Skip to main content

HP’s new workstations are built with input from real users – and it shows

When you already produce one of the most popular workstations around, it’s only logical you’d want to follow it up with an equally impressive system. This time around, the sequel really is better, and HP’s Z240 workstations are high-end systems at very reasonable prices.

Available in two distinct form factors, the Z240 workstations are targeted at the entry-level professional market – video editing, education, and image rendering. As such, they’re equipped with the best components, including Skylake processors, up to 64 gigabytes of RAM, and HP’s Z Turbo Drive. That’s not what HP is most excited about, though.

Recommended Videos

Apart from under-the-hood improvements, HP has made a number of new changes to the workstations that are based on long conversations with actual workstation users. By spending time learning about workflow in a number of market areas, new options were designed to fit those issues.

A few of these changes were made to the motherboard to increase compatibility. With an integrated M.2 slot, you’re ready for the fastest PCIe SSDs out there, including HP’s Z Turbo Drive. The legacy PCI slot, which HP found was in use by less than 2 percent of users, is now gone to make room for other improvements, with a replacement adapter card in development.

The hard drive cage has been redesigned for greater airflow and better acoustic control, and ambient temperature sensors on the motherboard ensure a cool, quiet system. Despite all of these changes, the motherboard is ten percent smaller, which allows for more efficient cable layouts.

There are some convenience features too, including front and rear handles for when you really need to take your system elsewhere. If you want to take it out for cleaning less, you can also now order both Z240 workstations with dust filters, a change that seems small on the surface, but actually improves performance and lowers maintenance time drastically.

Perhaps best of all, the new Z240 and Z240 Small Form Factor will be available in November, with a starting price of $879. While HP hasn’t shared what exactly that sub-$900 system looks like, the most basic processor that’s offered is an Intel Core i5-6500, which is no slouch. If you’ve been thinking about taking your computing to a more professional level, these systems will be an excellent offering at an unbeatable price.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Brad Bourque
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brad Bourque is a native Portlander, devout nerd, and craft beer enthusiast. He studied creative writing at Willamette…
HP’s new Envy x360 14 looks like a killer value for what you get
HP Envy x360 15.6 media mode showing display and pen.

HP's Envy line is an interesting mix of midrange pricing and premium design. It sits between the budget-oriented Pavilion and the ultra-premium Spectre, offering some of the best attributes of both. This year's upgrades introduced to the Envy x360 convertible 2-in-1 lineup include a very affordable Envy x360 14 and an Envy x360 15.6 that offers the first IMAX-certified multimedia experience.

Starting at just $850, the Envy x360 14 might be the most interesting of the three new machines, which also include the Envy x360 17.3. Its combination of design, components, and likely build quality make it a compelling budget option. And media consumers will appreciate the upgraded experience offered by the Envy x360 15.6.
Envy x360 14

Read more
HP’s new color laser printers are energy-efficient and eco-friendly
HP Color LaserJet 4302 FDW includes a scanner.

HP just announced a new series of energy-efficient and eco-friendly Color LaserJet printers that require up to 27% less energy and use toner cartridges and packaging with 78% less plastic.

The core of today's announcement centers around TerraJet, a new toner technology that places a protective shell around toner particles and helps to reduce waste. With TerraJet, HP significantly reduced the amount of plastic needed to contain toner in cartridges and their packaging.

Read more
HP’s new Dragonfly Pro targets potential MacBook buyers at CES 2023
The back of the HP Dragonfly Pro Sparkling Black color option.

HP has officially announced the Dragonfly Pro at CES 2023 as a unique Windows laptop that specifically targets those shoppers who might default to a MacBook.

This laptop branches out from a new arm of its Dragonfly line, which is typically focused on the commercial market. Coupled with the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, which has also been announced at CES, HP hopes to get the attention of a new demographic, specifically with its new support services that come built-in.

Read more