Don't know which computer to buy (Business Characteristics)

If you are a gamer or a person that needs a strong machine and you are not sure what is the best computer to buy, consider Dell Vostro. The Dell Vostro 15 5568 is a low priced and visually pleasing upper entry-level business PC, packing some more multimedia power, thanks to its dedicated graphics (Nvidia GeForce 940MX GDDR5), great for those occasional gaming moments at home or during breaks. The Dell Vostro 15 5568 is a well-balanced, powerful and reactive notebook.

Even if very good, this computer may not be for everyone: heavy typists and digital artists are indeed better served by laptops from Lenovo or HP, since those brands usually offer much better keyboards and displays, with higher contrast and better viewing angles.

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Realtek RTL8111/8168 Gigabit Ethernet + Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 3165 Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac w/Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Card

• Ports: 2xUSB 3.0, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Audio, HDMI, VGA, SD Card Reader

• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

• Battery: 42Wh Li-Ion

• Weight: 1.9kg

Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 147 Points

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   342 Points

Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

• 3DMark 11 Overall: 2766

Gaming Benchmarks:

• Thief: (Very Low 1280x720): 43fps (Playable)
  
• Dragon Age: Inquisition (Medium 1366x768): 42fps (Playable)
  

Reviews on other sites

This model got good reviews with an overall rating of 79% (Notebookcheck)

Pros:

• Good system performance that goes beyond office requirements
• upgradability
• easy maintenance (nowadays this is an extremely rare feature

Contras:

• Limited contrast ratio and viewing angle
• Bad keyboard for heavy typists
• mediocre speakers

Conclusion

The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for office users not in need of typing often but valuing the extra multimedia punch the Dell Vostro 15 5568 can offer.

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

The 2017 version of the Microsoft Surface Pro is a stylish convertible featuring a passively cooled Intel Core i5-7300U (15W) instead of the usual Intel core m series, making it one of the most powerful silent laptops in the market! The cameras are very good and support Windows Hello and the touchscreen is bright, with high contrast and excellent color coverage.

The battery life is impressive! It easily beats the older Surface Pro 4 with Intel Core m3 (only 4.5W) and is proof that Microsoft can even beat Apple in power management optimizations.

The only serious drawback of the Surface Pro 2017 is the lack of the modern USB-Type C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, making it incompatible with most generic USB Type-C Docking stations. 

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac w/Bluetooth 4.1 Combo Card

• Ports: USB 3.0, DisplayPort, Docking Station Port, 3.5mm Audio, microSD Card Reader

• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

• Webcam: 5MPx

• Rear Camera: 8MPx

• Battery: 45Wh Li-Ion

• Weight; 1kg

Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 141 Points (One of the highest single core scores)

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   334 Points (Great score but lower than expected for a core i7-7600U due to thermal limitations)

Gaming Benchmarks:

• Bioshock Infinite (Medium 1280x720): 32 fps (Playable)
• Thief: (Unplayable)
  
• The Witcher 3: (Unplayable)
• Rise of The Tomb Raider: (Unplayable)
  

Reviews on other sites

This model got good reviews with an overall rating of 90% (Notebookcheck) and 4.1/5 Stars (Amazon)

Pros:

• Solid chassis design
• Noiseless
• Very long battery life (up to 17 hours in idle)
• Good camera which supports Windows Hello
• Very good microphone
• Bright display with sRGB color space coverage
• Quick charging
• Incredible performance...

Contras:

• ... In short bursts
• no USB Type-C
• Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately

Conclusion

The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for enterprise employees and photo/video creatives especially valuing silence.

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is HP Inc.'s current flagship for businesses. This PC packs awe-inspiring build quality and a powerful 15W Intel Core i5-7300U inside an extra thin chassis that, unlike the Microsoft Surface Pro 2017, doesn't throttle down its performance under normal use.

Being HP no.1 Business computer it features all the most recent security features, from TPM 2.0 to SureStart to HP's latest invention, the Privacy display!

The battery life is impressive; it can last up to 23 hours! The user can theoretically use this laptop unplugged for an entire long haul flight to the other side of the world, and still have some spare battery life!

The only real drawback is the price. At almost 1600$ it is quite expensive, and you can even go towards the 2000$ price point for the rare 512GB model, but since this computer is probably the best business notebook in the market, it is totally worth every single penny.

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265 Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac w/Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Card + HP lt4132 4G LTE Modem

• Ports: 2xUSB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3, Audio, HDMI, microSD Card Reader, SmartCard reader

• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

• Battery: 57Wh Li-Ion

• Weight; 1.3kg

Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 144 Points (One of the highest single core scores)

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   346 Points (Great score but lower than expected for a core i7-7600U due to thermal limitations)

 
Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

• 3DMark 11:  1610 (Low score, but better than most Intel integrated graphics)

Gaming Benchmarks:

• Bioshock Infinite (Medium 1366x768): 31 fps (Barely Playable)
• Battlefield 4 (Medium 1366x768): 31fps (Barely Playable)
• The Witcher 3: (Unplayable)

Reviews on other sites

This model got excellent reviews with an overall rating of 88% (Notebookcheck) and 4.5/5 Stars (Amazon)

Pros:

• Everything but...

Contras:

• ... Lack of maintenance hatch and...
• ... Dark display

Conclusion

The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for any serious enterprise professional.

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

The HP Elite x2 1012 G2 is HP Inc.'s current flagship detachable for businesses. This PC packs awe-inspiring build quality and a powerful 15W Intel Core i5-7300U inside an extra thin tablet chassis that, unlike the Microsoft Surface Pro 2017, doesn't throttle down its performance too much under normal use.

Being HP's no.1 business detachable notebook, it features all the most recent security features, from TPM 2.0 to SureStart to HP's latest invention, the Privacy display!

The battery life is good at around 15 hours of runtime, but can't really match its bigger brother's, the HP EliteBook 1030 x360 G2 (23+ hours!).

The only real drawbacks are the high surface temperatures (don't use this pc on your lap!) and its price of almost 1500$, which is quite expensive! You can even go towards the 2000$ price point for the rare 512GB model... but since this computer is probably the best business detachable notebook in the market; the steep price is totally worth every single penny.

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265 Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac w/Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Card + HP lt4132 4G LTE Modem

• Ports: SIM Card Socket, microSD Card Reader, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3, 3.5mm Audio

• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

• Battery: 47Wh Li-Ion

• Weight; 1.2kg

Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 127 Points (One of the highest single core scores)

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   322 Points (Great score but lower than expected for a core i7-7600U due to thermal limitations)

 
Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

• 3DMark 11:  1646 (Low score, but better than most Intel integrated graphics)

Gaming Benchmarks:

• Bioshock Infinite (Medium Detail @1366x768): 32 fps (Barely Playable with some serious occasional stuttering)
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (Ultra Low Detail @1280x720): 20 fps (Unplayable)

Reviews on other sites

This model got excellent reviews with an overall rating of 88% (Notebookcheck)

Pros:

• Everything but...

Contras:

• ... High price and...
• ... High temperatures Development

Conclusion

The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for any serious enterprise professional.

You can buy the HP Elite x2 1012 G2 on Amazon

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

The Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370UA has a perfect build and is a good traveling companion due to its lightweight. Prolific writers will be happy to hear about the good keyboard.

The performance is pretty good and the 15W Intel Core i5-7200U processor doesn't throttle too often in real word scenarios

The Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370UA also has other big advantages over the competition: it being silent yet air cooled, and its being much cheaper than most competitors are.

At just 730$, the Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370UA is a total deal!

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac w/Bluetooth 4.1 Combo Card

• Ports: 2xUSB 3.0 Type C, Audio

• Operating system: Windows 10 Home 64bit

• Battery: 39Wh Li-Ion

• Weight; 1.1kg

Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 127 Points

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   302 Points

 
Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

• 3DMark 11:  1743 (Low score, but better than most Intel integrated graphics)

Gaming Benchmarks:

• Bioshock Infinite (Medium 1366x768): 31 fps (Barely Playable)
• Battlefield 4 (Low 1366x768): 41fps (Playable)
• Rise of the Tomb Raider: (Unplayable)

Reviews on other sites

This model got excellent reviews with an overall rating of 87% (Notebookcheck)

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Light weight
• Good contrast ratio if compared to most TN displays
• Silence
• Keys with backlighting
• Large keys with backlighting
• Fast Wi-Fi
• Fingerprint reader

Contras:

• Unstable and wobbling base
• CPU throttling due to thermal limitations
• lack of SD Card reader
• TN (a.k.a. bad) like viewing angles due to SureView technology
• Lack of ports
• Overly reflective display

Conclusion

At just 730$, the Asus ZenBook Flip S UX370UA is a total deal! A cheaper, yet still high end looking alternative to the competition.

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

The HP Z238 is an entry-level workstation desktop PC designed for creative professionals that don't need powerful 3D graphics capabilities.

The combo of the powerful quad core Intel Core i5-7500 and integrated HD Graphics 630 help this workstation being a valid companion to every serious photo/video editor.

The Z238 has been especially designed for heavy duty CPU and 2D graphics computations and, like all HP Workstations, has been thoroughly tested under extreme conditions.

This compact workstation is fully modular and easily upgradable, and if you need an inexpensive yet powerful, mainly used for 2D creativity workstation that will last in time, the HP Z238 is probably the best solution on the market.

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Gigabit Ethernet

• Ports: 3xDisplayPort, Serial, PS/2 Mouse, PS/2 Keyboard, 4xUSB 3.0, 6xUSB 2.0, RJ-45, 4x Audio, SD Card Reader

• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 162 Points (One of the highest single core scores)

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   617 Points (Excellent score)

 
Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

• 3DMark 11:  1914 (Low score, but better than most Intel integrated graphics)

At just 715$, the HP Z238 is a total deal and thanks to its modularity and expandability, a seemingly perfect entry into the creatives workstation world.

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

The EliteBook x360 1020 G2 is a great example of the merging between sleek consumer designs and feature-heavy business configurations. It's inarguably faster and thinner than older the 1020 G1, but not without some cutbacks that longtime EliteBook owners may lament like the lack of docking station, TrackPoint or ports selection.

The jump from the 4.5W Intel Core M5-5Y75 to the more powerful 15W Intel Core i7-7600U (at this time the most powerful dual core mobile Intel Processor to date) is one if not the main benefit of this new revision.   

The EliteBook x360 1020 G2 has also display features found on no other business notebook of its size! It even includes the option for a bright 120 Hz 700 nit panel. HP SureView (Which dims the screen to other people passing by to keep the user's work safe from unwanted viewers) is the other exclusive feature but, sadly, there are some strange characteristics regarding brightness at certain viewing angles and a slightly grainy glossy display. Nonetheless, users who are accustomed to carrying dongles and adapters can equally exploit the benefits of both laptop and tablet mode and will not be disappointed with this admittedly attractive business machine.

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Intel Wireless-AC 8265 Wi-Fi a/b/g/h/n/ac w/Bluetooth 4,0 + USB Type-C Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

• Ports: 2xThunderbolt 3, HDMI, 3.5 Audio Jack

• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

• Weight; 1.1kg

Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 161 Points (One of the highest single core scores)

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   353 Points (Great score but lower than expected for a core i7-7600U due to thermal limitations)

 
Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

• 3DMark 11:  1842 (Low score, but better than most Intel integrated graphics)

Gaming Benchmarks:

• Bioshock Infinite (Medium Detail @1366x768): 32 fps (Barely Playable with some serious occasional stuttering)
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (Ultra Low Detail @1280x720): 20 fps (Unplayable)

Reviews on other sites

This model got excellent reviews with an overall rating of 89% (Notebookcheck)

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Spectre inspired design looks great
• Strong and durable chassis for its size
• Military Standard Certifications
• Many security features both software and hardware
• Extremely bright display with excellent outdoor visibility
• Good Surface temperatures under load
• Awesome Bang & Olufsen speaker system
• Fast NVMe SSD from Samsung
• CPU Performance mostly consistent with limited throttling only under extreme multi core loads
• SureView display + NFC
• Great keyboard feedback
• Silent for a dual fan system (at least at idle)

Contras:

• SureView causes low display contrast and is thus useless for photo/video editing
• No dedicated mouse keys or TrackPoint
• Wacom Pens are supported but not bundled
• TN (a.k.a. bad) like viewing angles due to SureView technology
• Lack of ports
• Trackpad is too sticky due to its glass material
• Can be too thin doesn't feel as sturdy as the EliteBook 700/800 series
• Screen flickers at brightness under 99%
• Jumps from silent to extremely loud under gaming (Thankfully most of the target users won't notice)
• Screen Backlight Bleeding
• Multi Core speed is good but not that great and can be as slow as the older Intel Core i7-6500U under Cinebench R15
• Electronic and Coil Noise
• No 4K 120hz Option

Conclusion

The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for any serious enterprise professional that is accustomed to bring loads of adapters, which also values design and security.

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

If you are looking for the best compact desktop workstation computer to buy, for the least amount of money you are willing to spare, you should definitively buy the HP Z240 SFF. The HP Z240 is a great starting machine for creatives and 2D CAD engineers and beyond since it can be easily expanded with a vast selection of powerful Nvidia Quadro Graphics Cards for all the most advanced CAD and Computing Needs.

If you need a powerful and reliable computer but don't have budget for the bigger and expensive Xeon based workstation this might be the right PC for you.

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Intel Gigabit Ethernet

• Ports: 4x Audio Jacks (2x Front, 2x Back), 2xPS/2, 8xUSB 3.0, 2xUSB 2.0, 2xDisplayPort, DVI-D

• Optical Drive: DVD+-RW Drive

• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

 Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 162 Points (Excellent single core score)

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   617 Points (Great Multi-Core score but still relatively entry-level for Workstation standards)

Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

• 3DMark 11 Overall:    1865 (Good score for integrated graphics standards, you should absolutely install a Nvidia Quadro for serious CAD)

Reviews on other sites

This model has just been recently released and there are no other reviews othet than this one at the moment.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• solid build quality
• can be expanded
• PS/2 Ports for legacy peripherals
• excellent video editing machine
• Power Supply Unit with 92% efficiency

Contras:

• only 4GB of RAM
• not suitable for 3D computing from the start

Conclusion

The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for users looking to dive into the workstation world for the first time.

You can buy the HP Z240 on Amazon.

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

If you are looking for the best desktop workstation computer to buy, for the least amount of money you are willing to spare, you should definitively buy the HP Z240 Micro Tower. The HP Z240 is a great starting machine for creatives and 2D CAD engineers and beyond since it can be easily expanded with a vast selection of powerful Nvidia Quadro Graphics Cards for all the most advanced CAD and Computing Needs.

If you need a powerful and reliable computer but don't have the budget for the more expensive Xeon/Quadro based workstation this might be the right PC for you.

Key characteristics

Other characteristics

• Networking; Intel Gigabit Ethernet

• Ports: 4x Audio Jacks (2x Front, 2x Back), 2xPS/2, 8xUSB 3.0, 2xUSB 2.0, 2xDisplayPort, DVI-D

• Optical Drive: DVD+-RW Drive

• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

 Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

• Cinebench R15 Single Core: 162 Points (Excellent single core score)

• Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   617 Points (Great Multi-Core score but still relatively entry-level for Workstation standards)

Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

• 3DMark 11 Overall:    1868 (Good score for integrated graphics standards, you should absolutely install a Nvidia Quadro for serious CAD)

Reviews on other sites

This model has just been recently released and there are no other reviews othet than this one at the moment.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• solid build quality
• can be expanded
• PS/2 Ports for legacy peripherals
• excellent video editing machine
• Power Supply Unit with 92% efficiency
• Fast Storage

Contras:

• only 4GB of RAM
• not suitable for 3D computing from the start

Conclusion

The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for users looking to dive into the workstation world for the first time.

You can buy the HP Z240 Micro Tower on Amazon.

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This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.