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Review HP ProBook 645 G1 Notebook

14-inch business. The ProBook 645 is a 14-inch business laptop. Besides a matte screen, swift hard drive and good input devices, the laptop features classic business qualities like a docking port and a SmartCard reader. The laptop can also be furnished with an LTE modem.

For the original German review, see here.

The ProBook 645 is the AMD counterpart of the ProBook 640 (Core i5-4200M, HD Graphics 4600) that we tested. While the models of the 640 product line are powered by Intel processors, AMD APUs are installed in the 645 devices. Our report will reveal whether the ProBook 645 is compelling.

We used the Lenovo ThinkPad L440 (Core i5-4330M, HD Graphics 4600) and Dell Latitude 3440 (Core i5-4200U, GeForce GT 740M) for classifying the laptop.

Since the ProBook 640 and ProBook 645 feature an identical build, we will not go in-depth about casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the ProBook 640.

Display

HP installs a matte 14-inch screen with a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels in its ProBook. Unfortunately, HP provides a quite dark screen with an average brightness of 170.4 cd/m². The ThinkPad's screen supplies a better rate (204.4 cd/m², HD). However, neither contender can match the very good result of the Latitude (319.7 cd/m², HD+).

178
cd/m²
170
cd/m²
170
cd/m²
173
cd/m²
182
cd/m²
159
cd/m²
180
cd/m²
162
cd/m²
160
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Chi Mei tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 182 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 170.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 182 cd/m²
Contrast: 674:1 (Black: 0.27 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 10.49 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 11.42 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
37.6% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40.86% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
58.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
39.73% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.32

The ProBook achieves both a much better contrast with 675:1 and black level with 0.27 cd/m². It is on par with the ThinkPad (655:1, 0.32 cd/m²). The Latitude's screen delivers slightly worse rates (438:1, 0.78 cd/m²). The ProBook's screen cannot reproduce either the sRGB or the AdobeRGB color spaces. The coverage rates are 53.7% (sRGB) and 37.6% (AdobeRGB).

The screen's average DeltaE 2000 shift is 10.5 in state of delivery. Thus, it is on the same level as most screens that we have measured. No color achieves the target range of DeltaE less than 3. The screen also exhibits a bluish cast that can be eliminated via calibration, as we discovered.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps


The ProBook is quite suitable for outdoor use owing to its matte surface. However, excessively bright surroundings should be avoided because of the screen's relatively low brightness.

The screen did not prove to be particularly viewing-angle stable. We would expect more from a 750 Euros (~$1039) laptop. The image soon distorts when the vertical viewing angle is altered. It looks better horizontally, and even several viewers can recognize the content when looking at the same time.

The ProBook 645 outdoors.
The ProBook 645 outdoors.
Viewing angles: ProBook 645
Viewing angles: ProBook 645

Performance

HP offers 14-inch sized business laptops in the ProBook 645 product line. Their computing power is absolutely sufficient for managing most tasks in the office, Internet, and communication field. They also feature classic business features, such as a docking port. Our review sample is available for approximately 750 Euros (~$1039). We did not discover other configurations. The identically built ProBook 640 line offers more options. For example, models with an HD+ screen (2600x900 pixels) are available.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
System information: HP ProBook 645 G1

Processor

An A6-5350M APU does its job in the ProBook. It is based on the Richland architecture. The APU's CPU part is a dual-core processor that clocks with a base rate of 2.9 GHz. The speed can be boosted up to 3.5 GHz via Turbo. AMD specifies the APU's TDP with 35 watts.

The CPU's full performance is available in both AC and battery mode. The processor ran the single-thread tests of the Cinebench benchmarks with 3.5 GHz (both cores), and the multi-thread tests with 3.3 GHz (both cores). The ProBook cannot match the scores of either the Latitude or ThinkPad. Their Intel processors are significantly stronger.

Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Probook 645 G1
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
0.87 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
HD Graphics 4000, 3230M, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
1.23 Points +41%
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.35 Points +55%
Lenovo ThinkPad T440 20B6005YGE
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.41 Points +62%
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
HD Graphics 4600, 4330M, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
1.51 Points +74%
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Probook 645 G1
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1.34 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T440 20B6005YGE
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2.64 Points +97%
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
HD Graphics 4000, 3230M, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
2.89 Points +116%
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3.24 Points +142%
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
HD Graphics 4600, 4330M, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
3.66 Points +173%
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
4311 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
5356 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
3398 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
4403
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
3903
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
2563
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
16.82 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
1.34 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
0.87 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
18.55 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
118 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
73 Points
Help

System Performance

The system's performance is beyond reproach. The system runs smoothly; the scores achieved in the PCMark benchmarks are acceptable, and they turn out as we know from laptops with AMD APUs. However, the ProBook does not reach the scores of the ThinkPad or Latitude. Both contenders sport significantly stronger processors.

PCMark 7 Score
1908 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2230 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
1922 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3175 points
Help
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
HP Probook 645 G1
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
1908 Points
Dell Latitude 3440
GeForce GT 740M, 4200U, Seagate Momentus ST750LM022 HN-M750MB
2077 Points +9%
HP ProBook 640 G1 H5G66ET
HD Graphics 4600, 4200M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
2888 Points +51%
Lenovo ThinkPad T440 20B6005YGE
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
3349 Points +76%

Storage Devices

A hard drive from Hitachi's Travelstar Z7K500 line is used in the ProBook. It has a storage capacity of 500 GB and spins with 7200 revolutions per minute. CrystalDiskMark recorded a read speed of 112.8 MB/s, and HD Tune delivered an average transfer rate of 104.4 MB/s. These are good rates for a 7200 rpm hard drive.

Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Transfer Rate Minimum: 64 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 136.4 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 104.4 MB/s
Access Time: 16.8 ms
Burst Rate: 265.7 MB/s

Graphics Card

AMD's Radeon HD 8450G graphics core is used in the ProBook. The GPU supports DirectX 11 and has a base clock of 533 MHz. Its speed can be boosted to 720 MHz via Turbo. The graphics core's power is on par with Intel's HD Graphics 4400 GPU. Neither contender can compete with the Latitude. The GeForce graphics core is significantly stronger.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
3992 points
3DMark 11 Performance
789 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
32882 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
2337 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
420 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
HP Probook 645 G1
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
789 Points
Fujitsu Lifebook E743-0M55A1DE
HD Graphics 4000, 3230M, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
559 Points -29%
Lenovo ThinkPad T440 20B6005YGE
HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
901 Points +14%
Dell Latitude 3440
GeForce GT 740M, 4200U, Seagate Momentus ST750LM022 HN-M750MB
1929 Points +144%

Gaming Performance

The ProBook's CPU-GPU combination enables playing a few games in a low resolution and with low quality settings. Higher resolutions or a higher quality setting should also be possible in single cases, for example, in the game FIFA 14. A few additional frames can be squeezed out of the hardware when a second working memory module is installed. The memory then runs in the dual-channel mode, and the graphics core is maxed out better. Thus, the frame rates increase - depending on each game - by an average of up to 20%.

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 36.9 19 12.3
GRID 2 (2013) 34.2 22.7 19.3
Thief (2014) 10.3 7.4
HP Probook 645 G1
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Dell Latitude 3440
GeForce GT 740M, 4200U, Seagate Momentus ST750LM022 HN-M750MB
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
HD Graphics 4600, 4330M, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
Tomb Raider
118%
-8%
1024x768 Low Preset
36.9
88.2
139%
36.3
-2%
1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x
19
42
121%
19.9
5%
1366x768 High Preset AA:FX AF:8x
12.3
23.9
94%
8.9
-28%

Emissions

System Noise

The ProBook's fan is frequently inactive during idle mode, and only the hard drive's noise is heard. The laptop's noise level increases to 36.9 dB during medium load via 3DMark06, and 40.2 dB during full load in the stress test via Prime95 and Furmark. The Latitude's rates are virtually identical with those of the ProBook. That might seem surprising at first glance because Dell's laptop sports a dedicated GPU, but a low consumption ULV CPU is in the laptop. The ThinkPad is louder in idle mode and quieter during full load compared with its contenders.

Noise Level

Idle
31.6 / 31.6 / 34.9 dB(A)
HDD
31.9 dB(A)
DVD
38.7 / dB(A)
Load
36.9 / 40.2 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The ProBook 645 in the stress test
The ProBook 645 in the stress test

The surface temperatures of all three comparison devices are within an acceptable range in idle mode. The rates increase considerably during load. The ProBook exceeds 50 °C at one measuring point. Both contenders reach a temperature above 40 °C in several places.

The ProBook performed the stress test, where both Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour, in a similar manner in battery and AC mode. The CPU clocked with 2.5 to 2.9 MHz, and the graphics core ran at its full speed of 720 MHz.

 26.8 °C
80 F
28.2 °C
83 F
27.9 °C
82 F
 
 26.3 °C
79 F
28.8 °C
84 F
31.5 °C
89 F
 
 25 °C
77 F
28.7 °C
84 F
30.9 °C
88 F
 
Maximum: 31.5 °C = 89 F
Average: 28.2 °C = 83 F
37.8 °C
100 F
29.3 °C
85 F
27.2 °C
81 F
34.4 °C
94 F
33 °C
91 F
26.5 °C
80 F
31.9 °C
89 F
30.6 °C
87 F
26.1 °C
79 F
Maximum: 37.8 °C = 100 F
Average: 30.8 °C = 87 F
Power Supply (max.)  37.9 °C = 100 F | Room Temperature 21.8 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.3 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 52.1 °C / 126 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.2 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.7 °C / 89.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-4 °C / -7.2 F).

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The ProBook's idle power consumption ranges from an acceptable 8.4 to 11.5 watts. The ThinkPad (8.6 to 12.7 watts) is on par with the ProBook. The Latitude (up to 8.3 watts) is more frugal because it sports a ULV CPU. The ProBook's consumption climbs to 40.3 watts in medium load via 3DMark06 and 47.8 watts during full load in the stress test via Prime95 and Furmark. The ThinkPad (48.1 and 53.3 watts) needs more power, and the Latitude (43.6 and 49.3 watts) surprisingly places itself between both contenders. The combination of a ULV CPU and dedicated GPU requires just as much power as both standard mobile CPUs and APUs in the competition.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.6 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 8.4 / 10.5 / 11.5 Watt
Load midlight 40.3 / 47.8 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

The ProBook's battery achieved an idle runtime of 9:28 h. It thus places itself behind the ThinkPad (10:55 h). We did not perform this test with the Latitude. Idle mode is tested using Battery Eater's Reader's test. The screen runs with minimum brightness, the energy-saving profile is enabled, and the wireless modules are off. The ProBook shuts down after 1:26 h of load. The Latitude (2:10 h) and the ThinkPad (1:54 h) last longer. The load runtime is ascertained with Battery Eater's Classic test using maximum screen brightness, the high-performance profile, and enabled wireless modules.

The ProBook finished the Wi-Fi test after 4:49 h. Thus, it achieves a much worse rate than both the ThinkPad (7:51 h) and the Latitude (8:18 h). In this test, websites are automatically opened every 40 seconds, the energy-saving profile is enabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². DVD playback stopped on the ProBook after 3:20 h. The Latitude (4:31 h) lasts longer. We did not perform this test on the ThinkPad. The DVD test is performed using the energy-saving profile (or a higher profile should the DVD not run smoothly), maximum screen brightness, and disabled wireless modules.

The ProBook's runtimes are overall acceptable. A glance at the battery capacities reveals why both contenders manage considerably longer runtimes. The batteries in our tested models have a higher capacity than that of the ProBook's battery (HP: 55 Wh; Lenovo: 100 Wh; Dell: 65 Wh). The Latitude also features a considerably more energy-efficient ULV processor.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
9h 28min
WiFi Surfing
4h 49min
DVD
3h 20min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 26min
HP Probook 645 G1
Radeon HD 8450G, A6-5350M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Dell Latitude 3440
GeForce GT 740M, 4200U, Seagate Momentus ST750LM022 HN-M750MB
Lenovo Thinkpad L440
HD Graphics 4600, 4330M, 500 GB - 5400 rpm
Battery Runtime
62%
37%
Reader / Idle
568
655
15%
WiFi
289
498
72%
471
63%
Load
86
130
51%
114
33%

Verdict

The ProBook 645 features classic business qualities: good input devices, good connectivity, decent battery runtimes, a docking port, easy maintenance and upgrade options, and a Trusted Platform Module. Additionally, there is a slot (including antennas and SIM card slot) for an LTE/3G module. The installed APU's computing power is sufficient for routine tasks. The screen is not in line with the purchase price. It is dark, exhibits a bluish cast, and it is not viewing-angle stable. HP should also offer more in terms of warranty: 12 months is too short.

Lenovo's ThinkPad L440 would come into question when the highest possible computing power is wanted. It also achieves very good runtimes owing to its large battery. Dell's Latitude 3440 offers the longest runtimes. However, it lacks many business features, such as a docking port. Users who depend on that can look at Dell's Latitude E5440. The laptop also sports a ULV CPU from Intel and the same 65 Wh battery as the 3440. We will soon publish a test about Dell's Latitude E5440.

One of the most serious contenders of the ProBook 645 comes from HP itself: The identically built ProBook 640. The H5G64ET model sports a Core i3-4000M processor and is sold for approximately 699 Euros (~$968). Although the laptop is not as expensive, it offers considerably more computing power.

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In Review: HP ProBook 645 F4N62AW, courtesy of HP store.
In Review: HP ProBook 645 F4N62AW, courtesy of HP store.

Specifications

HP Probook 645 G1
Processor
AMD A6-5350M 2 x 2.9 - 3.5 GHz, Richland
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon HD 8450G, Core: 720 MHz, 13.152.1.3000
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3, single-channel, two memory banks (one bank filled)
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, Chi Mei, TN LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
AMD Bolton
Storage
Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630, 500 GB 
, 7200 rpm, 420 GB free
Soundcard
AMD Trinity/Richland - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
4 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: combo audio jack, Card Reader: SD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Sensors: shock sensor, Trusted Platform Module 1.2
Networking
Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit/s), Broadcom BCM43228 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
hp CDDVDW SU-208FB
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 25 x 340 x 237 ( = 0.98 x 13.39 x 9.33 in)
Battery
55 Wh Lithium-Ion, 10.8 V, 4910 mAh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD-Webcam
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, Cyberlink Power2Go 8, Cyberlink PowerDVD 12, Cyberlink Youcam, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Security Essentials, PDF Complete Corporate Edition
Weight
2 kg ( = 70.55 oz / 4.41 pounds), Power Supply: 428 g ( = 15.1 oz / 0.94 pounds)
Price
749 Euro

 

The HP ProBook 645.
The HP ProBook 645.
It features good input devices.
It features good input devices.
The lid's back is rubber-coated.
The lid's back is rubber-coated.
This is the lid's maximum opening angle.
This is the lid's maximum opening angle.
No tools are needed to open the maintenance cover.
No tools are needed to open the maintenance cover.
The ProBook 645's innards.
The ProBook 645's innards.
A docking port is available.
A docking port is available.
The battery has a capacity of 55 Wh.
The battery has a capacity of 55 Wh.
The power supply's output is 65 watts.
The power supply's output is 65 watts.

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Links

  • Manufacturer's information

Compare Prices

Pros

+4 USB 3.0 ports
+Easy maintenance / upgrading
+Docking port
+Matte, high-contrast screen
+Swift hard drive
+SIM card slot including slot and antennas for a 3G/LTE modem
 

Cons

-12 month warranty only
-Poor viewing angles

Shortcut

What we like

The good maintenance options.

What we'd like to see

A better screen.

What surprises us

Considering the purchase price of beyond 700 Euros (~$970), a 12-month warranty is too short.

The competition

Dell Latitude 3440, Lenovo ThinkPad L440, Fujitsu Lifebook E743, HP ProBook 640, Dell Latitude E5430, Dell Latitude E6440, Lenovo ThinkPad T440, Dell Latitude E5440.

Rating

HP Probook 645 G1 - 04/02/2014 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
79 / 98 → 81%
Keyboard
75%
Pointing Device
83%
Connectivity
80 / 80 → 100%
Weight
63 / 20-67 → 91%
Battery
82%
Display
76%
Games Performance
54 / 68 → 79%
Application Performance
57 / 92 → 62%
Temperature
82%
Noise
86%
Audio
27%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
68%
77%
Office - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2014-04-17 (Update: 2014-04-17)