HP delivers workstations on the go with thin-and-light Zbook laptops

The 2015 International CES is all about consumers. But Hewlett-Packard is using the big tech trade show to introduce new heavy-duty laptops for professional workstation users.

HP is introducing a new line of Zbook Workstations, laptops aimed at people such as product designers or engineers. Those professionals are on the go as much as anyone else, HP said, and they need mobile workstations that can keep up with demanding computing tasks.

HP is the No. 1 workstation provider around the world. Its machines are used by professionals creating new automobile designs or special effects in Hollywood blockbusters.

“Our Ultrabooks demonstrate our unwavering commitment to professional customers and their need for light, first-class mobile workstations to augment design workflows,” said Jeff Wood, vice president of product management at HP’s commercial solutions group, in a press briefing.

HP claimed it has the world’s thinnest and lightest workstation Ultrabooks, thin laptops with power-efficient Intel processors. Among the new products are the HP Zbook 14 and Zbook 15u, which come with 14-inch and 15.6-inch screens, respectively. The machines have high-end 3D graphics and processor performance in a form factor less than an inch thick and weighing 3.51 lbs. The machines are based on Intel’s new code-named Broadwell processors, which have better performance and higher power efficiency than previous processors.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based company is also launching its HP DL380z Virtual Workstation, which can be used to log in from virtually anywhere and access high-end software through HP’s Remote Graphics Software 7.1. The secure virtual workstations have an optimized information technology management feature, and they can access server-based graphics-rich applications. The newest HP Remote Graphics Software has 60 percent better performance than the previous version.

The second-generation ZBook 14 and 15u are customizable workstations equipped with Microsoft Windows 8.1, fifth-generation Intel Core processors, and professional AMD FirePro 3D graphics. The ZBook 14 has an optional touch display and intuitive 10-point multi-touch full-HD screens as an option. The ZBook laptops can run a variety of engineering software from the likes of Adobe, Autodesk, Avid, Dassault, ESRI, SolidWorks, and Siemens.

Both ZBook Mobile Workstation models provide up to 16 GB of memory and up to 1.25 TB of storage, with solid-state storage enhancements. The machines are targeted at customers in the film/video editing, graphic design, computer-aided design, education, architecture, manufacturing, finance, and health care markets.

The HP ZBook 14 and 15u Workstation Ultrabooks are expected to be available worldwide beginning in January. The Zbook 14 will sell for $1,250, while the Zbook 15u will sell for $1,200. The HP DL380z Virtual Workstation is available now, and pricing is available upon request. The HP Remote Graphics Software 7.1 will be available in April.

Josh Peterson, director of worldwide workstation product management, said in a press briefing that the ZBook 15u is a sequel to the best-selling Zbook 15, with Ultrabook features.

“It targets customers who want both price and performance,” Peterson said.

Above: HP Zbook workstation family

Image Credit: HP