HP Unveils EliteBook 2740p LaptopHP Unveils EliteBook 2740p Laptop

HP EliteBook 2740p

Hewlett-Packard introduced on Monday its first mainstream business laptop with touchscreen technology.

The EliteBook 2740p convertible tablet weighs 3.8 pounds and includes a 12.1-inch LED display or optional outdoor-view display for viewing in natural light. The system, which is targeted at healthcare, education, and sales departments, has a multitouch screen which rotates to lay flat on the keyboard.

HP introduced its first touchscreen PC in January 2007, starting with an all-in-one TouchSmart desktop that had a starting price of $1,800. Until the 2740p, HP's touch technology remained in its consumer line, with the exception of the Mini 5102 business netbook.

Touchscreens for enterprise use have been a niche market, offered mostly in tablet PCs which use a stylus for inputting data. Such systems have mostly been used by field workers. For most office workers, the traditional laptop has been a better choice.

By choosing to introduce a convertible tablet as its first multi-touch mainstream business laptop, HP is offering a system that could fill the needs of either type of worker. However, with a starting price of $1,599, it remains to be seen whether businesses will find the added flexibility worth the additional cost. Traditional business laptops are available for considerably less than $1,000.

The 2740p is available with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 8 GB of system memory, and a 250 GB hard drive. The system includes a six-cell battery that provides up to five hours of runtime. A second add-on battery is available to extend battery life to 11 hours.

HP is not the only computer maker offering a convertible, multitouch tablet PC for business. Lenovo last month introduced the comparable ThinkPad X201, which has a starting price of $1,549.

Along with the 2740p, HP unveiled its lightest EliteBook notebook. The 2540p, which is not touch-enabled, also has a 12.1-inch screen, but weighs only 3.3 pounds with a six-cell battery that provides up to eight hours of runtime. The system is available with many of the same components as the 2740p, but sells for a lot less, starting at $1,099. Both PCs are scheduled to be available in April.

HP also announced that it has refreshed its ProBook standard-series laptop line. The new systems, which start at $719, include the 13.3-inch 4320s, the 14-inch 4420s, the 15.6-inch 4520s and the 17.3-inch 4720s. The laptops feature a choice of a Core i3, i5 or i7 processor. In addition, buyers can opt for Intel HD Graphics or Advanced Micro Devices' ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4350 graphics card for better multimedia support.