
Fat Laptops - HP 8560W Review
Marquez, better known as MKBHD, delivers a compact critique of the HP 8560W as part of a broader discussion on fat laptops or mobile workstations. He frames the device as a desktop replacement whose weight and size put it clearly in the workstation category, not a traditional laptop meant to rest on a podium or in a bag with ease. He highlights solid internals for the era, including a quad-core i7 processor, 8 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a Quadro 2000 graphics card, noting that these specs permit strong performance and that the machine passes typical benchmarks. However, the emphasis of the review is on its limitations that prevent it from matching a true desktop: the bottleneck created by a slow hard drive and the subpar display, specifically a 1600 by 900 panel that lags behind the higher resolutions common in thinner laptops. He also mentions battery life as a weakness, particularly given the device is designed for desk work rather than on-the-go use. The overall takeaway is that if you opt for a machine this size as a mobile workstation, you should expect desktop-grade capabilities but also accept compromises in storage speed, display quality, and energy efficiency. He closes by inviting viewers to consider what laptop best doubles as a desktop replacement and to share their own experiences in the comments, signaling the ongoing debate among enthusiasts about where these behemoths fit in modern setups. The video threads together a balanced verdict: high-performance potential with notable drawbacks that limit true desktop parity, and a call to the audience to weigh what they need from a large, powerful laptop versus a dedicated desktop.
Topics · technology · computers · laptops · hardware · review
Questions answered
- What are the main drawbacks of the HP 8560W as a desktop replacement?
- The main drawbacks cited are the slow hard drive bottleneck and the 1600x900 screen, which limit desktop-like performance and visual clarity, along with relatively poor battery life for a portable machine.
- Does the HP 8560W offer strong performance for professional workloads?
- Yes, it has a quad-core i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a quadro 2000 graphics card, which provide solid performance for professional applications, especially after storage upgrades.
- Is the HP 8560W considered a good value as a budget workstation?
- Many commenters suggest it can be a solid budget option for demanding tasks if you are willing to upgrade components like the hard drive and memory, though price and bulk remain considerations.