Today HP announced its largest business notebook launch ever, introducing ten different models that span from small business to the enterprise. The various models fall into three categories: the professional, business and standard series, which, according to HP, are differentiated by both design and features.
The Professional series, for example, features a brushed anodized-aluminum exterior combined with a magnesium alloy chassis. Business class notebooks sport a silver finish and include magnesium alloy support while the Standard series has a satin, reflective, black-on-black finish.
Notebook feature sets become more advanced and numerous as you move from the low-end to the top-of-the line models. “Think of the Professional, Business and Standard designations as car trim levels for notebooks,” said Robert Baker, an HP product manager. “Each level offers more options and capabilities,” he said.
Baker also noted that the vast majority of businesses require Windows XP over Vista, and that all the new notebooks would ship with whichever operating system the customer prefers.
Here’s the breakdown of notebook models in their respective categories.
Professional
The HP EliteBook 6930p is the company’s top-of-the-line, flagship business notebook. It features the HP DuraCase (that’s the brushed anodized-aluminum exterior and magnesium alloy chassis), which HP says meets the MIL-STD 810F military-standard durability tests. It also uses HP DuraFinish, a protective coating, which HP keeps says the notebook looking good, longer.
HP QuickLook2 software lets you see a snapshot of your e-mail, calendar, task and contact information – even when your PC is off. Baker said this is handy for road warriors who, for example, may have shut down the PC to board a plane only to realize they need to quickly confirm an address or appointment.
The EliteBook’s SpareKey feature steps in when you’ve forgotten your password. It asks you three predetermined personal identification questions – answer them to gain access to your PC.
You can also choose from the latest processors such as AMD Turion 64 X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processors and the latest Intel Centrino 2 and Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology.
The 6930p weighs in at 4.7 pounds and comes with a 14.1-inch diagonal widescreen display and comes with a range of integrated wireless solutions. You can optionally replace with an environmentally friendly, mercury-free Illumi-Lite LED display. HP says it has set a goal to remove all mercury from its entire notebook line by 2010.
Other options include a second hard drive for RAID 0 or RAID 1 and a two-megapixel Webcam with Business Card Reader software
Business
HP says its business notebook “b” series, with a silver finish and magnesium alloy support structure, provides features designed for mainstream business mobility. You can choose between a 14.4- or 15.4-inch diagonal display, or between Intel or AMD processors. This series also comes with the HP DuraFinish.
HP Compaq 6530b and HP Compaq 6535b – Designed for commuting professionals or for people who need to stay mobile within the office or who travel occasionally. The 6530b and 6535b offer the latest Intel and AMD processors, HP Mobile Broadband, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology.
Features include a 14.1-inch diagonal display, magnesium alloy support structure and a starting weight of 5.3 pounds.
HP Compaq 6730b and HP Compaq 6735b – With a starting weight of only 5.9 pounds, these models offer a large 15.4-inch diagonal widescreen display, enhanced security and extensive connectivity options with HP Mobile Broadband and your choice of the latest Intel and AMD processors.
Standard
HP says its s-series notebooks provide strong security features in the form of HP ProtectTools Security Manager. Drive Encryption for HP ProtectTools lets you encode the data on your hard drive so that if the notebook is lost or stolen, no one can read the sensitive information. File Sanitizer software permanently deletes files, folders and personally identifiable information from the notebook.
HP Compaq 6530s and HP Compaq 6535s – Entry-level, mainstream notebooks for small businesses. They offer Intel or AMD processors, Wi-Fi and integrated Bluetooth wireless technology and a choice between a 14.1-inch diagonal widescreen anti-glare WXGA display or a BrightView display that HP says improves brightness, contrast and clarity.
HP Compaq 6730s and HP Compaq 6735s – Also for the small business, these notebooks offer a 15.4-inch diagonal widescreen display, a choice of Intel or AMD processors, Wi-Fi and integrated Bluetooth wireless technology.
HP Compaq 6830s – This notebook offers a 17-inch diagonal widescreen display extensive wireless connectivity and additional graphic applications, including ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410 for video memory and 3D gaming. It also includes the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors.
Lauren Simonds is the managing editor of SmallBusinessComputing.com
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