Is there anyone who has hands on experience with these latest Sandy Bridge based HP ProBook 4530S, with reference to noise?

I have got my hands on this model though it was equipped with a previous generation core i3. I didn`t really stress the machine so I can`t speak of the noise levels under load. It was very quiet when idle though, in spite of the 30+ ambient temperature. The noise signature was excellent for a laptop too with was no buzzing or clicking emitted by the fan.

Thanks for sharing, ntavlas.

I think that I haven't to stress it so much: I need a couple for office automation needs, and they look'n'feel very well built, while their processing power is superabundant, even if they are surprisingly inexpensive for what they offer.

Just the 15.6" LED display at 1366 x 768 (the same of my 11" Vaio) leave me a bit dubious, but it seems the norm on everyday notebooks, now.

I would certainly recommend it, in fact the one I used was of a friend of mine bought on my recommendation. While the display is nothing special, at least it`s matte, something that`s very very rare at this price range.

I bought it via internet, try it two days and send back.

Too noosy for me compare to lenovo T420 (my professionel laptop).

That's odd, and unfortunate - I have an 8440p that's very quiet and has a gentle noise signature, as well.

And yes, it's hard to get above 1366x768 in a laptop under 16". It's not impossible, but it's something that you have to search out specific models to find and jump on. 1600x900 is available in some 14" and 15" models, for example. My 8440p has that.

I don't know how quiet it's the T420: but IMHO it does worth to mention that, at least in Italy, the Lenovo costs three times the HP.

I don't buy new Thinkpads in Europe because of the crazy prices. Check the real prices on lenovo.com.
So far I haven't had trouble getting warranty service in Europe on Thinkpads bought in the US if they have IWS (an international warranty that automatically comes with many models) but people in other European countries have been refused service.

I just received a new ProBook 4530s and went through the standard setup process. I am very disappointed to hear the fan running constantly. All I am doing is a little web browsing and I am in a very cool room. It sounds like this may be typical of these machines -- what a shame.

Why is it so hard to find a solid, quiet machine with a decent screen? Any alternatives out there?

did you change in bios the option: fan always on while being charged (or something like that)?