HP EliteBook Folio 9480m — 14" Slim Metal Ultrabook
The HP EliteBook Folio 9480m is a slim all-metal 14-inch ultrabook with an Intel Core i5-4210U, 8GB RAM, a 256GB SSD and a 14-inch HD+ (1600 x 900) display. It ships with no operating system installed, making it a clean base for Linux, a corporate image or your own licensed copy of Windows. Backed by a 12-month Reboot IT warranty.
Key Benefits
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No OS — Deploy Your Own: Ships clean. Install Ubuntu, Mint or Debian, apply your corporate image, or use an existing volume licence. No cost is baked in for software you do not want.
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All-Metal Ultrabook Chassis: Machined aluminium and magnesium construction at around 19mm thick and 1.56kg — a genuinely premium business build that still feels solid a decade on.
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256GB SSD Fitted: Solid-state storage means fast boots, silent operation, better shock resistance and lower power draw than the mechanical drives of the same era.
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8GB RAM: Twice the base memory of most machines of this vintage — comfortable for a modern Linux desktop, a browser and an office suite running together.
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Backlit Spill-Resistant Keyboard: HP's Premium keyboard with backlighting and drainage channels, plus both a touchpad and a pointing stick.
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Business Ports Still Fitted: DisplayPort, VGA, three USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader and a docking connector — no adapters needed for older office equipment.
Performance in Use
The i5-4210U is a 4th Generation Haswell dual-core with Hyper-Threading. It is a low-power part designed for thin chassis, and it is honest to say it is a light-duty processor by current standards. Where it still works well is exactly what an ultrabook is for: web browsing, email, documents, spreadsheets, video playback and remote-desktop sessions. It is not a machine for compiling code or editing video.
What makes it worth having is the combination of 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD in a 1.56kg metal body. A lightweight Linux distribution on this hardware feels quick and stays quick, and boots in seconds. For a travel machine, a second laptop, a workshop or lab unit, or a low-cost deployment where you supply your own software, the value is strong.
Because there is no operating system installed, this is a machine for someone comfortable running an installer. The 9480m has excellent Linux driver support — Ubuntu and Mint install cleanly with working Wi-Fi, graphics, audio and power management. Windows 10 will also install if you hold a licence. Note that the 4th Generation processor is not supported by Windows 11.
Technical Specifications
| Processor |
Intel Core i5-4210U — 4th Gen Haswell, 2 cores / 4 threads, 1.7GHz base, 2.7GHz Turbo Boost, 3MB cache |
| Memory |
8GB DDR3L |
| Storage |
256GB SSD |
| Display |
14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) |
| Graphics |
Intel HD Graphics 4400 (integrated) |
| Operating System |
None installed — supply your own |
| Chassis |
Slim all-metal ultrabook, approximately 19mm thick, around 1.56kg |
| Keyboard |
Backlit spill-resistant keyboard with touchpad and pointing stick |
| Wireless |
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Ports |
DisplayPort, VGA, 3x USB 3.0, RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, 3.5mm audio, docking connector |
| Warranty |
12 months — Reboot IT certified refurbished warranty |
Is It Right For You?
| Best For ✓ |
Not For ✗ |
| Linux users wanting a light, well-supported metal ultrabook |
Buyers who need Windows pre-installed and ready to use |
| IT teams deploying their own corporate image or volume licence |
Windows 11 — 4th Gen processors are not supported |
| Buyers needing a light second or travel laptop at low cost |
Gaming, video editing or other GPU-intensive work |
| Workshops, labs and loan pools where software is standardised |
Users who want a Full HD 1920 x 1080 or touch display |
Condition Grades
| Grade |
Description |
| A — Excellent |
Minimal signs of use. Light micro-scratches possible on the palm rest or base. Screen clear when powered on. Battery 70%+ of original capacity (30-day battery warranty). All ports, keyboard and trackpad fully functional. |
| B — Good |
Moderate cosmetic wear consistent with corporate use — visible scratches, scuffs or small dents on the lid or base, and heavier keyboard wear. Screen crack-free and fully functional. Battery 50–70% of original capacity (30-day battery warranty). All features working to specification. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no operating system?
This unit ships clean so you can install whatever you need — Linux, a corporate image or your own licensed copy of Windows. You are not paying for software you would only overwrite.
Will Linux work properly on it?
Yes. The 9480m has strong Linux support. Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Debian install cleanly with working Wi-Fi, graphics, audio, keyboard backlight and power management.
Can I install Windows 10?
Yes, if you hold a valid licence. Windows 10 installs and runs well on this hardware. Windows 11 is not supported — the 4th Generation processor falls outside Microsoft's requirements.
How do I install without an optical drive?
Boot from a USB flash drive. Both Windows and every mainstream Linux distribution provide a bootable USB installer, and the 9480m boots from USB without any BIOS changes needed.
What resolution is the screen?
HD+ — 1600 x 900. That is a step above the 1366 x 768 panels common in this era, giving noticeably more usable vertical space for documents and web pages.
What does the warranty cover?
The 12-month warranty covers all hardware components against defects and functional failures under normal use. Contact sales@reboot-it.com.au for a Return Authorisation if you need to make a claim.
What are the shipping arrangements?
Yes — free standard shipping Australia-wide is included with your purchase.
12-Month Warranty — Backed by Reboot IT
Every HP EliteBook Folio 9480m we sell is professionally tested, cleaned and certified by our in-house technicians in Melbourne. Every unit passes a full technician check — CPU, memory, SSD health, display, battery capacity, keyboard, trackpad, ports and wireless. Your purchase includes a full 12-month warranty covering all hardware components, plus free standard shipping Australia-wide. Reboot IT has been refurbishing and selling quality business technology since 2001 — over two decades of expertise behind every device. Need help? Reach us at sales@reboot-it.com.au or visit reboot-it.com.au.