HP Business Desktops Go Green

Rising costs in this troubled economy have every small business owner looking for ways to cut expenses, but let’s face it; no one wants to cut business performance. HP says it believes the latest additions to its line of business PCs can help you save money, reduce your impact on the environment and get the job done without sacrificing performance.








The HP Compaq dc5850 Business Desktop PC.
The HP Compaq dc5850 Business Desktop PC.

The company designed the HP Compaq dc5850 for more performance-oriented computing and the HP Compaq dx2450 to fit the standard needs of everyday tasks. First let’s take a look at the technology available in each system, and then we’ll look at the power-saving capabilities.


According to HP, the dc5850 combines integrated high-end graphics and support for two monitors with an affordable price. Kirk Godkin, an HP senior product manager, said that the high-end graphics comes by way of ATI 780V graphics that supports Microsoft’s Direct X 10.


“The dc5850 has the capability of a dedicated graphics card, but it’s a chip that sits on the computer’s motherboard, which provides high-end graphics performance but at a much lower cost,” said Godkin. “The system also supports running two monitors and discrete graphics capability, which helps when you’re running Vista.”


Other performance features include standard support for RAID technology, specifically data mirroring, which creates an exact copy of, and thus protects, your critical business data. The dc5850 also supports the next-generation of AMD Business Class processors.


The HP Client Manager offers security features such as an embedded Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security chip and HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The optional HP ProtectTools Security software suite includes Credential Manager, Drive Encryption and Device Access Manager.


As for the lower-end HP Compaq dx2450, HP said it’s aimed at businesses with standard, everyday tasks. “Our feedback from small-business customers indicated they wanted a reliable system with a sleek, updated look. These micro-tower systems have metal surfaces and a glossy finish” said Godkin.


The system offers what HP calls “previously high-end” features such as Nvidia and ATI graphics cards, memory expansion capabilities, and they’re available with pre-installed business applications.


Both the dc5850 and the dx2450 come with a wide range of system configuration options, which you’ll find listed on this page of the HP Web site.

Power Savings

The HP Power Manager, which promotes what the company calls “energy-efficient habits” for individuals by letting them choose the best combination of “performance and conservation” for their PCs – is a $5-per-PC option available on both models.


“The Power Manager lets each employees reduce energy use by setting power policies on their PCs so that they shut down into sleep states instead of leaving them on all the time,” said Godkin. 


The Power Manager also does the following:



  • Includes a sliding-bar interface that lets you set the power policy on a range between Less Aggressive or More aggressive. The Power Manager then automatically adjusts the appropriate settings in the PC’s operating system.
  • Calculates price per kilowatt. Based on specific pricing in your area, it shows how much you save in actual dollars.
  • Translates power saved into number of trees saved, barrels of oil saved and amount of carbon emissions reduced.

The HP Compaq dc5850 qualifies as both Energy Star 4.0 and EPEAT compliant.

Pricing

The HP Compaq dc5850 Business Desktop PC’s list price starts at $599. The HP Compaq dx2450 lists starting at $369.


Lauren Simonds is the managing editor of SmallBusinessComputing.com





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