HP recently unveiled a suite of stylish consumer PCs, tablets and services including the world’s first notebook PC with integrated Leap Motion technology, the first fanless 2-in-1 detachable Ultrabook PC based on the 4th generation Intel Core processor, and new services and solutions designed to help customers better manage their personal information.
This announcement illustrates how HP is reinventing the consumer PC category in time for the holidays, offering four industry-first innovations, next-generation form factors, choice of operating systems, and new services and software that ease the customer experience.
“Our customers need solutions that work and play the way they do,” says John Geypen, PPS Consumer and Commercial Notebook category manager, HP South Africa.
“Today’s announcement — which includes four world-first introductions — illustrates how HP is innovating and defining the next-generation computing experience, delivering the productivity customers need and the entertainment they want.”
The HP Spectre13 x2 is a notebook and tablet in one, and the first fanless, detachable Ultrabook based on Intel’s 4th generation processor. With the quiet experience of a tablet, Beats Audio, a full Radiance 1,080 high-definition (HD) display, and sleek design, this 2-in-1 Ultrabook is flexible without compromising productivity or portability.
HP Control Zone track pad, available for the first time in the new HP Spectre13 Ultrabook, enables an enhanced Windows 8 experience by adding an extended area to the left and right of the touch pad. Using HP Control Zone, customers can easily access the Windows 8 modern user interface features such as Charms, flip and snap, along with a set of custom gestures right from the palm rest.
The HP ENVY17 Leap Motion Special Edition (SE) is the world’s first notebook with integrated Leap Motion technology. HP is shaping the way people engage with technology with this innovative PC that senses natural hand and finger movements in the air for easy navigation and control offering pinpoint accuracy to make games, modelling and presentations come to life.
With a vivid 44cm (17.3-inch) diagonal optional full HD display, movies and videos are sharp and clear; while the latest Intel processors and NVIDIA graphics provide a faster and more responsive experience.
The HP Chromebook14, announced last week, is the world’s first Chromebook based on Intel’s fourth generation processor and comes in a variety of stylish colour options.
Delivering functional form factors that fit a variety of needs, HP’s latest detachable devices transform from a PC to a tablet – and back. With durable, magnetically-assisted hinges, dual batteries, both in the base and tablet, powerful processors and colourful exterior choices, these new detachable devices deliver a breakthrough computing experience.
Featuring a slim profile combined with breathtaking performance, the HP Spectre13 Ultrabook weighs just 1474 grams (3.25 pounds), and offers a 33.7cm (13.3-inch) full HD([1]) touchscreen display and Intel 4th generation Core i5 performance in a package that is only 13.4-mm wide and boasts up to nine hours of battery life.
For customers that want to switch easily from a notebook PC to a tablet without sacrificing personal style can do so with the HP Pavilion11 x2. Available in Sparkling Black, the Pavilion11 x2 also features dual Full HD webcams, allowing users to create and enjoy video on the 29.4cm (11.6-inch) diagonal display.
Offering multiple operating systems and form factors, HP rounds out its tablet portfolio in time for the holidays, ensuring customers can choose the right tablet experience made to fit them.
The Slate7 Plus arrives for the holiday season offering versatility and value with a new ID in striking silver. The compact and mobile Android tablet is powered by NVIDIA for responsive gaming and seamless streaming for music and videos, featuring a 17.7cm (7-inch) HD screen for vibrant, rich colour images and dual cameras.
Stay connected from the coffee shop to the office to the sofa, with the HP Slate7 HD and the HP Slate10 HD with optional 3G+ connectivity. With Google Play, innovative sound from Beats Audio, HD display, and two-camera vision, these Android-based tablets are perfect for watching videos, surfing the web, and staying connected anywhere and anytime.
HP SmartFriend gives customers friendly, reliable one-on-one phone support for every brand of desktop, laptop and tablet in the home. Available in a monthly subscription-based support plan or pre-paid support plans, SmartFriend is not only for HP products, but also for any computer running operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Chrome OS, OSX; and tablets running Android OS, Windows, and Apple iOS.
Knowledgeable experts are available by phone to help users learn how to set up technology, connect wirelessly to the Internet, install software, and troubleshoot a variety of PC and tablet issues.
The service includes risk-free remote access for users who want a certified technology expert to work remotely on their PC. The customised SmartFriend service can also teach customers new ways to use their computers or learn how to use the most popular PC applications on the market today. HP SmartFriend is expected to be available in EMEA from November 2013.
HP understands the challenges customers face when accessing their digital content using multiple devices including HP PCs and tablets, and customers’ mobile phones. It is even more difficult when spanning different operating systems.
HP Connected apps are an example of HP’s commitment to solving this pain point through an innovative solution that simplifies the user experience by organising digital content such as photos, music, and beginning next year, documents.
HP Connected Photo, powered by Snapfish by HP, offer seamless access to photos from a PC or mobile device, enabling customers to make the most of the holidays by printing photos, creating cards and invitations – directly from the application. Customers can also create artistic and mobile-friendly Deco Prints, or commemorate the season with new Premier Lay-flat Photo Books on Snapfish.
Music lovers can unlock and enjoy favourite songs around the home on a PC or tablet with HP Connected Music powered by Meridian. Beats Audio, on select HP PCs and tablets, designed to provide the richest sound and an expansive playlist.
