HP EliteBook 2560p Pro Reviews

HP still has some work to do with this laptop. If anything, it is towing the corporate line too heavily — almost all of the EliteBook’s are rugged boxes, and in the larger laptops, that works. Here on the ultraportable end it, it’s more of an issue.

If you need an ultraportable laptop that you can be confident will stand up to a few years of heavy use, the HP EliteBook 2560p deserves a look. A three-year warranty and on-site service are available to provide additional peace of mind.

The HP EliteBook 2560p is a good choice for business professionals on the go. The second-generation Intel Core i5-2410M dual-core processor and 4GB of system memory makes multi-tasking a breeze and users will be able to do any amount of work tasks with the system. Another reason this notebook will be able to perform on the go is that it was able to provide 7 hours and 45 minutes of battery life. The build quality is exceptional--HP's DuraCase with a layered magnesium alloy chassis as a support structure will put users at ease when traveling. It's the kind of build that will hold up for years; this notebook most likely won't need any structural repairs for a very long time. You get what you pay for, though, and the $1400-1900 price point shows it. The 2560p also has a comfortable keyboard with great key travel and flow, but the touchpad is a little on the small side and prove to be an annoyance. Also on the downside, the system doesn't have USB 3.0 for faster flash performance, and when the audio is raised to higher volume levels users will be able to feel the vibrations through the palmrests.

HP once again delivers an impressive business notebook that would be a great addition to any road warrior's arsenal. The $1,199 HP EliteBook 2560p combines attractive looks and durability along with strong performance and extended battery life. The suite of security tools is helpful and easy to use. If an optical drive isn't essential, we recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad X220, which, for $971, gets you the same specs as the Elitebook, as well as a nine-cell battery that lasts longer on a charge. Overall, though, the 2560p is a great choice.

If the dark TFT which prevents outdoors use is not a deal-breaker, then the 2560p can be (almost) called a perfect companion for the demanding business user.

HP offers up strong performance with all the productivity and security features business users need, but the lack of USB 3.0 support and the short battery life should give you pause.

The HP Elitebook 2560p is one of the most complete business ultraportables, as it's packed with essential features and plenty of horsepower.

This 12.5in HP EliteBook laptop packs an Intel Core i5-2540M CPU and a DVD burner in its small base, which are features that make it both a powerful and a well-equipped business tool.