We get our hands on HPs new 12.1-inch business machine, the sleek HP Compaq 2230s. Is this the bargain laptop business users need?
Starting at only $1000, it's easy to see the target for the HP Compaq 2230s. The notebook is a light, but not too light 12.1-inch laptop that joins the HP 2133 in the manufacturer's lineup of ultra light notebooks for business users. We recently got to spend some time with the new machine, and in our brief hands-on period we were impressed by the design and build quality. HP kept things simple with the HP Compaq 2230s. It looks almost exactly like a black MacBook, and falls into the same price range and rough feature set as well.
For business users, though, HP has included a few cool security updates. First, the HP Compaq 2230s gets a fingerprint reader, which is a nice touch to separate this machine from the consumer-level laptops of the same size and price range. HP has made the initial security setup process easy, too. Just swipe your finger and the laptop launches its security wizard, which walks you through the steps to setup fingerprint access and other security protocols. It may seem like a simple gimmick, but we've seen plenty of laptops that obscure this initial security setup procedure, so we were glad to see HP bring this to the foreground.
The laptop may have small business security on the brain, but a few of the features were interesting in their consumer approach. Instead of a DVI connection for an external monitor, the laptop uses HDMI, which will allow users to connect to an external display or hi-def television. There is no Blu-Ray option for the laptop, unfortunately. Just beneath the screen, the HP Compaq 2230s also features a capacitative touch bar for controlling various features on the laptop, such as the volume. We gave the touch bar a quick swipe, and it didn't quite respond to our touch, but we weren't being delicate, so we won't judge until we've had time to take a closer look.
The HP Compaq 2230s will start at $1000, but with options for a larger hard disk drive, faster processor and more DDR2 SDRAM, that price could jump as high as $1650. Check out the $1450 pre-configuration here. Windows Vista Business comes installed, but HP also offers a custom installed downgrade to Windows XP Professional, if you're scared to take the plunge. The laptop is now available in six different pre-configurations (all are powered by Intel's new Montevina GM45 chipset and GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics) on the HP Small & Medium Business Store site, but actual units should begin shipping on August 12.
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