HP Zbook Power G9 review
The HP HP Zbook Power G9 ranks as the #310 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 75. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #44-ranked performance among 389 laptops. Consider the HP EliteBook 650 G9 or HP ProBook 445 G11, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The HP Zbook Power G9 is a solid choice for STEM students, CAD data analysis, and heavy business users. Its fast components, bright display, and upgradability options make it a great value. However, minor weaknesses include the lack of an SD card reader and only one Thunderbolt 4 port. If you need more graphics grunt for heavy 3D rendering, consider alternatives like the Zbook Studio G9 or Fury G9. Despite this, the Power G9's tank-like build quality and comfortable keyboard and touchpad make it a worthwhile investment for those on a budget but seeking top-notch mobile workstation features.
Build
The HP Zbook Power G9's build quality is tank-like, making it a sturdy mobile workstation. The keyboard and touchpad are comfortable to use all day, with the former featuring a decent layout despite some minor weaknesses. However, the display still retains the outdated 16x9 aspect ratio, which is surprising given its siblings have moved on to 16:10 displays. Despite this, the screen itself is bright and crisp, offering complete coverage of the sRGB color space. The device's build quality and design make it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable mobile workstation. A better alternative might be HP ProBook 450 G7, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The HP ZBook Power G9's display is a highlight of the laptop. It's bright, crisp, and offers complete coverage of the sRGB color space, making it a joy to work with all day long. The 16:9 aspect ratio is still used, which may be seen as outdated compared to newer laptops that have switched to 16:10 ratios. However, this doesn't detract from its overall quality. The display's brightness and color accuracy make it suitable for creative professionals and those who spend long hours on their laptop. You may find HP EliteBook 850 G7 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The HP Zbook Power G9 delivers exceptional performance, boasting a 12th gen Intel CPU, faster DDR5 memory, and higher PCIe 4.0 bandwidth speeds. This results in a smooth and fast experience with most applications. The upgrade options are also excellent, including dual SO-DIMM slots for up to 64GB of RAM and dual SSD slots for large storage requirements. The Power G9's performance is further enhanced by its Intel Iris XE graphics and discrete Nvidia RTX A1000 laptop GPU. Overall, the Power G9 offers impressive performance capabilities, making it a great choice for demanding users. If you’re after a better performance, HP ZBook Power G10 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the HP ZBook Power G9 is decent, lasting around 7-8 hours in normal use with balanced settings. However, heavy loads can drop it to as low as 2-3 hours. The 150W slim smart external AC power adapter supports fast charging, topping up from 29% to 62% in just 30 minutes and taking around 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery. A removable 83Wh battery is also available for upgrades.
Connectivity
The HP Zbook Power G9 boasts a robust connectivity suite, featuring dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SD card reader (unlike its sibling models), Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The presence of two USB-A ports and a Smart Card Reader adds to the convenience. However, the lack of an HDMI port is noticeable. Overall, the connectivity options are well-suited for professionals who require multiple peripherals. For an improved connectivity, HP Victus 15 is worth considering.
Features
The HP ZBook Power G9 boasts a 16-inch display with complete sRGB coverage, an Intel Iris XE graphics and Nvidia RTX A1000 GPU, up to 64GB RAM, dual SSD slots, and a removable battery. It also features a webcam privacy slider, TPM 2.0 chip, and fingerprint sensor for security. You might want to check out HP ProBook 450 G7, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The HP Zbook Power G9 shines with its robust component combo, featuring a 12th gen Intel CPU, faster DDR5 memory, and PCIe 4.0 bandwidth speeds. The device excels in performance, display quality, and upgradability options. A standout feature is the availability of support and maintenance services from HP.
Pros
1. great component combo... Everything feels fast and smooth with most applications thrown at it
2. excellent display... screen on this model is bright, crisp and has complete coverage of the sRGB color space making it a joy to view and work all day with it
3. upgrade options... excellent upgrade options including dual SO-DIMM slots up to 64GB, dual SSD slots for large storage requirements and a removable 83 Wh battery
4. great performance from fast components... tank-like build quality
Cons
1. no SD card reader... frustrating for photographer or video content creator
2. only one Thunderbolt 4 port
3. speakers and webcam are passable but nothing special
4. uses old-fashioned 16x9 display while its siblings and competition have moved over to 16 by 10 16 inch displays
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