Dual-core processing is set to launch this summer in Hewlett-Packard Co.’s additions to its line of notebook PCs.
At its summit on mobility in San Francisco in early May, the company unveiled a range of new HP/Compaq notebook systems including five commercial systems.The goal of the campaign is to grow a more profitable worldwide business through the introduction support and marketing of innovative products, services and solutions that will deliver the absolute best customer experience in personal technology.Text
Representatives from the Personal Systems Group of HP trumpeted the cause of mobility through the personalization of computing – for both businesses and consumers. The message in a new marketing campaign focused on the message – the computer is personal again – was clear.
“The goal of the campaign is to grow a more profitable worldwide business through the introduction support and marketing of innovative products, services and solutions that will deliver the absolute best customer experience in personal technology,” according to an overview description of the campaign.
Company officials imparted the message that notebook computing is all about mobility and the personal aspect. In addition to invaluable professional and business information, users keep their personal music, data and images.
Mobility comes in the form of a series of new “commercial” notebook personal systems announced by the company, which include a range of new security, information safety and mobile communication features.
Among the new notebooks announced were:
– The HP/Compaq nc2400 notebook: a sub- three-pound unit with a 12.1-inch widescreen display and integrated optical drive. Processor options include Intel Core Solo and Celeron M. The nc2400 is priced from Can$1,849.
– The HP/Compaq nc4400 notebook and tc4400 tablet PC: featuring 12.1 inch XGA display. An optional outdoor viewable display is available on selected tablet models. Processor options include Intel’s Core Duo (dual core). The nc4400 is priced from $2,149 and the tc4400 from $1,899.
– The HP/Compaq nc6400 notebook: a 4.6 lb. system, with a 1.1-inch thin model, features a 14.1-inch display and Intel’s Core Duo processors. The nc6400 is priced from $1,829.
– The HP/Compaq nx7400 notebook: a 5.6 lb. system, with a 1.2-inch thin model, features a 15.4-inch display, Intel Core Duo processors and an optional double-layer DVD+/-RW with LightScribe technology that offers twice the storage of single layer discs. The nx7400 is priced from $949.
– The HP/Compaq nc8430 notebook: a 5.95 lb. system and 1.1-inches thin, features a 15.4-inch display, Intel Core Duo processors and DVD+/-RW LightScribe technology. The nc8430 is priced from C$2,299.
Features available with most systems include:
– HP ProtectTools, a portfolio of security features that includes a biometric fingerprint sensor for logging onto the system.
– A Privacy Filter is built into the display, narrowing the viewing angle with no blurring or image distortion so that the screen is only visible to the user.
– HP Mobile Data Protection System 3D that features a motion detection sensor that protects the system hard drive by parking it when shock and/or vibration are detected.
– A magnesium display enclosure and reinforced base for added durability.
– HP Fast Charge Technology that charges the primary battery up to 90 per cent in 90 minutes.
– Ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the light the notebook display to the light of a room.
– ProtectTools: a credential manager feature that allows single sign on to other things. The passwords are kept in an encrypted file that gets stored on the hard drive.
– Device Access Manager that allows a user to control which USB devices to shut off.
Todd Bradley, HP’s executive vice-president of the Personal Systems Group, noted that the company’s mobile notebook business is among the more high growth areas of the business. He noted that the company’s notebook business is “up 43 per cent on a year over year basis” and that HP shipped more than 30 million mobile devices – including notebook and handheld systems – last year.
According to Ted Clark, HP’s senior vice-president of the Personal Systems Group the mobile notebook systems market has grown 31 per cent and HP has grown more than 50 per cent – year over year “We’ve increased our market share by two and a half points,” he said. “On average HP ships 35K notebooks every day.”
