HP spices up ProBooks with Core 2010 CPUs, ClickPads and caviar paint
By Joanna Stern 
posted March 1st 2010 12:01AM
posted March 1st 2010 12:01AM
HP Unveils Ultra-thin, Touch-enabled Convertible Tablet and Notebook PCs for Small and Midsize Businesses
PALO ALTO, Calif., March 1, 2010 – HP today introduced the company's first multitouch-enabled tablet for business users as well as notebook PCs tailored for both enterprise and small and midsize businesses (SMBs).
The additions to the HP portfolio include:
- HP EliteBook 2740p – an ultra-thin, multitouch-enabled convertible tablet that provides an interactive experience for businesses in health care, education, sales and more;
- HP EliteBook 2540p – the company's lightest EliteBook notebook PC, starting at only 3.3 pounds, is ideal for global and large corporate enterprises, the public sector and other businesses in need of a rugged, high-performance notebook; and
- HP ProBook standard series (s-series) notebook PCs – four new models of the high-performing series provide a new design and sophisticated colors for everyday use.
"The HP business touch tablet is the latest addition to the broad mix of choices that HP offers business customers to best improve manageability, productivity and mobility," said Dan Forlenza, vice president, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP. "HP continues to implement the latest innovations to help large companies and SMBs exceed productivity expectations."
The notebook PCs are the latest in the company's series of launches providing businesses a wide selection of products to refresh their aging business technology.
Powerful and light notebook PCs for the road warrior
Now offering standard voltage Intel processors, the HP EliteBook 2740p tablet PC combines the power and reliability of an HP business notebook PC with the flexibility of a tablet, making it ideal for users on the go. The 2740p starts at 3.8 pounds and includes a 12.1-inch diagonal LED display or optional outdoor-view display with less reflection and a higher contrast for easier viewing in natural light.(1)
The touchscreen option allows users to get work done more intuitively and faster based on their choice of input methods. Multitouch gestures, finger taps and swipes across the screen allow users to navigate through applications and menus, as well provide access to information and websites.
The HP EliteBook 2740p offers a variety of battery solutions for lightweight configurations, including a six-cell li-ion prismatic battery, which provides up to 5 hours of uptime, and an optional HP 2700 Ultra-Slim Battery that provides up to 11 hours when combined with the standard battery.(1,2)
The optional HP 2740 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base(1) allows users to dock their notebook PCs to utilize peripherals without needing to constantly plug and unplug. This innovative expansion base includes a DVD+/-RW drive, fits neatly into a briefcase so the optical drive can easily travel, and supports DisplayPort so users can easily connect to an external monitor. The expansion base also has an eSATA port, allowing for connection to an external RAID array, HDD and to optical drives for fast and easy storage.
The HP EliteBook 2540p offers business users a choice of Intel® Core™ processors in either standard voltage for maximum performance – a first for HP ultra-portable notebooks – or low voltage for increased flexibility with the convenience of an optical drive or secondary hard drive.
As the lightest-weight offering in the HP EliteBook portfolio, the 2540p is equipped with a 12.1-inch diagonal LED display, optional 2-megapixel webcam with business card reader software and HP Fingerprint Sensor. (1)
Integrated HP Mobile Broadband powered by Gobi(3) allows users to conveniently access the internet, company intranet, email and mission-critical information in more places than ever before, while HP Connection Manager 3.0 simplifies and automates connecting users with their preferred networks.
The HP EliteBook 2540p includes multiple battery options for lightweight configurations or longer battery life, including a three-cell battery that provides up to 4 hours, a six-cell battery that provides up to 8 hours, and a nine-cell battery that provides up to 10.5 hours.(2)
Also available for select EliteBook models are three- and six-cell HP Long Life Batteries, providing a three-year life span(1,4) – up to twice as long as most li-ion notebook batteries. HP Long Life Batteries reduce overall battery waste by requiring fewer batteries to be used over the life of the PC.
Both the 2740p and 2540p are engineered to meet the tough MIL-STD 810G military-standard tests(5) for vibration, dust, humidity, altitude, and high and low temperatures. They also are EPEAT® registered in the United States and offer ENERGY STAR® qualifying configurations.
HP strives to use less material in products through improvements in product design and technological advances. In the company's efforts to reduce the amount of raw materials consumed and help protect natural resources, the HP EliteBook 2540p Notebook PC employs post-consumer recycled plastic resin in at least 12 percent of its total plastic content.
Additionally, the EliteBook 2740p and 2540p come preloaded with a trial version of HP SkyRoom,(6) an affordable, high-definition (HD) videoconferencing software(7) that offers live, real-time collaboration for face-to-face meetings.
Big performance for small businesses
For small businesses, the company announced a new design of the HP ProBook s-series, featuring a durable brushed-aluminum metal case with a matte surface that is available in caviar or bordeaux.
The HP ProBook s-series is available in four HD(7) LED-backlit display choices: HP ProBook 4320s (13.3-inch diagonal), HP ProBook 4420s (14-inch diagonal), HP ProBook 4520s (15.6-inch diagonal) and HP ProBook 4720s (17.3-inch diagonal).
Starting at $719,(8) the HP ProBook s-series provides an affordable combination of features in a full-function notebook PC, including all-new 2010 Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors,(9) a choice of Intel HD Graphics or discrete graphics for advanced multimedia support featuring the ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4350 and multiple wireless technologies.
Logging on to Windows® and other websites is fast and easy with HP Face Recognition for Protect tools, while an optional fingerprint reader adds another layer of security.
The HP ProBook s-series features new multimedia controls for video, and comes loaded with the new ArcSoft TotalMedia Suite to allow users to play, edit and create video and audio files. The suite includes the following features: MediaImpression, TotalMedia LabelMaker, TotalMedia ShowBiz, TotalMedia Studio, TotalMedia Theater and WebCam Companion. The latest ClickPad Gestures functionality taps into a more intuitive document navigation experience for HP ProBook users.
Innovations for the mobile professional
Available on all new HP ProBooks and the EliteBook p-series, the HP DayStarter(10) allows users to get a head start on the day's activities with access to key information even before Windows finishes booting up. A customized display includes a calendar (12-hour time period) and battery charge state, and a Windows loading indicator appears while Windows continues to load in the background.
The HP EliteBook and most HP ProBook notebook series also include HP QuickWeb, which allows users to access the web in seconds when the PC is shut down; HP Power Assistant, which provides total visibility over the notebook PC's reported power consumption, with tools allowing users to conserve power, stretch battery run time, and accurately monitor reported power needs;(11) and spill-resistant keyboards.
Central Management for HP ProtectTools provides IT personnel remote functionality to deploy and manage key security policies across the entire business. For example, IT can centrally define and deploy security policies based on users and user types, monitor and audit client activity, and recover access for remote users who have forgotten their passwords. Central Management is available on all HP
EliteBook and ProBook notebook PCs being introduced in 2010.
Financing options for SMBs in the United States and Canada
HP is offering businesses zero percent vendor-direct financing plans for these new EliteBook and ProBook lines through HP Financial Services, the company's leasing and life cycle asset management services subsidiary. There are two plans to choose from – a 12-month lease with a $1 purchase option or a 36-month lease with a fair market value purchase option. Qualifying transactions must be between $1,500 and $150,000 dollars in the United States and $5,000 and $150,000 dollars in Canada. More details on these financing options are available at www.hp.com/go/totalfinancing.
Pricing and availability (8)
- The HP EliteBook 2540p starts at $1099 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
- The HP EliteBook 2740p starts at $1599 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
- The HP ProBook s-series starts at $719 and are expected to be available in the United States this month.
- The HP 2740 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base starts at $299 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.
About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
PALO ALTO, Calif., March 1, 2010 – HP today introduced the company's first multitouch-enabled tablet for business users as well as notebook PCs tailored for both enterprise and small and midsize businesses (SMBs).
The additions to the HP portfolio include:
- HP EliteBook 2740p – an ultra-thin, multitouch-enabled convertible tablet that provides an interactive experience for businesses in health care, education, sales and more;
- HP EliteBook 2540p – the company's lightest EliteBook notebook PC, starting at only 3.3 pounds, is ideal for global and large corporate enterprises, the public sector and other businesses in need of a rugged, high-performance notebook; and
- HP ProBook standard series (s-series) notebook PCs – four new models of the high-performing series provide a new design and sophisticated colors for everyday use.
"The HP business touch tablet is the latest addition to the broad mix of choices that HP offers business customers to best improve manageability, productivity and mobility," said Dan Forlenza, vice president, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP. "HP continues to implement the latest innovations to help large companies and SMBs exceed productivity expectations."
The notebook PCs are the latest in the company's series of launches providing businesses a wide selection of products to refresh their aging business technology.
Powerful and light notebook PCs for the road warrior
Now offering standard voltage Intel processors, the HP EliteBook 2740p tablet PC combines the power and reliability of an HP business notebook PC with the flexibility of a tablet, making it ideal for users on the go. The 2740p starts at 3.8 pounds and includes a 12.1-inch diagonal LED display or optional outdoor-view display with less reflection and a higher contrast for easier viewing in natural light.(1)
The touchscreen option allows users to get work done more intuitively and faster based on their choice of input methods. Multitouch gestures, finger taps and swipes across the screen allow users to navigate through applications and menus, as well provide access to information and websites.
The HP EliteBook 2740p offers a variety of battery solutions for lightweight configurations, including a six-cell li-ion prismatic battery, which provides up to 5 hours of uptime, and an optional HP 2700 Ultra-Slim Battery that provides up to 11 hours when combined with the standard battery.(1,2)
The optional HP 2740 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base(1) allows users to dock their notebook PCs to utilize peripherals without needing to constantly plug and unplug. This innovative expansion base includes a DVD+/-RW drive, fits neatly into a briefcase so the optical drive can easily travel, and supports DisplayPort so users can easily connect to an external monitor. The expansion base also has an eSATA port, allowing for connection to an external RAID array, HDD and to optical drives for fast and easy storage.
The HP EliteBook 2540p offers business users a choice of Intel® Core™ processors in either standard voltage for maximum performance – a first for HP ultra-portable notebooks – or low voltage for increased flexibility with the convenience of an optical drive or secondary hard drive.
As the lightest-weight offering in the HP EliteBook portfolio, the 2540p is equipped with a 12.1-inch diagonal LED display, optional 2-megapixel webcam with business card reader software and HP Fingerprint Sensor. (1)
Integrated HP Mobile Broadband powered by Gobi(3) allows users to conveniently access the internet, company intranet, email and mission-critical information in more places than ever before, while HP Connection Manager 3.0 simplifies and automates connecting users with their preferred networks.
The HP EliteBook 2540p includes multiple battery options for lightweight configurations or longer battery life, including a three-cell battery that provides up to 4 hours, a six-cell battery that provides up to 8 hours, and a nine-cell battery that provides up to 10.5 hours.(2)
Also available for select EliteBook models are three- and six-cell HP Long Life Batteries, providing a three-year life span(1,4) – up to twice as long as most li-ion notebook batteries. HP Long Life Batteries reduce overall battery waste by requiring fewer batteries to be used over the life of the PC.
Both the 2740p and 2540p are engineered to meet the tough MIL-STD 810G military-standard tests(5) for vibration, dust, humidity, altitude, and high and low temperatures. They also are EPEAT® registered in the United States and offer ENERGY STAR® qualifying configurations.
HP strives to use less material in products through improvements in product design and technological advances. In the company's efforts to reduce the amount of raw materials consumed and help protect natural resources, the HP EliteBook 2540p Notebook PC employs post-consumer recycled plastic resin in at least 12 percent of its total plastic content.
Additionally, the EliteBook 2740p and 2540p come preloaded with a trial version of HP SkyRoom,(6) an affordable, high-definition (HD) videoconferencing software(7) that offers live, real-time collaboration for face-to-face meetings.
Big performance for small businesses
For small businesses, the company announced a new design of the HP ProBook s-series, featuring a durable brushed-aluminum metal case with a matte surface that is available in caviar or bordeaux.
The HP ProBook s-series is available in four HD(7) LED-backlit display choices: HP ProBook 4320s (13.3-inch diagonal), HP ProBook 4420s (14-inch diagonal), HP ProBook 4520s (15.6-inch diagonal) and HP ProBook 4720s (17.3-inch diagonal).
Starting at $719,(8) the HP ProBook s-series provides an affordable combination of features in a full-function notebook PC, including all-new 2010 Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors,(9) a choice of Intel HD Graphics or discrete graphics for advanced multimedia support featuring the ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4350 and multiple wireless technologies.
Logging on to Windows® and other websites is fast and easy with HP Face Recognition for Protect tools, while an optional fingerprint reader adds another layer of security.
The HP ProBook s-series features new multimedia controls for video, and comes loaded with the new ArcSoft TotalMedia Suite to allow users to play, edit and create video and audio files. The suite includes the following features: MediaImpression, TotalMedia LabelMaker, TotalMedia ShowBiz, TotalMedia Studio, TotalMedia Theater and WebCam Companion. The latest ClickPad Gestures functionality taps into a more intuitive document navigation experience for HP ProBook users.
Innovations for the mobile professional
Available on all new HP ProBooks and the EliteBook p-series, the HP DayStarter(10) allows users to get a head start on the day's activities with access to key information even before Windows finishes booting up. A customized display includes a calendar (12-hour time period) and battery charge state, and a Windows loading indicator appears while Windows continues to load in the background.
The HP EliteBook and most HP ProBook notebook series also include HP QuickWeb, which allows users to access the web in seconds when the PC is shut down; HP Power Assistant, which provides total visibility over the notebook PC's reported power consumption, with tools allowing users to conserve power, stretch battery run time, and accurately monitor reported power needs;(11) and spill-resistant keyboards.
Central Management for HP ProtectTools provides IT personnel remote functionality to deploy and manage key security policies across the entire business. For example, IT can centrally define and deploy security policies based on users and user types, monitor and audit client activity, and recover access for remote users who have forgotten their passwords. Central Management is available on all HP
EliteBook and ProBook notebook PCs being introduced in 2010.
Financing options for SMBs in the United States and Canada
HP is offering businesses zero percent vendor-direct financing plans for these new EliteBook and ProBook lines through HP Financial Services, the company's leasing and life cycle asset management services subsidiary. There are two plans to choose from – a 12-month lease with a $1 purchase option or a 36-month lease with a fair market value purchase option. Qualifying transactions must be between $1,500 and $150,000 dollars in the United States and $5,000 and $150,000 dollars in Canada. More details on these financing options are available at www.hp.com/go/totalfinancing.
Pricing and availability (8)
- The HP EliteBook 2540p starts at $1099 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
- The HP EliteBook 2740p starts at $1599 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
- The HP ProBook s-series starts at $719 and are expected to be available in the United States this month.
- The HP 2740 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base starts at $299 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.
About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
that is something that i have want of.
@jonesoli
agreed.. its beautiful... and powerful
@jonesoli
a fren of mine bought c2d version .. among other things build quality is superb ..
@jonesoli yep .. nice .. certainly a greasey finger trap!
Any idea if the Day Starter software will be available to current ProBook owners? I only ask because I'll be ordering alot of these soon, but I would love this on one of my current models.
But gotta give it to HP. Think they're the only ones (so far) to allow you to do something productive while windows loads in the background. (I could be wrong though)
@PBB
doubtful, it appears to be something in the BIOS
Looks really nice! But someone didn't wash their hands before they handled the merch! I see grease prints!! Tsk Tsk.
Looks sleek & sexy. I hope they'll slow down the booting in order for us to read what we'll be doing that day.
@GWEEDOspeedo
I see what you did there.
Almost makes me want to have a macbookpro na who am I kidding I want one. With those grease marks lol no but really solid laptop and it's basic config listed above for 900 seems like a god-haven. At the end of the day it depends how good it looks on my coffee table and it passes although chunky, but for its really good internals still great. Im definitely going to consider buying this to replace my ancient xps laptop.
reply if you know a better buy???
@BrownSound
I noticed you've run out of punctuation on your computer. Here's some of mine:
,,,,''''''.....
@Luke
Did it on a phone. Punctuations a hassle, sorry.
Looks sleek & sexy. Hopefully they'll slow the booting times down so none of us miss our meetings.
They intentionally left the finger grease on there. I know it.
Press Release only mentions "discrete graphics for advanced multimedia support featuring the ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4350." However, your summary says "ATI's Mobility Radeon HD 5350 GPU". There's a little bit of a number discrepancy.
@PPham27
Basically lost all of my interest, I would have really hoped to see at least the 5650 in these. I guess just like the 'Pros' who use use MacBook Pros, ProBook users don't need a powerful GPU.
@PPham27 If it really uses a Mobility Radeon 5000 series GPU, it's about damn time we see them used in something with an Intel processor! I'm due for a new laptop and really don't want to resort to having to use another MacBook Pro (especially if they don't release ones with Core i-series processors soon. I mean, everybody else already sells notebooks with at least a Core i3. Really, Apple? Really?) Not that I wouldn't load it with Windows 7 anyways. But my current laptop is about to die and I want something that will be futureproof for at least 6 months to a year, which means it should be capable of using the full set of DX11 capabilities, not just DirectCompute.
@aschettler *cough* http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220699
Plenty more where that came from.
@aschettler Many Core 2010 laptops use HD5000 graphics - it's pretty much the only place you're going to find them.
And jeez, either way the card in these laptops will suck...
@PPham27 Well, I do not care about numbers, but generally ATI graphics cards means problems for Linux users. Nvidia has terrific Linux/Unix support, while ATI almost does not support anything other than Windows. So, I will have to say no to the new ProBook. I will get the new ThinkPad T401 with Nvidia graphics instead.
Thinking back 5 years, "business" means "formal and not sexy".
I can only see a media computer in front of me...
Those look incredible! The 13 incher with an i3 or i5 is calling my name...Except that my laptop is nearly brand new. Oh well.
I want one!
I've been waiting for a well rounded sexy, and cheap laptop like one of these
This is the problem with PC makers and design: almost none of them have a holistic approach to design.
It's like they they decided to go all-out and make the lid really nice, and they totally succeeded. It looks hot. But the rest of the laptop is clunky and utilitarian, especially the sides where the ports are. It looks like the top of an expensive laptop attached to a bargain-basement bottom.
That being said, great specs and price.
@Ryhei Totally. That bordeaux one is freaking awesome looking. But then you peep the sides and see its all clunky and oddly shaped. For the most part I like the look of the keys too, but I don't know how I feel about the shiny black in between the keys.
@Ryhei I 2nd that as well and I totally do NOT get it.
Being Apple Fanboy or not... but one has to admit that Apple not only things lid... but designes the sides AND the bottom with 'sleek' in mind as well...
I don't understand why all other companies STOP at the lid... and don't go on...
Why at these so much sexier then there dv or envy laptops?
@iCello My spelling is abominable! Sorry all.
Can't they clean the disgusting fingerprints off before they post pictures of these devices?
Looks nice otherwise.
Why am I seeing a VGA display port? Come on now.... Tired of these nice laptops having poor display features (and poor resolution choices).
@Tweak589 These are targeted at business users, who may have to make a presentation every now and then. Most projectors still only have a VGA input.
@Tweak589 If you look at the specs on HP's site, you will see that they also include an HDMI port. That's not too surprising since the ProBook series has included many consumer-centric features.
@Tweak589 Getting so tired of seeing people complain about VGA.
Looks amazing. HP is really making some nice products.
Wish I was in the market for a 13" notebook.
Just got my HP HDX 16 this last summer. Love it, but it is so big and heavy sometime.
inb4 looks like macbook pro
/s
@AlienSix
...not trying to encourage you or anything, but I dunno what makes you think this looks remotely similar to a macbook pro.
@horchata
You aren't encouraging me, I think its a wonderful looking laptop but someone bound to come in and say it
Thanks, but I'll stick with my very capable and better looking Envy (although, the 17 inch option looks tempting).
I'd like a 13.3" with an i3 processor and a discrete GPU, please.
@FuturePastNow - I wonder if that one replaces the 5310m?
i checked their website. i think there's a mistake. they use 4350, not 5350
Looks really nice. The exterior finish looks like my Vaio.
That thing looks totally sexxxxxxxxy.
And I would never touch a Windows machine.
It doesn't look anything like Apple's gear, it looks like those Envy's from a few months back.
But the name..ProBook? Ok...
The bad part is these are business only. HP, Dell, ETC would save themselves a lot of overhead if they were to have a unified product structure.
@BenRoethig ...unified product line.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've said that for YEARS !!! Why in the world box producers have seperate Home, Home Office, Entertainment, Gaming, Biz.... line is absolutely beyond me. And what a WHIP it is to work through all the options !!! A WHIP !!!!!
Well... if I ever wanted a MacBook Pro with Windows, I'd buy a MacBook Pro and installed Windows on it. This just doesn't whet my apetite.
@loocas - and your point is? How are these laptops like MBPs?
@NewL Design-wise? Very similar.
What about the M series? What about the M series!?
Seriously, I've been waiting for what seems like forever to update the 5310m - which seemed like a bargain 13 incher until the new CPUs arrived. If they'd only update that model with an i5 I'd totally bite. I mean how hard can it be? It's seems that: 4320s - optical drive = updated 5310m = my dreams come true.
I like mine light and fluffy :)
I'd love to see a comparison of 13.3 model with 5350 graphics compared to the Alienware 12" laptop, the Asus UL30VT, and the Sony Vaio Z..