HP ProBook 6465b

HP ProBook 6465b

The most appealing aspect of a small business laptop is that it includes most of the features of an enterprise system, yet costs much less. The HP ProBook 6465b ($730 direct) is one such example, where every standard feature is accounted for, and the price is too sweet for IT managers to pass up. As an added bonus, it's also one of the first laptops to feature AMD's newest A6 Fusion processors (codenamed "Llano"). Though it didn't perform as well as an Intel CPU-based SMB laptop like the Dell Vostro 3350 ($741 direct, 4 stars), the 6465b has enough in features to get IT managers interested. Design plays a big part in any laptop's appeal. The 6465b takes a conservative approach with its charcoal black frame. It has an aluminum lid, like the Dell Vostro V131 ($799.99 direct, 4 stars) and HP ProBook 5330m ($899.99 direct, 3.5 stars), but lacks their livelier silver colors and slimmer profiles. Measuring 9.1 by 13.3 by 1.3 inches (HWD), the 6465b looks chunky compared with these two. But it's a tough laptop, the top and bottom don't give away when you press hard against them. At 5.3 pounds, it's a lot heavier than the 4.8-pound Dell Vostro 3350 ($741 direct, 4 stars) and 4-pound HP 5330M, although the 6465b ships with a bigger 14-inch screen (the other two have 13.3-inch displays).