hewlettpackard
Latest
HP to integrate Qualcomm's Gobi EV-DO / HSPA chip into laptops
It's not all just cellphones at Mobile World Congress -- HP and Qualcomm have just announced plans to ship laptops with Qualcomm's Gobi dual-3G chipset that supports both EV-DO and HSPA. That means you won't be locked into a carrier when you buy a laptop with an integrated WWAN modem -- and hardcore road warriors with multiple subscriptions will even be able to switch on the fly to the network with better coverage. HP says Gobi (officially the MDM1000 chip, but that's no fun) will be available on a range of laptops from ultraportables to high-performance models later this year, but there's no word on pricing just yet -- let's hope it falls into the "might as well" range, eh?
HP Pavilion tx2000 tablet goes on sale
It's a little late, but it looks like the HP is finally ready to take your money and hand over a tx2000 tablet. Nothing really new to report specs- or price-wise: $1,299 buys you a 2.1GHz AMD Turion, 2GB of RAM, GeForce Go 6150, 160GB disk, LightScribe dual-layer burner and a fingerprint reader, while $2,311 bumps you up to a 2.2GHz Turion, 250GB disk, Verizon 3G ExpressCard, and Vista Ultimate. And, of course, that 12.1-inch touchscreen that "has a digitizer!" Not a bad deal, actually -- anyone going to take the plunge?[Thanks, Sky]
CES 2008: HD booth tours
There aren't many thing more exciting to a geek, then walking around the show floor at the largest electronics show in the US of A, but unfortunately the consumer electronics show isn't for consumers. So we took the time to snap up as many pics as we could of every booth that we thought was interesting. While many of the booths are reused each year, the devices are not. Some of the booths are backed to the point that it's hard to walk around, while others are desolate. So if you want to live vicariously through us, click through and check out all the coolness.DISH Network's CES 2008 Booth tourNBC Universal's CES 2008 booth tourBlu-ray's CES 2008 booth tourHD DVD's CES 2008 booth tourSamsung's CES 2008 booth tourHP's CES 2008 booth tourSling Media's CES 2008 booth tourXStreamHD's CES 2008 booth tourMicrosoft's CES 2008 booth tourSony's CES 2008 booth tourPhilips's CES 2008 booth tourPioneer's CES 2008 booth tourLG's CES 2008 booth tourHitachi's CES 2008 booth tour
HP's noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones hit the FCC
We didn't see these noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones hiding anywhere in HP's CES booth, so we can only assume the company is trying to sneak 'em by Uncle Sam while we're in Vegas. Of course, you know we're still on top of everything else that's going down even in the middle of CES, which is why we'll be rewarding HP for this deception with a full gallery of pictures. There's nothing going on here internally that's super-crazy, but the form factor is nicely classic, and noise-cancellation is always fun. Check it all out in the gallery -- and HP? We're watching, guys. %Gallery-13277%
HP intros SL4282N, SL4782N connected HDTVs, updates Media Center Extender software on older models
Finally we're seeing some real devices leverage Microsoft's Extenders for Windows Media Center platform, and HP's first on the scene of the "new" platform with embedded hardware in its two new HDTVs, the 42-inch SL4282N, and 47-inch SL4782N. Native 1080p panel (with HP's Visual Fidelity Engine) 500cd/m² brightness, 2000:1 contrast ratio, 176° viewing angle, 6ms response, 3:2 pulldown (3) HDMI, (2) component, (2) composite / S-Video, (1) VGA Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n, Ethernet Front speakers now NXT Functions as a MCE, playing back DivX, XviD, H.264, MPEG-2, and WMV (also has HP's media interface) Built-in ATSC and clear-QAM tuners But wait, there's more: current MediaSmart HDTV owners will receive a software update that adds the latest Media Center Extender software, giving them access to these new updates and codecs. Of course, now you can forego the buying of the integrated, connected TV if you just want to snag a MediaSmart Receiver (or a 360). They should run $1,900 and $2,400, respectively, when released in the spring.
HP's Phenom 9500-powered Pavilion Media Center m8330f PC
Remember those tasty Phenom chips AMD loosed back on November? We sure hope so, because that's the CPU HP's relying on in its forthcoming Pavilion Media Center m8330f PC. Here's the specifics: 2.2GHz AMD Phenom 9500 quad-core CPU NVIDIA's nForce 430 chipset 3GB of DDR2 RAM Twin 320GB 7,200 RPM SATA hard drives HP's Personal Media Drive Bay LightScribe-enabled SuperMulti DVD burner NTSC / ATSC / FM tuners HP Media Center remote control with IR receiver Front-mounted 15-in-1 multicard reader Beyond that, you can expect six USB 2.0 ports, a pair of FireWire connectors, audio in / out, HDMI and DVI sockets and an HP mouse / keyboard combo. Like the s3330f PC already mentioned, this too will be landing real soon with a price tag starting at $959.
HP's new MediaSmart Receiver does Media Center Extender (and more)
If you're looking for a Media Center Extender that can do a smidgen more than your average 360, HP just announced a brand new option for you. The MediaSmart Receiver does the usual MCE business (actually, it's an Extender for Windows Media Center, meaning it can do DivX and XviD), in addition to playing H.264, MPEG-2, AAC, having built-in 802.11a/b/g/n, a Pocket Media Drive bay, and all the outputs you'll need to get the thing up and running (component, HDMI with HDCP). And, of course, it'll stream you media via DLNA / UPnP servers, play it off the drive or USB ports, as well as switching modes o HP's own media interface, just in case you're not into the Extender experience (or don't rely on an XP or Vista box to deal with your media). No pricing intel just yet, but expect a spring release. Of course, if you wanted to get a small Media Center Extender with a hard drive, USB, and high def outputs, there are a few decent alternatives out there.%Gallery-12538%
HP's Pavilion Slimline s3330f PC does Blu-ray and HD DVD
A slim PC destined to handle both of the major high-definition movie formats? Say it ain't so! Turns out, HP is indeed doling out such a machine, and it's so eloquently dubbed the Pavilion Slimline s3330f PC. Here's a look at what this mighty mini-tower will be packin': 2.8GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor 2GB of DDR2 RAM 500GB 7,200 RPM SATA drive HP Pocket Media Drive Bay Single LightScribe-enabled optical drive that reads Blu-ray / HD DVD and writes to dual-layer DVDs NVIDIA's 256MB GeForce 8500 GT 802.11b/g WiFi Built-in NTSC / ATSC TV tuners Front-mounted 15-in-1 multicard reader Furthermore, you'll find 6 USB 2.0 ports, FireWire, audio in / out, DVI / HDMI ports and a wireless keyboard / mouse bundled in along with a whole suite of software. Intrigued? Be on the lookout for this one to land later this month starting at $949.
Blackbird 002 gets a little cheaper for the holidays, now starting at $2,399
The Blackbird 002 has always been a little pricey, but HP is taking a little of the sting out for the holidays, letting gamers score the base model of the high-powered system for $2,399 instead of the usual $2,700. The limited-time deal includes a liquid-cooled 2.66GHz E6750 Core 2 Duo, 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT graphics, 2GB of RAM, and a Logitech gaming mouse and keyboard. HP is also throwing in a copy of Valve's The Orange Box, and you can bump the OS up to Vista Ultimate for free if you're so inclined. There's no word on how long this price will last, however, so interested gamers might want to start shaking out their couch cushions sometime soon.
HP's Media Center PC with CableCARD for $1250
We didn't realize this was news, but after we discovered that Sony was selling ATI's CableCARD tuner for $300 by it's lonesome, we realized how few people knew that you could buy a Media Center PC with a CableCARD tuner for less than $3000. We agree that $300 for a CableCARD tuner is out of control ridiculous -- especially compared to a TiVo HD which sells for the same price and has dual CableCARD tuners -- but to go around and pretend like they only work with "expensive" Media Center PCs is ridiculous. Sure it sucks that it costs $300 and that you have to buy it with a OEM like HP or Dell just to get it, but we for one are just glad they are a reality, now if only DirecTV or Dish would make a tuner like this for Media Center.
iPaq 210 shipping on Friday?
The last we heard about HP's iPaq 210, all pre-orders had been canceled and HP's product pages had been updated to cheerily say "Coming in 2008!" -- which makes it so very strange that HP's store now lists the business-oriented handheld with an "estimated ship date" of 10/26 and a $50 price bump to $450. We're assuming it's just be a typo like yesterday's SanDisk false alarm, but there's still a chance something's up, especially considering the device was originally supposed to ship on the 8th for $399 -- not exactly easy numbers to screw up. [Thanks, Speed]Read -- HP store page with 10/26/2007 estimated ship date and $449 priceRead -- HP product info page with "Coming in 2008!"
HP's Pavilion Elite m9000t desktop gets reviewed
Earlier this month, we noticed that fence-sitters in the drawn out format war could play both sides by picking up the towering m9000t with an HD DVD / Blu-ray combo drive built right in. For those still wondering if it's worth the coin, ComputerShopper managed to sit it down and answer that very inquiry. For starters, the hardware in this "entertainment PC" was said to be mighty robust, and all around performance seemed to exceed expectations. There were no complaints when watching high-definition films, and while this thing wasn't exactly built for gamers, it managed to pass a Company of Heroes test with flying colors. The only notable dig on this otherwise solid machine was the unfortunate lack of "couch-friendly peripherals," but for under $1,500, the Pavilion Elite m9000t was still deemed "an excellent choice."
Patent investigation could force hard drives off US market
This one's still a ways off, but the International Trade Commission has just launched a patent investigation into five manufacturers that could result in a ban on hard drive imports if the agency finds evidence of infringement. The patents, which are owned by Californians Steven and Mary Reiber, cover a method of using "ceramic bonding tips" on the internal wiring of the drives, and the couple claims Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell have all infringed by importing the drives. Much like the Qualcomm case, the ITC has a variety of ways of dealing with the situation and the parties have a lot of methods of appeal, but products that infringe on US patents are barred from being imported, so this initial determination will set off a lot of dominoes when it gets made in 45 days. Details are still pretty sketchy on what exactly the ITC is investigating, but we'll definitely keep you updated as we get more info.Disclaimer: Although this post was written by an attorney, it is not meant to be legal advice or analysis and should not be taken as such.
HP offers up HD DVD / Blu-ray drives on select Pavilion desktops
Just last month, we heard rumblings that HP may begin offering up two-faced optical drives in its desktops, and sure enough, a variety of select Pavilions are now being served up with HD DVD and / or Blu-ray compatibility. The d4995t, m9000t and m9000z all give users the option of purchasing a vanilla dual-layer DVD burner, an HD DVD / Blu-ray combo player (that also burns DVDs), or a drive that burns Blu-ray / DVD and reads HD DVD. Additionally, a number of lesser-spec'd rigs also provide users the option of picking up an HD combo drive of some sort, and you can even snap up ATI's TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner on the d4995t and m9000t (among others).[Thanks, Ryan]
Microsoft, HP add Media Center Extender functionality to MediaSmart LCD HDTVs
Just in case Linksys and D-Link's introductions weren't enough to satisfy, Microsoft is now announcing yet another partner in its refreshed Extenders for Windows Media Center effort. Beginning in "early 2008," owners of HP's current 42- and 47-inch MediaSmart LCD HDTVs will be able to utilize all of the features of the Media Center Extender platform sans any additional hardware. According to Microsoft, users will simply download a software update for their set, after which they'll be able to kick back and enjoy a little Windows Media Center Internet TV while basking in the glory that is added functionality.
HP to launch desktops with Blu-ray / HD DVD combo writers?
Regrettably, there's not a lot to go on just yet, but DigiTimes has it that HP will soon be launching "next-generation PCs with a Blu-ray / HD DVD dual-format burner." The announcement was reportedly issued at a product presentation held in Singapore, and while no model numbers were doled out, we can purportedly expect the two-faced machines to land in Europe and America sometime next month. Notably, HP has hemmed and hawed between formats in the past, but we're all for a rig that burns (and reads) both.[Via TG Daily]
HP MediaSmart TVs go nationwide
Some HD gear seems to take forever to hit the streets. HP's latest MediaSmart TVs were announced at CES about nine months ago and while they've been available in select locations, now HP is happy to let us know they're going nationwide. Both the 42-inch and 47-inch 1080p network-enabled LCD HDTVs are going to be coming to a store near you, for $2,099 and $2,499 respectively. So, if your requirements for your next HDTV include access to snapfish, Real Rhapsody and Live365 Radio, -- as well as just about anything else on your computer -- these sets are worth a look.
HP announces the Blackbird 002 gaming machine
We'd heard it was coming Monday, but HP apparently decided to wait until today (because nothing else was going on, obviously) to launch its Blackbird 002 gaming rig. While HP still hasn't told us exactly what you'll be getting for that $2500 - $7100 price tag, whatever chips you order will be liquid-cooled, fully overclockable via a completely open BIOS, and be easy to get at via the tool-less chassis. Check the gallery for some more beauty shots.%Gallery-6941%
HP's MediaSmart Home Servers get a release date
If you're keeping abreast of the Windows Home Server proceedings (and we suspect you are) then you're probably somewhat familiar with the HP EX470 / EX475. Furthermore, If you've been eyeing the two, drive-filled towers and been hoping to know when you might get your hands on them, you may be in luck. According to reports from retailers like Amazon and PCMall, the $599 EX470 (clocking in at 500GB) and and $749 EX475 (1TB) will begin shipping on September 15th. As you'll recall, the servers rock 1.8GHz AMD Semprons and contain four drive bays, plus tout four USB ports and one eSATA port -- for additional external expansion. As the supposed launch date for WHS draws ever nearer (or further... it's hard to tell) it's at least nice to know that we'll have some options when it does eventually land.[Via DailyTech, thanks Mark]
HP relaunches CableCARD media PC, redubs it m8100y
Well, would you check this out. Those "issues" that HP was apparently having with its Digital Tuner-equipped m8010y have finally been remedied... in the form of an entirely new machine. Strange as it may be to believe, searching for an m8010y or d4890y at HP's webshop yields information about two recently decommissioned products rather than giving you access to buy one of your own, and users searching for a CableCARD-ready media PC will instead be forced by buy an m8100y. Interestingly, the base CPU is now a 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo E6560 and the included graphics card is the 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS, and while you'd certainly benefit from a few select upgrades, mettlesome souls can snag the newest HP to (hopefully) play nice with ATI's Digital Cable tuner for as low as $1,149.99.
