HP launches four new laptop lines for corporates

Security features and easy backup are some of the lures for IT buyers

HP has extended its corporate laptop line-up with four new ranges, including 3G-ready models and ultraportables that have a DVD drive despite their low weight. The new models include novel features such as one-touch backup and the ability to wipe the hard disk following unauthorised login attempts, which HP hopes will set its laptops apart from rivals.

The four new families are the HP Compaq nc2400 ultraportable; nc4400 Tablet PC convertible; nc6400 3G-ready models; and the nc8430 series desktop replacement with 15.4in screens. All feature Intel's Core Duo mobile chips and widescreen displays as standard, HP said.

"These new products are a great solution for our customers and will give us momentum again in the portable market," said Alberto Bozzo, vice-president of HP's Personal Systems group in Europe.

To complement the laptops HP is also introducing new desktop docking stations with a built-in hard drive. When docked, users can back up their files to this drive by simply pushing a button. The docking station can also double as shared storage, according to Bozzo.

"As long as the docking station is connected to a LAN and has power, it becomes network-attached storage (NAS) for a workgroup," Bozzo said. The docking station is common across all HP's corporate models except the nc2400, which has a new compact design.

Another feature that will appeal to enterprise buyers is HP's Disk Sanitiser, which securely wipes the laptop's hard drive so that no data can be recovered at a later date. This makes it easier for firms to dispose of laptops, HP said, but also doubles as a security feature in case laptops are lost or stolen.

"An administrator can set [Disk Sanitiser] to overwrite the hard disk after three incorrect attempts to enter the [login] password," Bozzo said.

The nc2400 series weigh less than 1.3kg, yet feature a DVD drive and are Windows Vista-ready, according to HP. "It's really portable – just what every executive wants," Bozzo said.

The nc6400 series feature 14.1in widescreen displays and can optionally take a 3G data card that can be upgraded to support HSDPA networks, HP said.

All the new models have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), and a fingerprint scanner is optional.