HP unveils 10 enterprise notebooks

Marking the biggest notebook launch in HP's history, the company has introduced 10 newly developed enterprise notebook computers.

The move is an attempt to reclaim the number one position in the notebook segment, the firm's general manager of mobile computing, Ted Clark, said at the launch in San José, California.

HP is currently lagging behind Acer in Europe and Dell in North America in terms of total notebook shipments.

The 8200, 6200, 6100 and 4200 series offer a number of technologies targeted at enterprises, including increased security, ease of use and durability.

The computers incorporate a security chip dubbed the Trusted Platform Module, which enforces security policies such as requiring employees to run antivirus software, and lets an IT manager disable a stolen system even if the thief reinstalls the software.

Advances in energy saving technologies help the notebooks to reach up to six hours of battery life, with an optional expansion pack adding another five hours, the firm claimed.

HP offers increased data integrity though the Mobile Data Protection System, which protects against hard drive data corruption caused by vibrations during everyday use or when the notebook is dropped. The technology removes the reader head from the hard drive before any damage can be done.

Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, said that HP could profit from the uncertainty that surrounds the future of the IBM/Lenovo deal because US regulators may still prohibit the sale.

In getting back the leading position in the notebook market, Clark referred to the sale of IBM's desktop and notebook business as "a great opportunity for HP".

Alberto Bozzo, EMEA general manager of commercial products at HP's Personal Systems Group, told vnunet.com that since the sale was announced, HP has seen the return of many customers which had in the past traded HP for IBM.

"Getting IBM customers back will be instrumental in reclaiming the number one position," he said.

HP does not, however, have any plans specifically to target current IBM users. Instead it expects that they will come over by themselves.