Yesterday I (Mike) got my new laptop, an HP Probook 4520s. This is an affordable business notebook for which I paid about R8000 ($1060, 850 EUR). This model comes with an Intel Core i5 Quadcore 2.27GHz processor, 3GB RAM, a 320GB hard drive (SATA), built-in 3G, GPS, Bluetooth, a Fingerprint sensor, Windows 7 Professional and a Lightscribe DVD Drive.

Now I was looking for a laptop that I could both carry around with me in a laptop bag and easily use all over, but also with a decent screen and keyboard for coding and other company-related work.

The 4520s comes with a 15,6" screen and a full-sized keyboard and number pad. The keyboard has a very nice feel, the lift on the keys is minimal but sufficient to create a nice typing feel while not being loud.

The set-up is very easy, although it takes a bit. One can choose to not use McAffee which is better than just having it forced on, and there is a reminder as a Desktop widget to set up the Fingerprint login, as well as facial recognition if one likes, using the built-in 2MP pixel. HP also has a pre-boot security functionality and it asks for a fingerprint scan or password before booting up, but then logs into Windows automatically.

The battery is pretty decent for such a large and powerful device, although not amazing compared to smaller laptops. Using the laptop consistently it lasts about 2,5 -3 hours with dimmed brightness.

As for the screen it is relatively bright, I use it at half brightness in a well-lit room or at low brightness in dark rooms. It is crisp and clear and shows colours vibrantly. The horizontal range is pretty impressive while vertically after abour 20-30 degrees the screen becomes illegible.

Overall this is a great business laptop with a very nice keyboard and decent battery life. Also it comes with a free carry-bag in the bundle I bought it in (a special). The OS is sleek and fast and the WLAN has amazing range, getting a good signal in places other laptops or devices don't get any signal at all.