HP brings Windows 8 products to India

As per an official statement, HP has unveiled a new line-up of consumer PCs, which it claims is designed to work perfectly with Windows 8, thereby providing an opportunity to touch, feel and experience the products for the first time. HP shares that its new ultra stylish products range from notebooks and desktops to a convenient hybrid. 

HP adds that the unique form factors, including a hybrid notebook with a detachable screen and an ultrathin all-in-one (AiO) desktop, enable users to take advantage of Windows 8 along with its other innovations such as HP TouchSmart technology. The company also offers HP Connected Photo powered by Snapfish by HP and HP Connected Music powered by Meridian for access to photos and music.

HP elaborates that its consumer notebook portfolio featuring Windows 8 includes a hybrid PC and notebooks with slim and sophisticated designs, multitouch display technology, strong performance and great value.

HP ENVY x2 hybrid PC – Netbook and tablet combo!

HP refers to its ENVY x2 as a powerful, ultrathin hybrid PC that delivers the power of a notebook and the freedom of a tablet in one stylish, lightweight device. The ENVY x2 is a notebook that doubles as a tablet and has a detachable screen that becomes a full tablet when separated from the keyboard via a seamless magnetic latch. With up to seven hours HD video playback on the tablet and up to 12.25 hours HD video playback when docked,  the HP ENVY x2 includes a 11.6-inch diagonal high-definition (HD) touch display, Beats Audio, an HD webcam plus an 8-megapixel camera and near field communication (NFC) technology that lets users share content, including photos, contacts and URLs, with a simple tap.

The HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 features a 14-inch multitouch HD display, up to five hours of battery life, a booming subwoofer with Beats Audio and optional AMD graphics with 2GB of graphics memory.

HP’s new consumer desktop includes the AiO and tower PC featuring the latest multitouch technology and offering head-turning designs and powerful performance. The HP ENVY 23 TouchSmart AiO PC delivers a 10-point multitouch technology, 23-inch diagonal HD display and excellent performance for working, playing and staying connected.

According to news sources, Rajiv Srivastava, President, Printing and Personal Systems, HP India, shared while speaking to reporters in New Delhi that the company expects PCs running Windows 8 to contribute 25-30 percent to its computer sales in 2013. Srivastava was quoted as saying, "Windows 8 is a relatively new platform...if 25-30 per cent of the sales came from Windows 8, we would be very happy." He went on to add the company is witnessing a 'strong migration' to the new operating system and interestingly, it comes more from individuals than enterprises. 

HP shares that it is providing customers an array of simple and easy-to-access support tools and resources to help customers easily transit to Windows 8 and unlock the value the operating system offers. They include:

• HP Accidental Damage Protection is part of the HP Care Pack service and helps customers avoid out-of-pocket repair or replacement costs caused by accidents that may occur during regular PC operation.
• HP Support Assistant is an on-product tool that provides a one-stop shop to help you maintain your PC and avoid or resolve problems using automated updates and self-help options. 
• HP is creating a designated Web support page for Windows 8. Customers can easily upgrade to Windows 8, obtain necessary drivers for their HP products – as those drivers become available – and seek answers to their other Windows 8 support questions by visiting www.hp.com/go/win8support.
• Printing-related instructional videos are available at www.youtube.com/hpprintersupport and computing-related videos are available at www.youtube.com/howto4u.
• HP’s Printer Install Wizard will be available for a majority of consumer printers and will help customers select and install their print drivers. The Printer Install Wizard is anticipated to be available at the support landing page.

The HP Windows 8 product line was introduced during “The Ace of 8” experiential launch in New Delhi with acclaimed director Gauri Shinde of English Vinglish fame and popular VJ/DJ Nikhil Chinapa – wherein HP claimed, “the enhanced user experience, groundbreaking designs and cutting-edge product features were brought to life.” During the event, HP demonstrated how users can experience the best of Windows 8 technology with HP products, aimed at making life more fun and efficient.

“HP’s portfolio of ultrathin notebooks, sleek all-in-ones and high-performance PCs is designed to meet the needs of customers who have been eagerly anticipating the release of the Windows 8 OS,” said Rajiv Srivastava, VP and GM - Printing and Personal Systems Group, HP India “Consumers now can choose from a broad range of HP PCs featuring multi-touch displays, versatile form factors, sleek designs or customizable solutions that address their needs.”

“Today’s hectic lifestyle demands products to simplify living while maintaining high performance on the go. The ENVY x2 - a notebook and tablet in one, certainly does that; and with its collection of features such as a 14 hour battery life, lightweight design and fantastic sound this product is a complete solution for professionals like me,” said Gauri Shinde. "It has so many more features than other hybrid devices – I especially like the HP TrueVision HD Webcam.”

“Technology can make a career in the music industry accessible and possible to anyone. Aspiring DJs and producers can learn how to create, mix, and perform their own music from their own bedrooms. They can also learn how to share their sounds, market themselves, and build a career using the Internet. A machine that is powerful, portable, reliable, and stylish is all they need to begin, and a touch screen opens up a whole universe of creative possibilities,” said VJ and DJ Nikhil Chinapa.