HP ZBooks Deliver High End Features for Enterprise Road Warriors

HP is pushing the boundaries of what a lightweight, compact notebook can deliver in its new ZBook models. These Windows 10 computers, the ZBook 15, ZBook 17 and the ZBook Studio, which HP calls mobile workstations, offer server-grade processing power and impressive graphics performance to appeal to corporate users. They also come with sophisticated security features and several terabytes of storage, allowing the enterprises to rely on them for years without fear of technology advancements leaving users behind. HP has committed to portability in the ZBook line by offering Ultrabook designs, and has even bundled virtual reality support. Still, the ZBook series is a little expensive even for PCs designed for enterprises. Here’s a look at the good and bad in HP’s new ZBook computers:

HP noted its ZBooks are not simply notebooks or Ultrabooks. Rather, they are workstations designed for enterprise users who want desktop-like performance and don’t mind spending more to get it. They stand in stark contrast to the ever-thinner—and cheaper—consumer notebooks.

HP didn’t slouch on processing power. The HP ZBook Studio, the lineup’s premium workstation, comes with server-grade Intel Xeon processors, as do the HP ZBook 17 and 15 models. Buyers wanting to save a few bucks can choose seventh-generation Intel Core processors.

It’s a similar story on the graphics side. The ZBook Studio runs on the Nvidia Quadro professional graphics chip, while the ZBook 17 and 15 runs the Quadro chip or AMD RadeonPro. Even the lower-end ZBook 14u supports AMD’s FirePro graphics chip.

The HP ZBooks offer a range of screen sizes. The high-end ZBook Studio and the ZBook 15 ship with a 15.6-inch screen. The ZBook 17 has a 17.3-inch display. Regardless of screen size, HP promises vibrant visuals across the line.

HP also is committed to design. The ZBooks include the Ultrabook spec, delivering high-end performance in a thin and attractive design. They’re not all quite portable—the ZBook 14u weighs as 3.6 pounds depending on configuration.

Users can choose the amount of storage they want in HP’s ZBooks, and selection is impressive. The ZBook Studio comes with up to 2TB of storage, while the ZBook 17 can include up to 4TB of onboard storage. The ZBook 15 is available with up to 3TB of storage, and the ZBook 14u can offer up to 2TB of storage.

HP added plenty of security features to the ZBook line. All support HP’s proprietary self-healing PC BIOS service, and users will find built-in encryption, malware protection and threat detection and response features, the company said.

The HP ZBook 17 can be configured to support virtual reality, the company confirmed. Using Nvidia’s Quadro P4000 or P5000 graphics cards and a higher-end Intel chip ensures a full virtual reality experience at 90 frames per second.

HP has bundled several applications in the ZBook machines. All come with HP Remote Graphics for remote collaboration and HP Performance Advisor to boost the computers’ performance. HP Velocity is designed to improve network performance.

Given the features, it’s not surprising HP is charging a premium for the ZBooks. The HP ZBook Studio, available now, starts at $1,399. The HP ZBook 17 and HP ZBook 15, also available now, start at $1,519 and $1,419, respectively. HP plans to announce pricing and availability on the ZBook 14u this summer.