HP ProBook 400 series additions aimed at SMBs, remote work

Two recently announced additions to the HP ProBook 400 line of enterprise PCs are geared at small businesses and remote workers during a time of extended periods of working from home.

The HP ProBook 445 G7 and HP ProBook 455 G7 both include the new AMD Ryzen 4000 series processor chips, as well as new security enhancement features for remote devices.

"With the recent surge of remote workers, users want a PC equipped with everything required to get the job done, wherever they may be," said Bill Gorden, vice president of commercial notebook product management at HP. "The HP ProBook 445 G7 and HP ProBook 455 G7 laptops are designed with SMBs and remote workers in mind, from powerful performance and long battery life, to enterprise-grade security features and fast connectivity."

Features in the new additions to the HP ProBook 400 series include:

• AMD Ryzen 4000. AMD's new core processor chip series is available with 4-, 6- or 8-core mobile processors and long battery life. It also allows quick recharge with HP Fast Charge.
• Multi-layered security protection. The HP ProBook 400 series laptops includes built-in security features such as HP Sure State, HP Sure Sense and HP Privacy Camera.
• Slim design. The devices have a 180-degree hinge that allow for a lay-flat design. They also include HP Extended Range Wireless LAN and compatibility with a USB-C dock to transition the laptops into a desktop workspace.

The timing of the release coincides with an unprecedented move to remote work due to shelter-in-place orders issued by states and businesses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have seen a temporary growth of laptops while many people work from home," said Mika Kitagawa, a director analyst at Gartner. "A new product announcement schedule is usually planned many months or even a year before the release date. It is up to the vendor's strategy if they want to release it as scheduled or not."

Availability for the HP ProBooks 445 and 455 begins later this month, and pricing will be announced then. IBM in February announced new ThinkPad laptops that will have the option to add the AMD Ryzen 4000 chip. ThinkPad's laptops start at $649.