The old-fashioned desktop computer isn't getting much respect these days, with the onset of tablets, smartphones, all-in-one computers and sleek laptops. But Hewlett-Packard's latest line of desktop PCs being introduced today show the world's biggest computer maker is still investing a lot of time in designing new PCs.
These new desktops have "clean lines, soft forms and contrasting materials" and they show that HP pays as much attention to design these days as a high-end fashion designer. These sleek black computers are HP's mainstay designs aimed to show that Apple's computer designs aren't better than anything that HP can do.
If HP can make its brand mean quality design in the eyes of consumers, it will be able to charge more for its computers, just as Apple can, at least in theory. The machines also show that desktops are still a cheap and easy way to deliver a lot of computing power to users.
"We want to convey that these designs are refined, elegant and sophisticated," said Randall Martin, chief design strategist at HP, in an interview. "These machines are dialects of the same design language."
That's a lot fancier than saying Intel has some new microprocessors ready and HP is going to take advantage of them by launching some new desktop computers. The new machines include the HP Pavilion p7 series (top far right), the HP Pavilion HPE h8 series (top left), and the HP Slimline s5 series PCs (top middle right). HP is also introducing a thin HP x2301 micro-thin LED monitor (top middle left).
The machines are designed for a wide range of settings, from home offices to dorm room desks. The machines feature glossy black front panels layered over a metallic base. That is meant to give depth and dimension to the surfaces of the new towers. Some of the models feature a tray at the top of the PC equipped with universal serial bus (USB) ports for easy access. That recognizes the fact that users often use their computers to charge their smartphones, digital cameras or MP3 music players.
Martin said the machines mix form and function. They also include features such as HP's Beats Audio, HP Link Up, and the newest Intel microprocessors based on the Sandy Bridge microprocessor-graphic
s combo chips.
The HP Pavilion p7 series is aimed at everyday consumers looking for computers that can handle basic photo, music and video chores. The HP Pavilion Slimline s5 models are aimed at fitting in the smallest places and are half the size of conventional PCs.
The HP Pavilion HPE h8 series PCs are the most powerful desktops that HP makes with a choice of AMD or Intel processors and stand-alone graphics chips. The HP x2301 Micro Thin LED backlit monitor is as thin as 9.8 millimeters and features a translucent aquamarine base and brush anodized aluminum accents.
The HP HPE h8 series will be available May 18 for $599 and up and at U.S. retailers on June 19. The HP Pavilion p7 series will be for sale online on May 18 at $299 and up and at U.S. retailers on June 19. The HP Pavilion Slimline s5 series PCs will be available online on June 15 at $329 and at U.S. retailers on June 19. The monitor is available June 10 for $279.