San Francisco (CA) – Hewlett-Packard is today launching a new line of inexpensive business laptops with fresh features targeting small and medium companies.
The machine will be the company’s new mainstream business notebook and replaces the HP Compaq line, although the Compaq name will continue to be used in other PCs.
The ProBook offers an optional Linux-based operating system pre-installed – Novell’s SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11, the company’s first-ever Linux pre-install on a standard business laptop.
The machine comes with a choice of finishes – including an optional “Merlot” color – dark red to you and me – and a raised keyboard design that the company promises makes it easier to clean.
“The stunning HP ProBook s-series delivers exceptional style and aggressive pricing that will captivate small and medium business users,” said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. “But it’s not just about good looks or low cost, the HP ProBooks deliver the right blend of features and professional innovations to provide a great user experience.”
The ProBooks come with 14-inch, 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch screen sizes, with prices starting at $529. Some models incorporate HP Mobile Broadband. There is built-in Qualcomm Gobi technology, enabling them to use a single module, the HP un2400, to support multiple mobile broadband network technologies and mobile operators.
