Advertisement
 

--------------------------------------------------------------
This story was printed from CNET Asia.
--------------------------------------------------------------
HP: Takin' care of business

By Darius Chang
17/10/2006
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/pcperipherals/0,39051168,61960137,00.htm


A lovely model showing off the latest HP desktops.
NEW DELHI, INDIA--HP takes care of your business needs with a new line of corporate desktops, LCD panels and printers.

At the HP SmartOffice event in Taj Palace Hotel, India, four new lines of business desktops were showcased in a sweet factory-themed extravaganza. Claiming to offer a complete SMB solution, the PC vendor demonstrated how its products come together to overcome common business obstacles.

In the Indian captial city, HP announced that all new machines are covered with HP Total Care solution which assists business owners. The dx-series is the company's SMB (small and medium-sized business)-focused system which offers a value-for-money proposition. The dc lineup offers advanced PCs with greater processing power for complex applications as well as incorporates a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) security chip and HP's ProtectTools for data protection.

Missing from the new lineup is the modem port, which users of software-based fax programs may miss. However, that can be easily rectified by adding a modem card to one of the free PCI expansion slots. A USB keyboard with integrated SmartCard slot is also available as an option for even greater security measure.

The HP Compaq Business Desktop dc5700 is available with either Intel or AMD processor. To protect passwords more securely, it enchews software storage and instead holds sensitive data on a TPM security chip. Its sibling, the dc7700 corporate system, is available in three different chassis types as well as having the option to be compliant with Intel's vPro platform.

The HP dx-series desktops offer the entry-level dx2700 system for the budget-minded consumer. However, if you work often on video or large image files, you might want to consider the higher-end dx7300 as it offers the option to incorporate discrete video cards for superior graphics-rendering performance.

Business desktops | LCD panels

Model name In a nutshell
Wow factor: This system offers both Intel and AMD processor options.

Other notable frills:
  • Intel or AMD processor
  • Integrated Intel GMA 3000 (dc5700) / integrated ATI Radeon Xpress X300 or discrete ATI Radeon X1300/X1600 graphics chipset (dc5750)
  • SATA harddisk
  • Trusted Platform Module security chip
  • Available in microtower or small-form-factor chassis


    • Expected: Available now
    Price: From US$699 (S$1,103.09) (dc5700) / US$550 (S$867.96) (dc5750)
    Wow factor: This intel-based system is available in three different chassis, with an option to choose a configuration which is compliant with Intel's vPro platform.

    Other notable frills:
  • Intel processor
  • vPro compliant (dc7700p only)
  • SATA harddisk with dual RAID-capable harddisks
  • Trusted Platform Module security chip
  • Available in ultraslim desktop, convertible minitower or small-form-factor chassis


    • Expected: Available now
    Price: From US$719     (S$1,134.65)
    Wow factor: A basic business desktop for the budget-minded consumer.

    Other notable frills:
  • Intel processor
  • Integrated Intel GMA 3000 graphics chipset
  • SATA harddisk
  • Available in microtower or small-form-factor chassis


    • Expected:Available now
    Price: From US$338     (S$553.40)
    Wow factor: This highly upgradeable desktop offers a dedicated graphics card option.

    Other notable frills:
  • Intel processor
  • Integrated Intel with ATI Radeon or Nvidia Quadro discrete video card option
  • SATA harddisk with RAID capability
  • Available in microtower or slim tower chassis


    • Expected:Available now
    Price: From US$690     (S$1,088.89)

    The most powerful system is functionally useless without a way to display its data. With LCD panels getting cheaper with time, there is really no reason to return to the old chunky CRT monitor.

    In conjuction with the new desktops, HP has introduced three new panels for the corporate cubicle. The basic 19-inch model offers good value for money, while the 20.1-inch L2045w display offers dual input options. The flagship unit--HP LP3065--is a huge 30-inch panel with high-end features and integrated USB hub. Except for the 30-inch model, HP LCD panels supports a HP Quick Release desgin which allows the display to be easily configured for wall-mounting or to be put on a stand.

    Business desktops | LCD panels


    Model name In a nutshell
    Wow factor: A dual input monitor, this monitor switches easily between VGA and DVI sources.

    Other notable frills:
  • 20.1-inch widescreen display
  • 1,680 x 1,050-pixel resolution
  • 5ms response rate
  • 300nits brightness
  • 600:1 contrast ratio
  • VGA and DVI input
  • Integrated USB hub


    • Expected: November 2006
    Price: US$339     (S$630.88)
    Wow factor: A basic 19-inch LCD with a slim profile and high 1000:1 contrast ratio.

    Other notable frills:
  • 19-inch widescreen display
  • 1,280 x 1,024-pixel resolution
  • 6ms response rate
  • 300nits brightness
  • 1,000:1 contrast ratio
  • VGA and DVI input


    • Expected: November 2006
    Price: US$359     (S$567.63)
    Wow factor: HP's top-of-the-line 30-inch monitor with brillant display and integrated USB hub.

    Other notable frills:
  • 30-inch widescreen display
  • 2,560 x 1,600-pixel resolution
  • 6ms response rate
  • 300nits brightness
  • 1,000:1 contrast ratio
  • Three dual-link DVI-D inputs
  • Integrated USB hub


    • Expected: November 2006
    Price: US$1,999     (S$3,160.72)