: Specific end-of-support dates are not publicly listed but typically align with HP's business product lifecycle for driver and firmware updates.
• Available Drivers: HP provides comprehensive driver support for the ProBook 450 G6 via its official support website. HP Driver Packs and HP System Software Manager (SSM) are available for simplified deployment and management in enterprise environments.
• Compatibility with Other Systems: Supports one-cable docking solutions via its USB-C port, enabling easy integration with desktop peripherals and external displays.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The HP ProBook 450 G6 is designed with enterprise environments in mind, reflected in its strong support for Windows 10 and comprehensive driver availability. HP's provision of driver packs and management tools like SSM simplifies large-scale deployments and ongoing maintenance. The USB-C port's support for docking solutions enhances its compatibility with modern office setups, allowing for a streamlined workspace with single-cable connectivity. While a definitive end-of-support date is not readily available, HP's commitment to business-class devices typically ensures several years of driver and firmware updates post-launch. Users should regularly check HP's official support channels for the latest updates to maintain optimal performance and security.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 security chip.
  • HP BIOSphere Gen4 for BIOS protection, firmware-level automation, automatic updates, and security checks.
  • HP DriveLock & Automatic DriveLock for storage security.
  • Secure Erase for data sanitization.
  • Optional HP Fingerprint Sensor for biometric authentication.
  • Optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition.
  • Kensington lock slot for physical security.
  • HP Client Security Suite Gen4, including Credential Manager, HP Password Manager, HP Spare Key, and HP Device Access Manager.
  • HP Sure Click for browser-based threat protection.
  • Optional Absolute Persistence Module for device tracking and recovery.
  • HP LAN-Wireless Protection and HP Connection Optimizer for network security and reliability.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication support.
  • MIL-STD 810G testing for durability against environmental stresses.
  • Spill-resistant keyboard.
• Vulnerabilities: Identified firmware vulnerabilities include CVE-2019-18618 (CVSS 6.0), CVE-2021-39297 (CVSS 6.0), and BIOS arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities (CVE-2021-3808, CVE-2021-3809, CVSS 8.8).
• Recommendations: Regularly update the system's BIOS and drivers through HP's official support channels to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Enable and utilize all available security features, such as the fingerprint sensor, TPM 2.0, and the HP Client Security Suite, to enhance overall system protection.

Analysis of Security Status

The HP ProBook 450 G6 integrates a comprehensive set of security features, aligning with its business-class designation. Hardware-level protections like TPM 2.0 and HP BIOSphere Gen4 provide a strong foundation against unauthorized access and firmware attacks. Software suites such as HP Client Security Suite Gen4 and HP Sure Click add layers of protection for data, credentials, and browsing activities. While the device is well-equipped, it has been subject to identified firmware vulnerabilities, as is common with many complex computing systems. Proactive management, including consistent application of HP-released BIOS and driver updates, is crucial to maintain a secure posture and address these potential weaknesses. The MIL-STD 810G testing also indicates a level of physical durability, contributing to overall asset security.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: The 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U and i7-8565U processors deliver solid performance for typical office and internet applications. The i7 offers a marginal performance increase over the i5.
• Graphics Performance: The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 handles video streaming and general display tasks effectively. The optional NVIDIA GeForce MX130/MX250 provides a modest boost for light graphics workloads or very basic gaming at lower settings. Dual-channel RAM configurations can improve integrated graphics performance.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Good for general office use and multitasking.
  • Excellent Wi-Fi performance with the Intel Wireless-AC 9560.
  • SD card reader offers competent transfer speeds, averaging around 75 MB/s for JPG copies and 83 MB/s for sequential reads.
  • Fan operation is generally quiet at idle.
  • CPU performance may downclock when operating on battery power due to thermal management.
• Battery Life: Provides approximately 8 hours of battery life under general use conditions, reducing to 2-3 hours under continuous heavy load. Fast charging allows for a 50% charge in about 30 minutes.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: The ProBook 450 G6 generally offers competitive performance within its business laptop class. However, some users note that the discrete MX130 GPU might feel underpowered compared to previous generations, and the base HD display is often cited as a significant drawback when compared to competitors' offerings.

Analysis of Performance Status

The HP ProBook 450 G6 is a capable performer for its target audience of business users. Its 8th Gen Intel Core processors provide sufficient power for daily productivity tasks, web browsing, and common business applications. The optional discrete graphics cards offer a slight advantage for tasks requiring more graphical horsepower, though it remains primarily a business machine, not a gaming or heavy-duty creative workstation. Real-world usage indicates reliable Wi-Fi performance and adequate battery life for a typical workday, with the added benefit of fast charging. While the system generally maintains quiet operation, thermal management can lead to CPU downclocking on battery, impacting peak performance in unplugged scenarios. Overall, the ProBook 450 G6 delivers a balanced performance profile suitable for its intended use, with its primary performance limitation often being the quality of the base display option.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Positive Feedback: Users frequently praise the ProBook 450 G6 for its upgradeability, allowing for RAM and storage expansions to prolong its lifespan. Its robust security features and durable chassis are also well-regarded, contributing to its suitability for business environments. The battery life is considered good for general use, and the fast-charging capability is a convenient feature. The spill-resistant, optional backlit keyboard and responsive touchpad receive positive mentions.
• Negative Feedback: A recurring criticism centers on the quality of the base 1366x768 HD display, which is often described as having poor viewing angles, low brightness, and generally being subpar. The keyboard, while spill-resistant, is sometimes criticized for its shallow keystroke and plasticky feel, with some users finding it uncomfortable for extended typing. The absence of Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports is noted as a limitation by some, and the HDMI 1.4b port restricts 4K output to 30Hz. Some users reported issues such as frequent memory errors or a perception that the system occasionally underperforms despite its specifications. The internal design for upgrades, while possible, can be challenging due to clips and soft screws.

Analysis of User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for the HP ProBook 450 G6 paints a picture of a practical and functional business laptop with clear strengths and weaknesses. Its upgradeability and solid build quality are significant advantages, offering longevity and adaptability for businesses. The security features are also a strong point, providing peace of mind for data protection. However, the most consistent area of dissatisfaction revolves around the display, particularly the lower-resolution HD panel, which significantly detracts from the user experience. The keyboard, while functional, does not consistently meet expectations for comfort. Connectivity, while comprehensive, lacks some of the latest high-speed options. Overall, the ProBook 450 G6 is seen as a reliable workhorse for its price point, provided users are aware of and potentially mitigate its display and keyboard limitations.

Summary

The HP ProBook 450 G6 is a full-featured, thin, and light business notebook designed to balance performance, security, and value. It is powered by 8th Generation Intel Core processors, offering a range of performance suitable for general office tasks and multitasking. The asset provides flexible memory configurations up to 32GB DDR4 RAM and versatile storage options, including fast NVMe SSDs and larger HDDs, catering to diverse user needs for speed and capacity. Connectivity is robust with a good selection of ports, including USB-C with DisplayPort and power delivery, and excellent Wi-Fi performance. Battery life is adequate for a workday, complemented by fast-charging capabilities.

Key strengths of the ProBook 450 G6 include its comprehensive suite of security features, such as TPM 2.0, HP BIOSphere Gen4, and optional biometric authentication, which are crucial for enterprise environments. Its durable chassis, having passed MIL-STD 810G testing, and upgradeable components contribute to its longevity and value. However, the asset has notable weaknesses, primarily the quality of its base HD display option, which is widely criticized for poor resolution and viewing angles. The keyboard, while spill-resistant, receives mixed feedback regarding typing comfort. Identified firmware vulnerabilities necessitate regular updates to maintain optimal security.

In assessment, the HP ProBook 450 G6 is a solid choice for businesses seeking a reliable and secure laptop for everyday productivity. Its upgradeability allows for extended use, and its security features provide essential protection. For the best user experience, it is highly recommended to opt for configurations with the Full HD IPS display. Regular firmware and driver updates are essential to address security vulnerabilities and ensure continued optimal performance.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.