HP ProBook 4520s

• Intel Core i3 370M Processor (2.26GHz, 3MB cache)
• Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32-bit)
• 15.6-inch LED-backlit anti-glare HD display (1366 x 768)
• Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics
• 2GB DDR2 800MHz RAM
• 320GB 7200RPM HDD
• LightScribe DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
• Atheros AR9285 BGN Wifi, Bluetooth 2.1, 1Gb LAN
• 6-Cell 47WHr Battery
• Limited 1-year standard parts and labor warranty
• Dimensions: 14.64 x 9.83 x 1.09-inches
• Weight: Starting at 5.27lbs

Build and Design
The HP ProBook 4520s has a clean and semi-rugged outside appearance; a step up from the previous generation model. The screen cover instead of being plastic on the 4510s is now brushed metal which feels stronger and looks much nicer. The new metal cover keeps a clean appearance, hides most fingerprints and resists mild scratching from day to day abuse. The inside gets the same treatment with the bronze, anodized, brushed-metal finish for its palmrest and speaker grill. Besides those changes the notebook retains much of the same design as the previous model. The keyboard is a chiclet design with a glossy black plastic inlay, continuing to the screen bezel which shares the same look. The bottom of the notebook has the same clean design at the expense of removing access to all user-upgradable parts.

Build quality is very good and a step up from the older model. The brushed metal lid gives the 4520s some much needed strength and screen protection that the plastic lid on the previous model lacked. The palmrest and speaker grill also gained some rigidity and now offer very little flex under strong pressure. The chassis as a whole feels very well built but still a step below full business notebooks like the EliteBook or ThinkPad series. The keyboard tray has some minor flex under pressure which wouldn't be a problem on the more expensive models.
Another area of questionable design is the lack of upgrade access which has its strengths and weaknesses. The solid bottom cover has very little flex, which you might find if the bottom was covered in individual panels. On the other hand, the lack of access makes it more difficult to replace defective components or upgrade items down the line.

Screen and Speakers
The ProBook 4520s comes equipped with a 15.6" anti-glare display with a 16:9 widescreen ratio. At 1366 x 768 pixels, this 720p high-definition display is perfectly usable and features good color and contrast. We know many people are concerned about the transition from 16:10 to 16:9 ratio screens (because this means less vertical resolution) but the difference is so minor that the vast majority of notebook users will never have a problem.