HP laptops ride latest Intel mobile wave

HP has unveiled 13 laptops - some featuring the latest Intel mobile technology - while claiming to take the form factor to a new level.

The launch in Shanghai, featured a monster 20-inch screen entertainment-oriented product known as 'the dragon', comes as major rivals Dell and Lenovo also add to their PC laptop ranges.

Speaking at the HP event, HP Personal Systems Group executive VP Todd Bradley said: "It is no longer simply enough just to provide great products. They have to allow you to connect to that information that is most important to you."

The new range spans the chunky 'dragon' HDX Entertainment model all the way across to a lightweight tablet that features an add-on battery pack that allows for 'long-haul battery life' of anywhere from 10 to 15 hours, an area other manufacturers have also targeted.

However, analysts covering enterprise IT users focused on the manageability of HP's new offerings.

Gene Wang, until the end of last year CEO of Bitfone but now VP at HP's handheld business since the company's acquisition, spoke at length about the HP Enterprise Mobility Suite, covering areas such as over-the-air fixes, remote lock/wipe options for better security and web-based self-service and support.

Other moves in the market, for example Nokia's buyout some 18 months ago of Intellisync, as well as RIM's success with its flavour of end-to-end mobile email in the form of its BlackBerry devices and software, highlight user manageability concerns.

One industry analyst told silicon.com the rate of product evolution is now almost outstripping the ability of corporate IT departments to keep mobile and wireless devices in check.

HP walked tall about its resurgence in personal computing. The company, which historically spans well-engineered - though at times less glamorous - HP-badged models as well as Compaq PCs, given a logo spruce up this week (see photo below), is again number one in PC laptop sales worldwide, according to the latest figures from IDC.

Execs say end users, having experienced personal devices they love and use around the clock and the design advances of the likes of Apple and niche PC makers such as FlyBook, now demand better design.

Given the advances of Dell until the last couple of years, others have pointed to design and innovation as strengths HP needed to fully tap. HP's Bradley said: "The PC industry was commoditising... going down the path of giving little value to anyone."

Meanwhile, sitting in China, home to Lenovo which two years ago jumped into the PC top tier after its purchase of IBM's PC division, HP proudly talked about its breadth in IT hardware, software and services, touting its position as an advantage over Lenovo, which is especially formidable in its home market but concentrates on PCs.

The launch of some of HP's new laptops, as well as those from competitors, ties in with Intel's Centrino Pro platform, formerly code-named Santa Rosa, coming to market. The platform is made up of microprocessor, graphics chip, IO and radio.

Speaking at the HP event, Intel's executive VP sales and marketing Sean Maloney said: "Moore's Law is alive and well."

Plans include integrating Wimax technology in products within the next two years, in much the same way wi-fi has been with Centrino, and the Silverthorn platform, all about allowing very small, power-efficient devices.