Choosing a laptop can feel overwhelming with so many options available today. The HP ProBook 450 G5 has become a popular choice for professionals, students, and anyone looking for a reliable, mid-range laptop. While it has many advantages, it also comes with a few drawbacks. In this article, we’ll break down the top five reasons why you might want to buy—or avoid—the HP ProBook 450 G5. This will help you make a confident decision before investing in this device.
1. Performance: Great for Everyday Use
Performance is one of the primary factors to consider when purchasing a laptop. The HP ProBook 450 G5 Core i3 7020U model is equipped with an Intel Core i3-7020U processor. This dual-core processor is designed for general productivity tasks, making it suitable for work, school, and home use.
With this processor, you can handle everyday activities like browsing the web, checking emails, watching videos, and creating documents without issues. Multitasking is possible too, but running multiple heavy programs simultaneously may slow things down.
Why you might buy it: If your main use is office work, school assignments, or light applications, this laptop offers solid performance at a reasonable price.
Why you might not buy it: If you want to play modern games, edit videos, or run graphic-intensive software, this Core i3 processor may feel underpowered. For power users, a laptop with a faster processor would be better.
2. Build Quality and Design: Sturdy and Professional
The HP ProBook 450 G5 stands out for its professional look and solid build. The combination of aluminum and plastic gives it a durable feel without being too heavy. Its simple design looks clean and business-ready, making it suitable for offices, classrooms, or meetings.
The keyboard is comfortable for long typing sessions, and the touchpad is accurate and easy to use. Another advantage is the wide range of ports, including USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, and an Ethernet port. These make connecting to external devices and networks convenient.
Why you might buy it: It feels durable, looks professional, and is comfortable to use for extended periods.
Why you might not buy it: The laptop is a bit heavier than ultrabooks or slim laptops, so if portability is your priority, it might not be the most convenient choice.
3. Display: Good for Basic Use
The HP ProBook 450 G5 has a 15.6-inch display, which is standard for laptops in this range. Most models, including the HP ProBook 450 G5 Core i3 7020U, offer full HD resolution (1920×1080), which delivers clear text and decent visuals.
While it is suitable for watching videos, working on documents, and browsing the web, the display’s brightness and color accuracy are average. This may not satisfy users who work with graphics, photo editing, or video projects. Viewing angles are okay, but outdoor use in bright sunlight may be difficult due to glare.
Why you might buy it: The display is adequate for everyday work, school projects, and streaming content.
Why you might not buy it: If you need colour-accurate visuals for photo or video editing, or if you want an ultra-bright screen for outdoor use, this display may not meet your expectations.
4. Battery Life: Average
Battery life is an important factor for laptops, especially for students or professionals who move around frequently. The HP ProBook 450 G5 comes with a 3-cell 45 Wh battery. On average, you can expect about 5–6 hours of usage for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing.
The Core i3 processor is energy-efficient, which helps extend battery life. However, the laptop’s large screen and features like the backlit keyboard use additional power, so heavy use can drain the battery faster.
Why you might buy it: If you mostly work near a power outlet, the battery life is adequate for daily tasks.
Why you might not buy it: If you need a laptop that lasts all day without charging, especially when traveling or attending long classes, the battery may fall short.
5. Price and Value for Money
Price is always a deciding factor for most buyers, and the HP ProBook 450 G5 offers good value. The HP ProBook 450 G5 Core i3 7020U version is budget-friendly while still offering reliable performance, a professional build, and useful features.
Compared to more expensive business laptops, the ProBook 450 G5 covers all the essential needs for work or study. It is a practical choice for those who want a reliable laptop without spending a fortune.
Why you might buy it: It provides good performance, professional design, and durability at a reasonable price.
Why you might not buy it: If you need advanced features like high-end graphics, ultra-fast performance, or extreme portability, you may need to consider more expensive options.
Other Features to Consider
- Storage: Depending on the model, the laptop may come with HDD or SSD storage. Upgrading to a larger SSD can improve speed significantly.
- Upgrades: The ProBook allows RAM and storage upgrades, which can help extend the laptop’s life.
- Security: Some models include a fingerprint reader and TPM (Trusted Platform Module), which is useful for business users who want extra security.
Final Thoughts
The HP ProBook 450 G5 is a solid laptop for students, office workers, and anyone needing a reliable machine for everyday tasks. The HP ProBook 450 G5 Core i3 7020U variant provides a good balance of affordability and performance, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Buy it if: You need a dependable laptop for general use, professional work, or school. Its durability, professional design, and upgrade options make it a smart choice.
- Don’t buy it if: You need high-end graphics performance, advanced video editing, gaming, or extreme portability. In these cases, a more powerful laptop would be a better fit.
Overall, the HP ProBook 450 G5 is not flashy, but it gets the job done. It offers reliable performance, solid build quality, and practical features without breaking the bank. For anyone looking for a simple, dependable laptop for work or study, this device is a worthy contender.
