Some things get apparent relatively fast by handling the notebook. First of all the XGA Display (not wide screen), which looks like undersized with its comparably broad frame. Secondly, the keyboard, which extends to the outer edge and promises good typing comfort. Finally, the missing optical drive.

The case seems high-quality and robust and has good haptics. The base unit seems to be out of very robust plastics or magnesium alloy. In the hand ball region, a coated plastic is used, similar as already known by its HP fellows. The display cover is also out of magnesium.

We could not observe any weaknesses of the nc4400 during our reviews about stability of the case under pressure or regarding possible deflections. No matter where one presses or pulls, the notebook is absolutely inherently stable. This is partly also true for the very slim display. However, the more to the top, the bigger are the possible deflections. Still, the display and the whole notebook at all is always free of creaking noises.

Both hinges seem to be rather small, but they do not have any troubles with the small display. The display can be precisely positioned with adequate force and does not wobble or see-saw in any way. The transport hook is especially innovative. Whilst there is no hook or something similar visible , if the display is open, a small metallic hook moves out between display and base unit of the case at a distance of about 5mm  and locks the display absolutely securely, if you are closing the display. The mechanism should  be based upon magnet technology.

The interfaces are partly at the back side of the notebook, partly in the middle region on both sides. The order is in total alright.

Because of a good brightness (minimum of 140.2 cd/m²), a good illumination, and matt and therefore non-reflecting display, it should be possible to use the HP Compaq nc4400 also outdoors without problems.

Loudness

The notebook is very quiet in idle mode, because of the deactivated fan, you can hardly hear anything at all. Depending on the load the fans will be activated and reach a noise of about 36.1 dB. Still, the noise is very decent.
Under load a maximum noise of 43.0 dB is possible, which seems still tolerable.

Temperature

The top side of the nc4400 does, even under load, not show any exiting anomalies. However, at the bottom side a clear temperature increase in the region of the maintenance opening and the memory modules is possible. We could measure a maximum of 46°C in this region.
During normal operation the temperatures should, however, be within reasonable limits and should not cause big troubles during mobile use.

This aspect is especially important for mobile subnotebooks. The nc4400 has an excellent maximum runtime of about 5 hours at reduced brightness. However, under load the battery is empty within a little more than one hour, because of the energy demanding Core 2 Duo CPU and the 55Wh Akku (5100 mAh). So, you should turn down down your performance demands, while being away.

The Hewlett-Packard Compaq nc4400 proved to be a tiny and robust notebook. The high-quality materials (mostly magnesium) feel not only alright, they also make the notebook stable and resistant against pressure and deflection.

The missing DVD drive hurts in the beginning, however, if one does not use the notebook as mobile DVD Player, one gets quickly used to it. Especially, if it is integrated in an existing work environment with desktop computer, network and docking station, one can live very well without it. Furthermore, an external drive is available, too.