HP ProBook 650 G2 Review: A Reliable Workhorse for Business Needs

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The HP ProBook 650 G2 is a solid choice for business professionals seeking a dependable and versatile laptop. Released as part of HP’s ProBook series, this model targets users who need robust performance, a durable build, and essential security features for their everyday tasks. Here’s an in-depth look at what the HP ProBook 650 G2 offers:

Design and Build Quality

The ProBook 650 G2 features a professional and understated design. It sports a matte black chassis with a textured finish, giving it a refined appearance while minimizing fingerprints and smudges. The build quality is notably sturdy, with an all-metal construction that feels durable and resilient. The laptop has passed several military-standard tests for durability (MIL-STD 810G), making it suitable for users who are often on the move.

Display

The 15.6-inch display on the ProBook 650 G2 offers a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The screen quality is decent, with adequate brightness and contrast for indoor use. It provides clear and sharp visuals, which is essential for tasks like document editing and presentations. However, the viewing angles are somewhat limited, and outdoor visibility may be challenging due to the lack of a high-brightness option or anti-glare coating.

Performance

Under the hood, the ProBook 650 G2 is equipped with Intel’s 6th generation Core processors, ranging from the i5-6200U to the i7-6600U. These processors deliver competent performance for typical business applications, including multitasking with multiple browser tabs, spreadsheets, and productivity software. The laptop generally comes with 4GB to 16GB of RAM, depending on the configuration, which is sufficient for most business needs.

Storage options include a traditional HDD with capacities up to 1TB or a faster SSD up to 256GB. The SSD variant offers quicker boot times and application loading, significantly enhancing overall performance and responsiveness.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard on the ProBook 650 G2 is a full-size, backlit design with well-spaced keys and good tactile feedback. Typing is comfortable and accurate, making it suitable for extended work sessions. The touchpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, although it lacks the precision and smoothness of higher-end models. The touchpad buttons are integrated into the touchpad itself, which may take some time to get used to.

Connectivity and Ports

The ProBook 650 G2 is well-equipped with a variety of ports to accommodate different peripherals and accessories. On the left side, you’ll find a USB 3.0 port, a USB-C port, an HDMI output, and an Ethernet port. The right side includes two more USB 3.0 ports, a VGA port, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. These ports offer flexibility for connecting external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals.

Also Read: HP ProBook 650 G1 2024 Review: A Reliable Workhorse for Professionals

Battery Life

Battery life is adequate for a business laptop, with the 4-cell, 46 WHr battery offering around 4 to 6 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the workload and power settings. This may not be the most impressive battery life compared to more modern laptops, but it is generally sufficient for a typical workday.

Security Features

The HP ProBook 650 G2 includes several security features aimed at protecting sensitive business data. It comes with a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for hardware-based encryption, an optional fingerprint reader for biometric authentication, and HP’s Client Security Suite, which provides additional security and management tools.

Conclusion

The HP ProBook 650 G2 stands out as a reliable and practical choice for business professionals who prioritize durability, security, and performance. While it may not have the latest hardware or the most advanced features compared to newer models, it offers a solid balance of essential attributes for business use. Its robust build quality, decent performance, and comprehensive connectivity options make it a dependable workhorse for various professional tasks.

For those seeking a cost-effective and reliable business laptop, the ProBook 650 G2 remains a valuable option to consider