Case – All plastic, no metal

HP has completely resigned the case. When compared to the predecessor model (ProBook 640/645 G3), the ProBook 645 G4 looks somewhat more angular. Moreover, the device is somewhat lighter and a few millimeters thinner. This has been achieved by forgoing the optical disk drive. There are changes in terms of the case materials: Whereas the G3 model had some metal elements (the upper size of the chassis), the G4 model is made entirely of plastic. With the exception of the display bezels (black), the notebook has a matte silver color. The ProBook does not feature a maintenance hatch. In order to reach the internals, the entire bottom cover will have to be removed.

The laptop does not evince any flaws in terms of the build quality. Everything is tight and tidy; nothing is protruding, all joints are flush with each other. When pressure is applied to the chassis, it slightly bends in below and to the left of the touchpad. In our opinion, the chassis could have been a little bit more rigid. A notebook in this price range should offer more in this respect. The display lid is even less rigid. Applying pressure to the display lid causes distortions on the screen - but only in the center. The hinges keep the display lid in place. However, the display lid wobbles slightly. The display lid can be opened with one hand. The maximum opening angle is 155 degrees.