HP's Elite business PCs score highly on performance, productivity and security

HP  has unveiled the newest Elite business PCs, including the HP EliteBook 705 series – the thinnest and lightest notebooks in their class¹ – an all-in-one (AiO), and updates to its entire desktop line featuring the world’s smallest business-class desktop.

“Customers told us that they love our highest-end Elite notebooks and asked us to bring innovation from the C-suite to their broader employees across both notebook and desktop products,” said Serena Yong, Managing Director, HP Singapore. “We responded by delivering thin, light and sleek designs, improved collaboration and integrated, modern security to mainstream business devices with the Elite 705 and 800 Series PCs, so every employee can experience cool, productive and secure devices.”

Businesses are experiencing a transformation: millennials now represent nearly 34% of the workforce⁶ with 86% of millennials considered tech-savvy⁷, 62% of users work from more than one location⁸, and knowledge workers carry an average of 3.1 devices⁹. The new Elite PCs are styled with a focus on reliability and durability, designed to undergo MIL-SPEC 810G testing and more than 120,000 hours of HP’s Total Testing Process¹⁰.

As more business adopt collaboration tools – like Skype for Business – where sound quality can make the difference between a successful meeting and a garbled conversation, HP’s new Elite notebooks and AiOs feature audio custom-tuned by Bang & Olufsen. To make the audio experience even better, Elite notebooks and AiOs are also installed with HP Noise Reduction Software for improved audio input and HP Clear Sound Amp for balanced audio output.

HP has also expanded HP Sure Start from HP Elite notebooks to include the upcoming desktop and AiO lines of Elite PCs¹¹. The industry’s first self-healing BIOS-level protection, HP Sure Start is now available across the entire upcoming Elite portfolio for built-in device protection. Select Elite PCs also include HP Sure Start with Dynamic Protection, which goes beyond checking the BIOS when there is a state change, but also throughout the day at regular intervals for additional protection¹².

Source: HP Inc. The HP EliteBook 725 is part of the EliteBook 705 G3 series.

The world’s thinnest and lightest mainstream business-class notebooks¹, the HP EliteBook 705 G3 series delivers the style and reliability that today’s design-conscious workforce is looking for. The series consists of thin, light and powerful machines with a new silver magnesium and aluminum chassis, and a starting weight of 1.26 kg¹³. Available in 12.5”, 14” and 15.6” diagonal HD, FHD or QHD¹⁴ screens, the notebooks include the new high-performance AMD PRO A12 APU – the first commercial APU with integrated R7 Radeon graphics – exclusively from HP for a limited time.

Engineered based on extensive user studies, the HP Premium Keyboard is now available on the EliteBook 705 series, providing a balance of comfort and feedback beyond a traditional notebook keyboard. Featuring enterprise docking, these notebooks come with a full-size display port and VGA and RJ-45 ports.

The EliteBook 705 series also features HP Long-Life Rechargeable Batteries, which offer up to a three-year lifespan or 1,000 full charge and discharge cycles, lasting two to three times longer than standard notebook batteries¹⁵. An external SIM slot and optional WWAN¹⁶ give users additional flexibility to connect on the road.

HP’s new Elite AiOs and desktops with Windows 10 – including the HP EliteDesk 705 and 800 G2 Desktop Minis, HP EliteDesk 705 and 800 G2 Small Form Factors, HP EliteDesk 705 G2 Micro Tower, and the HP EliteDesk 800 G2 Tower – are optimised for performance, with 6th Generation Intel Core processors or 6th Generation AMD APUs. DDR4 memory is now standard on Intel-based desktops to enable energy efficiency and high performance. The EliteDesk 800 Desktop Mini also offers additional flexibility with an Intel-based 65W CPU option for applications requiring greater processing power¹⁷.

Source: HP Inc. The HP EliteOne 800 G2 AiO.

Featuring two firsts for HP – integrated wireless charging built into the stand² and an AiO fingerprint reader³ – the HP EliteOne 800 G2 AiO is redesigned with new materials to be sleeker and thinner than the previous generation. The HP EliteOne 800 G2 AiO features built-in cable management for a clean look and can be configured with a new adjustable height stand featuring Tri-Mode Wireless Phone Charging². An optional wireless charger built into the stand can charge mobile devices without wires in a convenient location using Qi, PMA and A4WP wireless charging platforms. An optional Tri-Mode Charging Pad is also available¹⁸.

The world’s smallest business-class desktop⁴, the HP EliteDesk 705 and 800 G2 Desktop Minis offer the power and security of a traditionally sized desktop. The EliteDesk 705 and 800 Desktop Minis are designed to fit anywhere where space is a constraint, with an optional HP PC Mounting Bracket to attach the Mini directly behind the new HP EliteDisplays. For companies with high-traffic areas, HP offers the new HP Desktop Mini LockBox, a secure enclosure to protect the PC, power brick and cable connections. The EliteDesk 800 Tower and EliteDesk 800 Small Form Factor also have an optional dust management solution.

HP has several collaboration solutions that span across PCs, displays and accessories. The new HP Collaboration PC G2 leverages the latest EliteDesk 800 Desktop Mini to create an ideal solution for businesses and conference rooms. With the HP-exclusive Intel Unite Skype for Business Plugin⁵, the new HP Collaboration PC G2 with Intel Unite Software enables a seamless Skype meeting start via a wireless screen connection and offers simple, intuitive, instant onscreen collaboration and document sharing. 

As part of HP’s suite of collaboration solutions, the new HP EliteDisplay E240c Video Conferencing Monitor creates a communication hub in a meeting room to connect and collaborate with an integrated HD webcam, microphone, high performance speakers and easy-to-access hot keys on the bezel to place a call, adjust volume, and mute.

Interested?¹⁹

 The AMD-based HP EliteBook 705 G3 series is expected to be available in December with pricing to be set closer to the availability date.

 The Intel-based HP EliteOne 800 G2 AiO is expected to be available in November, starting at S$1,399.

 The Intel-based HP EliteDesk 705 and 800 series is expected to be available in November, starting at S$999 and S$1,099 respectively

 The HP Collaboration PC G2 is expected to be available in November, starting at S$1,299.

 The HP EliteDisplay E240c is expected to be available in November, starting at S$499.

1 Based on HP’s internal analysis of mainstream business class notebooks as of September 23, 2015 with >1 million unit annual sales having pre-installed encryption, authentication, malware protection and BIOS-level protection, passing MIL STD 810G tests, with optional docking incorporating power delivery, clamshell model, Intel Core U-Series or AMD PRO A-Series processors, built in VGA or HDMI, Display Port, RJ-45 and at least two USB 3.0 ports, integrated Smart Card reader, full connectivity offering optional WWAN, and at least 44 Watt-hour battery.

2 Tri-Mode Wireless Phone charging is a configurable adjustable stand feature for the HP EliteOne 705 and 800 G2 AiOs.

3 The fingerprint reader is a standard feature on the HP EliteOne705 G2 AiO and HP EliteOne 800 G2 AiO touch models.

4 Based on business class desktop PCs as of September 21, 2015 among vendors with >1 million unit annual sales having 6th Gen Intel 65W desktop processors, integrated VESA mount and VGA, six USB ports, Windows 7 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 10 Pro, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

5 Skype for Business subscription required.

6 Millennials in the workforce (US statistics), Euromonitor International from International Labour Organisation (ILO)/Eurostat/national statistics, 2014

7 HP Proprietary Quantitative Research with Worldwide End Users, 2015

8 HP Proprietary Quantitative Research with Worldwide End Users, 2015

9 HP Proprietary Quantitative Research with Worldwide End Users, 2015

10 MIL STD 810G testing is pending and is not intended to demonstrate fitness for US Department of Defense contract requirements or for military use. MIL STD and HP Total Test Process test results are not a guarantee of future performance under these test conditions. Damage under these test conditions or any accidental damage requires an optional HP Accidental Damage Protection Care Pack.

11 Sure Start is available on select prior model HP Elite PCs and current HP Elite 700 and 800 series commercial Desktop and notebook products.

12 Only available on Intel-based Elite PCs.

13 Weight will vary by configuration.

14 QHD screen is only available on the HP EliteBook 745 Non-Touch. Full High definition (HD) content is required to view quad high-definition images.

15 Three year limited warranty or 1,000 cycles. Battery cycles are the total number of full charge/discharge cycles a battery yields before it can no longer hold a useful amount of charge. Battery life will vary depending on various factors including product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality ad power management settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage. See http://www.hp.com/go/liionbattery.

16 WWAN is an optional feature available on select models only. Use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in your area.

17 Based on HP’s internal analysis of business class desktop PCs as of September 21, 2015 among vendors with >5 million unit annual sales having 6th Gen Intel 65W desktop processors, integrated VESA mount and VGA, 6 USB Ports, Windows 7 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 10 Pro, and TPM.

18 Optional features sold separately or as add on features.

19 Estimated street prices. Actual prices may vary.

Lenovo launches new workstations, Tiny all-in-one

The Lenovo TiO has a Tiny desktop computer (left) which slots into the back of a 23" monitor (right). Both items can be used separately, or together.

Lenovo has launched workstations and a 'Tiny-in-one' (TiO) in its final major product launch for 2014. 

The new workstations at the left.

“Building upon the advancements that we delivered in the recently launched P300 workstation, we listened to an extensive amount of customer feedback, and have crafted the newest additions to the P Series of ThinkStations to take users to new heights of performance, dependability and usability,” said Jessie Quek, Country General Manager, Lenovo Singapore.

The Lenovo ThinkStation P500, P700 and P900 are professional-grade desktop workstations, with space-saving designs as well as energy-efficient features. The latest Intel Xeon processors provide computing horsepower, while NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards carry out the visualisation work.

The P Series ThinkStations feature modular designs that let users upgrade critical components such as the motherboard and power supply without the need for tools. The machines have a FLEX Bay designed to support an optical drive or the FLEX Module, which can be used to support an ultraslim optical drive, a media card reader, or Firewire (IEEE 1394). At the same time, professionals can increase functionality without sacrificing rear PCIe slots by using a mezzanine card that connects to the motherboard – allowing for support for SATA/SAS/PCIe storage and advanced RAID solutions. 

Lenovo ThinkStation workstations stay cool with a patented tri-channel cooling architecture. Three hot-pluggable fans are situated at three different levels of the workstation for more effective cooling.

Lenovo’s new ThinkCentre TiO 23 modular All-in-One (AIO) gives businesses the flexibility to mix-and-match a 23" AIO experience with all current ThinkCentre Tiny PCs (sold separately). Unlike classic AIO computers which have the monitor and the computer integrated tightly together, the TiO is powered by a detachable ThinkCentre Tiny PC that locks into the back of the monitor through a simple tool-less process. This hybrid configuration allows users to configure their AiO with the computing performance to match their needs. When the time comes to upgrade or service the system, users simply replace the old Tiny PC and are back at work in less than two minutes.

Quek said the TiO "radicalises the way that businesses think about IT refresh cycles and costs of ownership.” She pointed out that the Tiny PCs are convenient and literally quite tiny, being just "four golf balls by three golfballs" in size, and weighing approximately the same as a 1 litre bottle of Evian water. 

The TiO has a 23" FHD display, front-access USB 3.0 audio ports, an optional optical disc drive (ODD) and an ergonomic stand that allows for tilt and height adjustment. A single standard Lenovo power adapter is used for both the monitor and the Tiny PC. As the system is VESA compatible, users have the flexibility to deploy it on a variety of VESA-compatible mounts, stands, and brackets. 

The Tiny-in-One also offers enhanced physical security for the Tiny PC with an advanced locking mechanism that secures Tiny and the Tiny-in-One’s optional ODD module inside the system when a Kensington cable lock is attached.

The Lenovo ThinkStation P500, P700 and P900 will start from S$1,100, S$2,500 and S$3,200 respectively. The ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One monitor has a starting price of S$449, and the ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One (bundled with the ThinkCentre M53) will start from S$749. 

HP 2 in 1, printer ideal for home offices

HP today announced a PC and a printer targeted at home offices. 

Designed to be fashionable and functional, the HP Pavilion x2 will be available in Singapore from October for a starting price of S$499**. The Pavilion x2 can be used as a 10" diagonal Windows tablet and shifts into a full-featured laptop with a detachable dual-purpose magnetic keyboard/cover that both protects the screen and serves as a multi-position stand.
The 2-in-1 PC is powered by an Intel Atom processor, and features front-firing speakers with DTS sound and a battery that lasts up to 11.45 hours*. It currently comes with the Tiffany blue keyboard/cover, with Moonstone gray and Lavender purple keyboard/covers to be available by end-year.

Source: HP. The HP Pavilion x2.

HP also announced a new HP ENVY printer that supports the latest mobile printing solutions, providing an easy way to print directly from smartphones and tablets***. The new printer can be set up quickly and easily with a smartphone or tablet. 

The HP ENVY 7640 e-All-in-One printer comes with NFC touch-to-print capability, a 25-page automatic document feeder, automatic two-sided printing and a fax function. The HP ENVY 7640 e-All-in-One has a larger 8.9cm colour touch-screen panel and an automatic photo tray that supports 4R (10 x 15cm) and 5R (13 x 18cm) printed photograph formats. The printer will be available in November starting from S$299**. 

Source: HP.
The HP ENVY 7640 e-All-in-One printer.

The new HP ENVY 7640 supports WiFi Direct, a feature that allows users to maintain a simultaneous connection with both the printer and the Internet. Ink cartridges cost S$19 for black ink and S$24 each for coloured inks. 

Sang Hoon Park, Printing Category Director, Printing & Personal Systems Group, Singapore, noted that inkjets and colour lasers serve different markets today. "Inkjets have better quality with the right media. If you don't print a lot, inkjets are best. Colour lasers are more for the commercial and enterprise market. A lot of LaserJets are bought for their high duty cycles," he said. While the new printers will support a recommended 300 pages per month, HP's lasers can print 5,000 to 6,000 pages a month.

*Battery life will vary depending on numerous factors including product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality and power management settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage. Additional details are available at www.bapco.com. 
**Estimated street prices. Actual prices may vary.
***Local printing requires mobile device and printer to be on the same network or have a direct wireless connection to printer. Wireless performance is dependent upon physical environment and distance from access point. Wireless operations are compatible with 2.4 GHz operations only. Remote printing requires an internet connection to an HP web-connected printer. App or software and HP ePrint account registration may also be required. Wireless broadband use requires separately purchased service contract for mobile devices. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in your area. See www.hp.com/go/mobileprinting for more details.