HP introduces new line-up of lightweight, secure, progressive business notebooks

DUBAI, UAE, March 28, 2005 - HP today announced their biggest mobility launch ever, showcasing six new business notebooks for the Middle East featuring the latest Intel Centrino Mobile Technology (codenamed Sonoma), running on the Intel 915 chipset. The HP Compaq business notebooks nc4200, nx6110, nc6120, nc6220, nc8220 and nx8230 series emphasise improved security, ultimate mobility and total freedom.

Announcing the launch at an exclusive media event themed 'Break Free', Hazem M. Bazan, Solutions Partner Organisation Manager, and PSG General Manager, HP Middle East declared 2005 the 'Year of Mobility' and said, "No other company spans the mobility spectrum like HP has demonstrated. We have the network infrastructure that powers the world's leading companies as well as the wireless solutions that provide business continuity and cost-effective end-to-end solutions for consumers. "

To showcase the new range to channel partners, HP is holding a channel roadshow across the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan to provide hands-on advice and training to the respective partners in each country. HP's valued customers will also have an opportunity to have a preview of the latest portfolio of mobile solutions, demonstrated a la grandeur, to the theme of 'Break Free'.

 "The full portfolio of wireless solutions demonstrated during this roadshow signifies a breakthrough in mobile computing, by effectively combining freedom and flexibility with security, Bluetooth applications and multi-media capabilities," Hazem M. Bazan added.

All the new models feature Intel's Sonoma mobile technology, the latest version of latest Intel Centrino Mobile Technology, which includes the Pentium M processor, a mobile chip set, and an Intel Pro/Wireless chip.

Assembled media persons were given a display of the various new thin-and-light notebooks in the form of the HP Compaq business notebook models - nc6120, 6220, and 4200 and nc8230 the HP Compaq nx8200 and nx6110. While the nx series targets mobile professionals, the nc line aims to cater to mainstream mobile users who need powerful machines. The nc series is also available in a lighter frame.

The HP Compaq nx8220 in particular, forms the core of desktop replacements, targeting Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and large companies alike. The models in the series feature a generous 15.4 inch widescreen with a minimum resolution of 1,200 x 800 pixels. Also included in the launch showcase were models of the ultra-portable nc4200, with an unbelievably light 1.77 kg chassis weight, with an optional HP External MultiBay II for optical drive support.

All the new HP notebooks feature quality construction with in-mould laminate and magnesium alloy creating a total scratch-and-dent-resistant surface designed for rigorous mobile user environments. Extensive testing and certifications ensure best in class quality and reliability on all aspects of performance.

The HP Mobile Data Protection System protects the hard drive from shock and vibration, reducing the risk of data corruption. HP Local Recovery Solution by Altiris enables quick recovery of data. The HP ProtectTools Security Manager handles the BIOS configuration and Credential Manager module. The BIOS settings can be adjusted so only authorised users can access the notebook prior to boot-up while Credential Manager gives users the freedom to manage different security modules such as the allowance for a convenient single sign-on. And finally, the embedded security chip and smart card reader are optional, and can be customised to suit individual needs.

Key highlights of the new line up include:

HP Compaq nc4200 series

  • Pentium M processor 740 (1.73GHz)

  • 512MB, 60GB

  • External DVD/CD-RW combo

  • 802.11a/b/g

  • 12.1 inch

  • Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

  • SD card slot

  • 1.77kg

HP Compaq nx 6110

  • Pentium M processor 740 (1.73GHz)

  • 128 MB, 40 or 60 GB

  • 15 inch

  • Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

  • SD card slot

  • 2.7 kg

HP Compaq nc6120

  • Pentium M processor 730 (1.6GHz)

  • 256MB, 60GB

  • 14.1 / 15 inch

  • Parallel, Serial ports

  • Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

  • 6-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS-Pro/SM/xD)

  • 2.64kg

HP Compaq nc6220

  • Pentium M processor 740 (1.73GHz)

  • 512MB, 60GB

  • 14-inch

  • Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900

  • SD card slot

  • 2.1kg

HP Compaq nc 8230

  • Pentium M processor 730 (1.6GHz)

  • 512MB, 60GB

  • 15.4-inch

  • 64MB / 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon X600

  • SD card slot

  • Pointing-stick included

  • 2.63kg

HP Compaq nx 8220

  • Pentium M processor 730 (1.6GHz)

  • 512MB, 60GB

  • 15.4 inch

  •  64MB / 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon X600

  • SD card slot

  • 2.63kg

-Ends-

About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended Jan. 31, 2005, HP revenue totalled $81.8 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

About HP Middle East
HP is the largest technology and solutions provider in the Middle East with 670 employees and subsidiaries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Cairo and Ramallah servicing the GCC, Egypt and the Levant. HP has been present in the Middle East since 1968, and opened its first regional office in 1994.HP Middle East is the market leader for Enterprise, Small and Medium Business and Consumer technology products, and offers a large portfolio of solutions and services in various business domains.

For more information about HP in the Middle East, please visit www.hp.com/me.

Editorial contacts:
Hanan Kamal, HP
+971 4 391 6000
hanan.kamal@hp.com

Rola Zaarour,
Hill & Knowlton for HP
+971 4 334 4930
rola.zaarour@hillandknowlton.com

Hewlett?Packard Middle East
P O Box 17295
Dubai Internet City
Dubai
www.hp.com/me                                                                     

© Press Release 2005