HP Builds Leadership in High-growth Mobility Marketplace

HP today introduced more than a dozen new products and services that will make it easier for businesses and consumers to achieve the goal of always-on, always-ready mobile computing. The company also announced that it is developing advanced mobile networking technologies designed to create a richer environment for mobile content.

Highlights of the announcement include:
· A new business notebook line, including the company’s thinnest and lightest optical drive notebook to date
· A sleek, new modern design for HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario consumer notebooks
· New mobile email and mobile management services that provide more secure platforms that operate over multiple networks and device types
· Advanced research in the area of interactive video and social networking for mobile devices

“The world is rapidly moving to a state where information can be accessed any time, any where, on any device. HP is driving this transformation across the entire mobile spectrum – from the devices to the software that enables mobile networks, and to the services that deliver mobile content,” said David Wright, vice president and general manager of HP PSG UK & Ireland. “Today’s announcement represents another step forward for the consumers, businesses and network service providers who desire a seamless, easy-to-use mobile computing environment.”

Mobility is identified as a key strategic growth area for HP and the company made these announcements as it highlighted its broad offerings – ranging from consumer handheld devices and enterprise mobile solutions to infrastructure and software that run many of the world’s telecommunications networks – at Connected: The HP Mobility Summit.

HP estimates the worldwide mobile market, including notebooks, handhelds, and telecommunication and enterprise services and equipment, will grow to more than $234 billion by 2009, an increase of 42 percent over today’s market size.

Always-on, Always-ready Mobile Computing
Building on its position as the global #1 consumer notebook manufacturer, HP introduced a new modern design and personal style with the HP Pavilion dv2000 Series Entertainment Notebook PC.
Coined “HP Imprint”, the industrial design features a ground-breaking hard-coated, high gloss surface which not only looks stylish, but offers practical durability as well. Transforming the notebook into a sleek, fashionable portable PC, it includes a unique inlaid pattern and a shiny outer coating exclusive to HP. In an exclusive design first, HP has harnessed an innovative molding technique – previously used for cell phone casings, cosmetics packaging and luxury car interiors – to bring a high quality finish to its notebooks.

HP also strengthened its business notebook line with the introduction of five new business notebook platforms, including the travel-friendly HP Compaq nc2400. Starting at just 1.3 kg, this ultra-portable notebook is the company’s thinnest and lightest notebook with optical drive to date.

Mobile professionals can migrate to HP Wireless Broadband connectivity at their own pace with the HP Compaq nc6400. This 14-inch widescreen notebook will allow users to upgrade to wireless broadband networks such as HSDPA(3) with an integrated optional wireless module in the future.

Microsoft Vista capable, all new HP business notebooks feature HP Professional Innovations, a suite of hardware features and software solutions that include technologies such as integrated biometrics and digital accelerometers that enhance security, improve ease of use and help ensure reliability.

Managing the Mobile Ecosystem
HP also unveiled new mobility and wireless services including mobile email and mobile management services. Designed to enable customers to manage their global, mobile environment, the new services provide more secure enterprise-class platforms that seamlessly operate over multiple networks and device types. Benefits include cost predictability, improved access, reduced complexity and 24X7 end-user support.
Available “a la carte” or as a completely managed mobile environment, HP provides a single point of contact and allows customers to determine the level of support that best meets their needs.

Building New Networks
With 30 years in telecommunications, HP is helping mobile and fixed-line providers evolve their legacy infrastructures to create new digital networks that rely on Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) technologies. HP is also leveraging its presence in the media and broadcast industries to help wireless operators transform digital content into a rich menu of mobile services for “on the go” sports, music, news, and entertainment.

Future Mobile Markets
The company also provided a glimpse into potential future technologies, showcasing some of the mobility research being conducted within HP Labs including a Social, Mobile Video Podcasting system.
During the technology demonstration, HP showed how members of a dining group could create and share video podcasts of the newest restaurants in town. Using a handset such as an HP iPAQ, users create a personal video podcast review of the restaurant and then stream, store and publish to other members of the group. The review is transcoded and delivered to other mobile handsets, allowing those subscribing to the RSS video feed to have their own social network of restaurant reviews.

The HP technology enables a simplified publishing and distribution process, providing communities of people with common interests the ability to share video podcasts while on the move.