HP expands business laptop lines

HP freshens up business laptop range and adds eye-catching consumer models

HP has unveiled an array of new PCs covering the whole gamut from corporate laptops to ultra-slim consumer laptops and touch-screen PCs.

The most significant business model is the EliteBook 6930p, which is built for the corporate road warrior, according to HP. It is claimed to comply with the MIL-STD-810F specifications for ruggedness, and has a shock-resistant hard drive and spill-resistant keyboard.

Due in August, the EliteBook is priced from £967 and HP claimed it has battery life of up to 15 hours when fitted with an optional Ultra Capacity battery pack. It weighs 2.1kg and has a 14.1in screen, and is based on Intel Core 2 Duo processors with up to 8GB memory.

HP also introduced new tools including File Sanitiser, which securely deletes files, and QuickLook2 software, providing access to email, calendar, task and contact information at the touch of a button, according to HP.

Other new business laptops consist of the 'b' series, distinguished by a silver finish and magnesium alloy construction; and the 's' series with a black finish and emphasis on security.

Notable models include the HP Compaq 6530b which is designed for mobility and features HP Mobile Broadband support, while at the opposite end of the spectrum the HP Compaq 6830s features a large 17in screen. Both the 'b' and 's' series models are set to ship from mid July.

HP also unveiled some eye-catching models aimed at consumers, such as the ultra-thin Voodoo Envy 133 laptop that measures just 1.7cm thick, and the TouchSmart PC that integrates the system behind a 22in LCD display and features a touch screen interface for user input.