HP Upgrades EliteBooks, ProBooks For BusinessesHP Upgrades EliteBooks, ProBooks For Businesses

HP's New Business Notebooks

Hewlett-Packard is adding Intel's latest Core processors to its business notebook lineup and has tailored its products to meet the needs of any size business.

HP on Wednesday introduced a revamped versions of its EliteBook, ProBook b-series, and ProBook s-series lines, which are all expected to be available March 15. All the systems are available with Intel's second-generation Core processors. For businesses that don't need the highest-performing processors, HP is making the Intel Celoron processor available with some models.

This most powerful among the new systems are the EliteBook 8460p and 8560p, which start at about 4.5 and 6 pounds, respectively. The rugged desktop replacements are available with 14- or 15.6-inch diagonal LED-backlit displays and the choice of a Core i7 quad-core processor or a Core i7, i5, or i3 dual-core processors. Buyers who need more than average graphics support can opt for a Radeon HD 6470M graphics card from Advanced Micro Devices.

HP also is providing several battery options. Laptops typically come with 6-cell batteries and HP also is providing a 3-cell option for customers who want a lighter system and a 9-cell option for longer battery life. For the longest life available from HP, the company is providing its Ultra-Capacity Notebook Battery, which can achieve up to 32 hours of battery life in the EliteBook 8460p, according to the vendor.

Both systems fit either the HP 90-watt docking station or the 120-watt advanced docking station, which is capable of handling more peripherals.

Pricing for the EliteBook 8560p and 8460p starts at $1,099 and $999, respectively. "Our all-metal EliteBooks meet military standards and will surpass customer expectations in durability," Dan Forlenza, vice president of HP's Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, said in a statement.

Businesses that need more flexibility in configuring their laptops would likely consider the new ProBook 6360b, 6460b or 6560b. The b-series has aluminum display enclosures, a magnesium-reinforced chassis, and a bottom-case drain to handle minor spills on the keyboard.

The systems are available with 13.3-, 14- and 15.6-inch LED backlit displays. Processor options include a Core i7, i5, or i3 dual-core chip or a Celeron processor. A Webcam is available as an option on any of the systems. Prices start at $799.

The HP ProBook s-series, the least expensive of the new laptops, is aimed at small businesses. The systems include the 4230s, 4330s, 4430s, 4530s, and 4730s, which differ primarily in screen size. Display sizes start at 12.1 inches for the 4230s, progressing upward to 13.3 inches, 14 inches, 15.6 inches, and 17.3 inches, respectively. The systems have a brushed-aluminum finish and are available with a Core i7, i5, or i3 processor. An Intel Celeron processor is also available as an option.

HP has added multimedia features to the s-series, such as an integrated Webcam with optional dual-array microphones and a premium sound system. Pricing starts at $579.

HP is offering some of its own software to make the use of its systems easier. The latest version of the company's QuickView technology makes it possible to browse the Web, do offline email and video-conferencing via Skype and access a number of widgets, such as weather, stocks and social media apps, without fully booting up the PC.

HP also has updated its Connection Manager application that manages integrated mobile broadband connections, as well as report on the status of Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. The latest version of the application supports 3G/4G, Wi-Fi and Ethernet for most networks across Windows 7, Vista and XP.