HP For Me
Sep 30th, 2009 | By Ridz | Category: Tech & Web
I had the opportunity to be invited to attend a product launch by HP two weeks ago. By far, it’s one of the grander product launches i’ve attended with very clear instructions, personalised invitations and follow ups and well, they took great of transport too since it was held in Sentosa.
Anyway, besides the grandeur of the event, HP also amazed me by launching 10 new products. I mean, usually people launch a handful right? but this was literally two whole hands(ok lame)! And what really caught my eye was how the whole range of launched products catered to a diverse crowd too – from the normal mobile blogger(netbooks) all the way up to the travelling workhorse.
The evening started with the senior VP of the Personal Systems Group(Asia Pac & Japan), Mr See Chin Teik, giving the opening address. He outlined where HP has been strong at and where it would be heading. From there the evening went into product launches.
Basically 3 series were launch that evening
1. The Limited Edition HP Mini by Studio Tord Boontje »
Following their success with the Vivienne Tam edition, they have collaborated with world–renowned Dutch industrial designer, Tord Boontje, to bring together this machine which is a return of with HP Mini 110 that’s also got the world’s first 3D PC surface technology – HP Imprint 3D.
Key Highlights
- HP Imprint 3D which gives really nice texture to the set. I don’t really know how to explain this.
- The set also comes built in with Seesmic(a twitter/facebook client) as well as Windows Live writer for those who are active bloggin/microblogging participants.
Pricing
Windows XP – US$549(available from September onwards)
Windows 7 Starter Edition – US$599(available from October 22 onwards)
What do I think?
It’s a really pretty netbook that’s looks amazing for the ladies to carry around. Heck, if they included it with a really nice designer handbag, it’ll make the perfect gift for that girl you’re after. ;p That said, i’m not the sort of guy who’ll pay so much more for a designer product.
Links to more resources
- Fact Sheet
- Brochure
Probably living in the shadow of the shadow of the Tord Boontje edition for the evening is the normal HP Mini 311 which boasts of an 11.6-inch High Def LED widescreen display – apparently the largest HP Mini screen so far.
Key Highlights
- 11.6-inch High-Definition LED BrightView Widescreen Display – the largest HP Mini screen
Pricing
US$499(available from September onwards)
What do I think?
If I had to choose between the Tord Boontje and this, I think I’d get this one over the limited edition one simply because it’s almost a hundred bucks cheaper, has rather similar specs and the design on this one works really well for me. It comes in both the white and black swirly designs…and almost anything in black, to me, is pretty sexy. Oh, and, I can do without pre installed Seesmic and Live Writer(I’ll just do it myself. ;p)
Links to more resources
- Fact Sheet
- Brochure
Possibly the star of the evening, the launch of the Envy series was designed to merge computing power as well as form factor into one single device. Slim, powerful, beautiful all in one.
Key Highlights
- Full body aluminum and magnesium chassis for improved strength and durability.
- Premium graphics performance via ATI™ Mobility Radeon™ 4830
- Two solid-state drives (SSDs) in a RAID-0 configuration for ultimate disk performance
- Exclusive partnership with Beats™ by Dr. Dre for a high-performance audio experience
- Optional Slim Fit Extended-Life Notebook Battery that takes the form of a “slice” to provide users with additional battery life while preserving the sleek look of the notebook
Pricing
HP ENVY 13 – US$1699 (available from 22nd October onwards)
HP ENVY 15 – US$1899 (available from 22nd October onwards)
What do I think?
For all the fanfare it received, it certainly lives up to its name. I was envious of the device straight from the launch. Price was the only reason that actually still keeps me thinking logically about whether to get something like the Envy. It’s a work machine that’s light, last decently long and, well, has class. Oh, and the 13 is touted to last up to 18hours. I don’t know how true that is, but if it can even last 60% of that, it rocks. ;p
Links to more resources
- Fact Sheet
- Brochure
There’s actually one other new toy that was introduced but I can’t yet talk about.
Overall it was quite an awesome session. I’m not so much a fan of netbooks because it’s just way too small for me to get work done and way too expensive a fashion accessory. I do, however, think that the Envy series is quite the mobile toy to seriously consider because I like the specs and the element of design that they’ve put into it. Would feel good using it and look good lugging it around.
So yeah…I can’t wait to tell you about that one other toy(which I plan to also get). More on that soon.
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