HP rolls new EliteBooks with record-setting 32-hour battery
updated 12:00 am EST, Wed February 23, 2011
HP redesigns EliteBooks with 32-hour battery
HP on Wednesday brought out a major revamp of its EliteBook pro notebooks. The 14-inch 8460p and 15.6-inch 8560p make the expected upgrade to Intel's new-generation Core chips but wield this with a new extra-high capacity battery. Picking the optional pack on the 8460p along with Intel video, a 160GB SSD and the HD display can get up to 32 hours of battery life on a single charge, or enough for a return intercontinental flight without having to ever plug in.
Either system has a new magnesium-aluminum chassis design, nicknamed Forge, that promises both a stronger overall construction as well as better rubber sealing and shock resistance. HP has now added a battery lock that prevents the pack from ejecting in an impact.
The pair have choices of Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors along with as much as 8GB of RAM and a 750GB hard drive instead of the 160GB SSD. Both systems can be outfitted with AMD's Radeon HD 6470M for much faster video and have the option of a new HSPA+ 3G modem for very fast access on networks like AT&T and most Canadian cell carriers.
HP ships the two EliteBooks on March 15 and is keeping a narrow pricing spread, starting at $999 for an 8460p in base form and moving up just $100 more for the larger 8560p.
