Dual-core business laptops arrive

HP and Toshiba are among the first vendors to offer business laptops based on Intel's dual-core platform

Three months after Intel launched its dual-core laptop platform, business-oriented models are arriving from enterprise vendors. Both HP and Toshiba have refreshed their business line-ups with new models offering, among other features, greater performance and improved battery life.

HP has announced three new models in its HP Compaq series, while Toshiba has updated its Tecra and Portégé ranges with dual-core models featuring the firm's EasyGuard technology to protect user data.

The HP Compaq nx9420, available from mid-March, is a thin-and-light design with a 17in widescreen display. The HP Compaq nx6310 and nc6320, set to ship in April, are designed for cost-conscious professionals who need an affordable mobile office, HP said.

Intel's Core Duo laptop chips were introduced at the start of this year. These boost efficiency, allowing staff with the new laptops to run multiple applications simultaneously, according to HP’s senior category manager for Business Notebooks, Steve Gales.

“Today’s mobile lifestyle requires busy professionals to stay connected and productive throughout the day regardless of their location,” he added.

The nx9420 features an integrated smartcard reader for enhanced user authentication and HP's Mobile Data Protection System 3D to prevent data loss due to shocks and vibration.

Pricing for the nx9420 starts at £1,099 for a 1.83GHz model with 512MB memory, or £1,499 for a 2.16GHz model with 1GB memory. Both configurations have 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN and DVD ±RW drive.

Toshiba's Tecra M5 and Portégé M400 are available immediately, both featuring Core Duo processors up to 2.16GHz and 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN.

These models feature an enhanced version of Toshiba's EasyGuard technology with improved shock absorption and ability to withstand liquids spilt onto the keyboard. They also have an accelerometer to detect shocks and protect data on the hard drive.

"We've taken mobility one step further – customers are now more protected and more secure," said Kenneth Chan, Toshiba’s product manager for portables.

The corporate Tecra M5 is priced from at £899 and has a 14.1in display, while the £1,199 Portégé M400 Tablet PC has a swivelling 12.1in high-brightness display. Both have an integrated fingerprint scanner and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security chip.