Dubai, UAE, May 14, 2006 - HP Middle East has introduced four new Intel-based workstations that enhance performance and extend the boundaries of workstation computing beyond the office.

The new desk-side HP xw6400 and xw8400 workstations feature dual-core Intel Xeon processors(1) along with easy expandability, while the HP Compaq nw8440 and nw9440 mobile workstations offer the power of a workstation with the convenience of a notebook to video editors, engineers, designers and animators.

"HP recognises that performance-hungry users work in a variety of environments, and these powerful new workstations provide the right set of tools to get the job done whether they are in the office or at a job site," said Junaid Rahman, Workstations Category Manager, HP Middle East. "Less power consumed, less space required, yet more than double the performance gives users the ability to take workstations where they've never gone before." 

Designed for users in digital content creation, print and electronic publishing, financial services, and manufacturing industries, the HP xw6400 Workstation sets a new standard reducing size, power demand, heat, and noise, making this mid-range workstation the ideal solution for efficient power use and space-constrained environments. Featuring Intel's newest dual-processor/dual-core technology with the Intel 5000X chipset, the xw6400 desk-side workstation provides a small and powerful solution with the flexibility needed for easy service, upgrading and maintenance.

The HP xw8400 Workstation incorporates up to two next-generation dual-core Xeon processors to provide the design and power for demanding visualisation and computing needs. Targeted at professionals in engineering, broadcast and video editing, design, and oil and gas exploration, the xw8400 is delivered in HP's innovative, tool-less chassis.

Workstation Performance, Notebook Mobility

The HP Compaq nw9440 Mobile Workstation is HP's most powerful mobile workstation to date. This high-performance workstation frees users from the confines of their desk with its powerful NVIDIA graphics and stunning 17-inch widescreen display. New Intel Core Duo processors allow users to simultaneously run multiple applications to accomplish more in less time.  The raw power and capabilities of the nw9440 Mobile Workstation are packaged in a highly refined, thin mobile form factor starting at only 3.4 kg and 33 mm thin. The HP Compaq nw9440 Mobile Workstation will be available in the Middle East in early June.

The HP Compaq nw8440 Mobile Workstation is a powerful mobile workstation in a thin-and-light design. With a low starting weight of 2.7 kg, users can easily work beyond the office without giving up the performance demands that they need. The nw8440 features Intel Core Duo processors,(1) high-performance ATI graphics and a high-resolution 15.4-inch widescreen display enabling users to easily work while on the go. The HP Compaq nw8440 Mobile Workstation will be available in EMEA in May.

HP is working closely with Microsoft to ensure that both mobile workstations fully support the forthcoming Vista operating system. Both workstations also are compatible with all of HP's business notebook accessory solutions.

Both of the mobile workstations additionally have been put through the same rigorous independent software vendor certification process as HP's full line of desktop workstation products to help ensure that they can reliably run some of the most demanding applications that span many business segments.

Finally, critical data and users are protected through a breadth of security offerings, such as HP ProtectTools, integrated biometric fingerprint sensors and smart card reader, TPM 1.2 embedded security chips and enhanced BIOS security.

-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, 2006, HP revenue totaled $87.9 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,  Ramallah and Oman 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.

More information about HP in the Middle East is available at www.hp.com/me

 (1) Dual-core is a new technology designed to improve performance of certain software products. Check with software provider to determine suitability. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology.

2006 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

© Press Release 2006