HP Expands EliteBook, ProBook Lines

By Geoff Duncan March 1, 2010

Hewlett Packard has taken the wraps off new additions to its EliteBook and ProBook notebook lines aimed at business users…although the systems also have quite a lot that everyday consumers might like, including a range of Core i3, i5, and i7 processors and (with the ultraportable) MIL-STD 810G toughness.

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All the new systems will be available in a variety of configurations, so running down specs is tough. However, here are the broad strokes: the HP EliteBook 2740p Tablet PC offers a 12.1-inch outdoor-viewable, multitouch tablet display driven by Intel HD Graphics and handles up to 8 GB of RAM: options include an Intel Core i5 or I7 processor, a 2 megapixel webcam, HP mobile broadband (via Sprint, Verizon, or AT&T), along with 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 wireless networking. The system will support up to five hours’ use on a six-cell battery, and an optional base station can provide easy access to peripherals at a desk. The entire unit weighs 3.8 pounds, and should be available next month at prices staring at $1,599. The HP EliteBook 2540p will start at $1,099 and is a more traditional take on an ultraportable notebook with specs similar to the 2740p tablet, offering an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, a 12.1-inch diagonal display, support for up to 8 GB of RAM. Both systems meet MIL-STD 810G specs for dust, humidity, altitude, temperature, and vibration extremes.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

On the ProBook side of the fence, HP has announced four new models: the HP ProBook 4320s, HP ProBook 4420s, HP ProBook 4520s, and the HP ProBook 4720s, featuring screen sizes of 13.3 inches, 14 inches, 15.6-inches, and 17.3 inches, respectively. App will be offered with a choice of Intel Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7 CPU, Intel HD Graphics or ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4350 graphics, and multiple wireless networking technologies—including mobile broadband options. All the models will feature webcam-based facial recognition for login (fingerprint readers are available), and the systems will come pre-loaded with audio and video editing tools from ArcSoft. The systems also feature HP DayStarter (which enables users to tap into their Outlook-based calendars before Windows is even finished starting up) and HP QuickWeb that can put users in the Web in just seconds. The new ProBook series will start at $719, and should be available at retailers this month.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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