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HP Unveils Mobility Push

HP launched a business mobility push on Wednesday that involves new laptops, handhelds and a rebate program for trade-in PCs.

Actual product launches on Wednesday included two laptops -- the HP Compaq Business Notebook nc4000 and the HP Compaq Business Notebook nx7000. The key feature of the nc4000 is integrated tri-mode wireless support. The laptop will support 802.11 a, b and g networks. The 802.11g support will be available through a software upgrade to the system. The nx7000, which has integrated 802.11b support, features a 15.4-inch screen. Both will have optional Bluetooth modules. The nx7000 starts at $1,700. The nc4000 starts at $1,650.

HP plans to launch several IPAQ Pocket PC models next week with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, making it possible to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices to share data, printers and connections. Company officials say the product launches are part of about a dozen products that HP is releasing in the next six months as part of a mobility push.

To encourage customers to bite, HP created a rebate program of up to $500 for business customers to trade in older PCs and laptops. The number of older PCs traded in must be less than or equal to the number of new systems purchased.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.