Software and Guaranty
As well as the security software explained above, the ProBook 4310s comes preinstalled with some programs and trialware. These programs include Microsoft Office 2007, InterVideo WinDVD eight, McAfee Total Protection, PDF Complete, Roxio Creator Business, Windows Live Messenger, and Yahoo Toolbar.

The notebook has a 1 year parts-and-labor guaranty, including twenty-four / seven toll-free buyer service. Three-year guaranties come standard on the EliteBook line. Click to see how HP fared in our Tech Support Confrontation.

Configurability
The 13.3-inch ProBook is available in 4 preconfigured models. As well as our review unit, there is a $779 model (FM970UT) that has the same specs, but has a matte display. For $879, shoppers can get the 4310s (FM972UT) with a 2.2-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6670 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a BrightView display. For $999 (FM973UT), the notebook is fitted out with a 2.26-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7570 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 discrete graphics with 512MB of dedicated video memory. All can only be ordered in black, though imminent configure-to-order models also will be available in red.

Users can also go for a Blu-ray drive (although not a burner) for $225 and a fingerprint reader for $25.

Green Testing
The HP ProBook 4310s gathered a Gold rating from EPEAT (twenty-one out of twenty-eight points); while that is one point shy of the 4510s and the 4710s, it's zip to sneeze at. The four-cell battery took 58 mins to charge up to eighty p.c, and 1:52 to entirely charge; in that time, it used a median of 40.2 watts. When divided by the battery life-span (the Laptop computer Potency Index), the 4310s consumed 18.5 watts per minute of battery life-span.

That falls between the Sony VAIO SR, which needed 27.7 watts, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T400, which used 18.0 watts.

HP ProBook 4310s Decision
As the littlest model in HP's new budget-friendly business line, the $799 ProBook 4310s is an enticing, sturdy machine with good productiveness performance and a selection of security features. Its merlot finish makes it stick out from more quiet business machines without being ostentatious. If you do not mind a touch more weight, we also suggest considering the Lenovo ThinkPad SL400; for $704 you will get similar specs and performance along with a bigger screen.

But when talking about reasonable 13-inch business notebooks, the HP ProBook 4310s is a powerful choice.