Latest HP ZBook Laptops Designed for Corporate, Consumer Power Users

As the world’s largest PC maker, HP offers a wide range of devices for any customer. But the company on April 5 showcased the latest in a line of ZBook workstations aimed at corporate users buyers consumers that want high end computing power and are willing to pay a bit extra for it. The new lineup includes the powerful ZBook Studio x360 convertible, the top-selling ZBook 15, the ZBook 17 mobile workstation and an HP DreamColor monitor that are designed specifically for pushing the boundaries on mobile-first design. Although the ZBook machines will cost significantly more than their lower-powered alternatives, they deliver the features and performance many corporate users and consumers are prepared to pay extra for.

HP’s ZBook line is designed for so-called “power users” that want higher-end functionality in their mobile PCs. The computers come with powerful mobile processors and have important add-ons, such as 4K monitors and graphics processors in standard laptop or convertible designs. With all of those features, however, ZBooks come at a hefty price.

Those looking for a convertible machine that can be used as a notebook or as a tablet will find it in the ZBook Studio x360 G5. The device comes with a 360-degree hinge to instantly convert the unit from notebook to table mode. It runs Intel’s eighth-generation Core or Xeon processors. Users will find the Nvidia Quadro P1000 graphics processor inside and they can configure the device with up to 4TB of solid-state storage. The ZBook Studio x360 G5 is compatible with Wacom’s AES stylus.

Another big update, the HP ZBook Studio is a powerful option for customers who want a portable design but don’t need a convertible option. The computer comes with a 15.6-inch screen and runs on Intel’s eighth-generation Core or Xeon processors. Nvidia Quadro 3D P1000 graphics are inside and users can get up to 4TB of solid state storage. The device runs Windows 10 Pro.

The HP ZBook 17 G5 Workstation is what the company calls its “most powerful mobile workstation.” The device has a whopping 17.3-inch display with a 4K resolution. The computer will be available with eighth-generation Intel Core or Xeon processors and can be configured with up to 64GB of memory. The Nvidia Quadro P5200 graphics card is available to dramatically enhance its graphics performance and deliver virtual reality compatibility. This machine runs Windows 10 Pro.

The ZBook 15 is HP’s top-selling computer. The latest version of the computer has a 15.6-inch screen with a 4K resolution. The device, which runs Windows 10 Pro, can offer up to 8TB of storage and 64GB of RAM to handle sophisticated programs. HP’s notebook ships with the eighth-generation Intel Core processor, though users can configure it with a Xeon if they so choose. On the graphics side, the ZBook 15 G5 can be configured with P2000 graphics performance.

If the ZBook 15 is too pricey, buyers can choose the ZBook 15v G5, which is designed for engineering students or small and medium-sized businesses at moderately lower price. The notebook, which has a 15.6-inch screen, can be configured with an eighth-generation Intel Core processor or a Xeon processor. Users can bundle up to 32GB of memory in the machine. Up to 1TB of storage is also available in the ZBook 15.

HP unveiled the ZBook x2 detachable PC last fall. It comes with a thin design and its screen can be removed from its keyboard, allowing it to be used as a tablet or notebook. On April 5, HP announced that it has updated the ZBook x2 with Intel’s eighth-generation Core processors to boost its performance. The update enables ZBook x2 owners to use Adobe Creative Cloud. The company added in a statement that the ZBook x2 has “73 percent higher graphics performance” than Microsoft’s Surface Pro. 

Aside from new machines, HP said on April 5 that it’s updated its DreamColor Z27x G2 Studio Display. The G2 model features a 27-inch screen that can display one billion colors. The Z27x G2 is also the first monitor HP has ever offered with an integrated keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switch. The feature allows users to quickly switch from one computer to another without fiddling with cable connections.

All of HP’s ZBook computers come with a variety of security features designed for corporate users. An HP Sure Click feature uses hardware-enforced security features to ensure users aren’t unwittingly clicking on links to malicious websites, malware, and ransomware. The computers are also configured with privacy cameras that won’t allow hackers to spy on them. An integrated privacy screen, called HP Sure View Gen 2, won’t let others see what’s displayed on the screens.

All of the HP ZBook machines will start shipping to customers at the beginning of May, HP said in a statement. The HP ZBook Studio x360 will start at $1,499, a $200 premium over the HP ZBook Studio. The ZBook 15v G5 will set customers back $949 and the HP DreamColor Z27x G2, which will be available in April, will cost customers $1,999. Pricing on the ZBook 17 and ZBook 15 will be revealed in early May.