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HP expands business line

New models are introduced to its Vectra line of business PCs that features designed to cut operating costs.

Brooke Crothers Former CNET contributor
Brooke Crothers writes about mobile computer systems, including laptops, tablets, smartphones: how they define the computing experience and the hardware that makes them tick. He has served as an editor at large at CNET News and a contributing reporter to The New York Times' Bits and Technology sections. His interest in things small began when living in Tokyo in a very small apartment for a very long time.
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Brooke Crothers
Hewlett-Packard (HWP) introduced new models to its Vectra line of business PCs that have more features designed to cut operating costs.

HP says the entire Vectra line is preloaded with revised TopTools software. TopTools now automates more management tasks so that work can be done remotely. Also, all Vectra lines will offer configurations that come standard with local area network adapters with the ability to power up the system from a remote desktop.

HP has added models for "advanced business users" to the XA line that have either a 166-MHz or 200-MHz Pentium processor with MMX multimedia technology. A 2.5GB EIDE hard drive is offered as standard along with 32MB of memory. Prices for systems with Windows NT and the 200-MHz MMX Pentium processor will have an estimated price of $2,779.

The Vectral VLs also get MMX processors, as well as a 64-bit graphics acceleration. Prices will range up to $1,871 for a 200-MHz MMX Pentium model. An non-MMX 133-MHz model will have an estimated price of $1,235.

HP's "value" systems, the Vectra VE, will now come with 150-MHz or 166-MHz Pentium processors and more standard memory. The 150-MHz model will have an estimated retail price of $1,049, while the 166-MHz model will have an estimated price of $1,199.

All models will be available by April.