HP today announced a new brand of affordable notebook PCs that merge business functionality with stylish design targeting users at small and medium-size companies.

The new series is distinguished by a choice of merlot or glossy noir finishes, a unique keyboard design and a set of features previously found only on higher-priced models.

The standard series (s-series) of the new HP ProBook models incorporate a mercury-free design, and features high-definition (HD) LED backlit displays in a choice of 14-inch, 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch diagonal widescreen sizes.

The keyboard's layout provides a visually open and spacious keyboard with keys raised from the surface. Usability is the same as with traditional keyboards and the raised surface means fewer places for dirt and dust to hide making.

Select HP ProBook models incorporate the latest in wireless connectivity with HP Mobile Broadband. Built-in Qualcomm Gobi technology enables HP notebooks to use a single module, the HP un2400, to support multiple mobile broadband network technologies and mobile operators.

In addition to Microsoft Windows operating system offerings, select HP ProBook s-series models will offer Novell SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 preinstalled - HP's first-ever Linux pre-install model.

HP Professional Innovations included on the ProBook s-series include HP QuickLook 2 software, which provides access to e-mail, calendar, task and contact information within seconds at the touch of a button. The HP SpareKey feature addresses the hassle of forgotten passwords by using a sequence of three predetermined personal identification questions to gain immediate entry into the system. For added data security, File Sanitizer for HP Protect Tools permanently deletes individual files, folders and personally identifiable information from the notebook, which also allows users to recycle the notebook with confidence that their business data has been removed.

HP ProBook models configured with the Microsoft Windows operating system include a power management capability to save energy by automatically switching the PC into a low-power mode after a period of inactivity. Energy-saving HP Smart AC Adapters allow the notebooks to automatically make power adjustments as needed. Additionally, more than 90 percent of HP notebook PCs (by weight) are recyclable or recoverable (do not go to a landfill).

The HP ProBook s-series includes:

HP ProBook 4410s and HP ProBook 4415s - Feature a 14-inch diagonal 16:9 HD widescreen LED backlight display, integrated optical drive with Blu-ray option and choice of ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 or Intel GMA X4500 HD graphics controller. Wireless connectivity includes standard Wi-Fi certified WLAN and optional integrated Bluetooth wireless technology. The notebooks also incorporate an HDMI port to connect to HD displays, and include Intel (4410s) or AMD (4415s) processors to offer a variety of options for mobility and longer battery life.

HP ProBook 4510s and HP ProBook 4515s - Offer a 15.6-inch diagonal 16:9 HD widescreen LED backlight display. The HP Mobile Broadband connectivity with built-in Gobi technology is an optional feature, while standard Wi-Fi certified WLAN and optional integrated Bluetooth wireless technology round out the wireless connectivity technologies. They also feature an integrated numeric keypad. The notebooks include a choice of Intel (4510s) or AMD (4515s) processors and choice of discrete or UMA graphics. There is also an integrated numeric keypad on the 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch models.



HP ProBook 4710s - Features a 17.3-inch diagonal HD widescreen display, the largest of the lineup. For more graphics-intensive environments, the notebook includes the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330, with up to 512 megabytes of GDDR2 for video memory. It also features the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Wireless connectivity includes standard Wi-Fi certified WLAN and optional integrated Bluetooth wireless technology. The notebook incorporates a HDMI port to connect to HD displays, as well as an integrated numeric keypad.

Estimated starting U.S. street pricing begins at $529. Notebook availability varies by region. Merlot color option is available only on 14-inch and 15.6-inch models and is expected to be available in June.