New computers for small and midsize companies -- under both the HP and Compaq monikers -- emphasize power-saving software, performance, and value.
October 22 isn't just release day for Windows 7, it's also D-day for new computers designed to leverage the new operating system -- from just about every computer manufacturer you can name. PC market leader Hewlett Packard needed a giant hotel suite to showcase its new models -- under both the HP and Compaq monikers -- intended to emphasize power-saving software, performance, and value.
For smaller businesses looking to save a buck or two, the new Compaq machines should be the most compelling -- all with prices starting at under $400. For $309, the Compaq Presario CQ4010F includes a 250GB HDD, 2GB RAM, DVD burner, and AMD Sempron LE-1300 chip with integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 graphics in a compact desktop case.
$309 is the list price of the Compag Presario CQ4010 compact desktop PC.
The Compaq 500 series microtower desktops, meanwhile, start at $359. And the $399 CQ61z Presario notebook sports a 15.6-inch screen, 6-cell battery, 160GB HDD, 2GB RAM, 15" screen, AMD Sempron M100Win7 Processor.
The Compaq Presario CQ61 starts at less than $400.
These new computers represent something of a re-coming out party for HP's Compaq brand, which HP is trying to re-brand as an entry-level value option for small business as well as consumers.
"The reality was that there was quite a bit of overlap" between HP and Compaq brands, acknowledged John Cook, vice president of marketing in the consumer PC business unit of HP's Personal Systems Group. But "Compaq is still a multibillion dollar brand," Cook said, "and some folks don't know it's HP!"
So HP is shooting for better brand management for Compaq and tying to highlight the brand attributes as reliable, but not just "an ugly gray box. "U.S. small businesses, he added, are not willing to cut corners on key areas, but don't want to pay more than they have to.
The goal is to save money on the small details that don't necessarily affect performance, while still delivering quality and style. For example, unlike HP-branded products, Compaq machines may not have covers for the drive bays, may sport fewer USB ports, and use plastic versus metal cases. "Some people won't care," Cook said. In fact, Compaq customers "won't pay" for IT management features that are critical to midsize business customers, Cook said, so those features are not generally available on the Compaq machines.
If customers do care about faster chips or more memory, though, they can configure Compaq machines to make the tradeoffs they want, Cook said, by need or by budget.
Of course, the biggest difference between the Compaq and HP brands is that Compaq is primarily sold through retail channels.
HP Upgrades Its Own Laptops And Desktops
On the HP side, SMB-oriented offerings include a pair of new notebooks (the ProBook 6445b and ProBook 6545b), a new high-end desktop (HP Elite 7000), and new power-management software.
The new B series ProBooks share the sleek design of earlier ProBook models, but add a few new wrinkles. The coolest is a spill-resistant keyboard equipped with a drain for those times when you dump a Starbucks Grande on your computer. (I saw a demonstration, and the drain actually worked, but neither I nor HP recommends testing it on your own machine.) The B series also gets improved docking stations with twin DVI outputs (which can drive two monitors, but not three -- including the laptop display) and an easier-to-use locking mechanism. Pricing for the ProBook 6445b (with a 14-inch screen) and the 15.6-inch 6545b begins at $799.
The HP ProBook 6445b has a sleek magnesium case.
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For SMBs that need a performance machine, not just standard office productivity tasks, the HP Elite 7000 uses the Intel P55 Express chipset with a choice of Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, supports up to 8GB of RAM, SATA optical drives, a 1TB hard drive and an optional solid state drive. There are plenty of expansion bays, and a 22-in-1 media card reader -- all packaged in a metal-lined case with a chassis lock to deter hardware theft
In addition to Windows 7, the Elite 7000 is also available with pre-installed Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 (SLED). The Elite 7000 is "not a high volume" SMB product, Cook said, but starting at $789, the price shouldn't be out of reach for smaller companies that actually need all that power.
Next Page: Can Power Management And TouchScreens Make The Difference?
