HP unveils inexpensive ProBook laptop line

Hewlett-Packard, the world's top PC maker, is launching a new line of inexpensive business laptops with fresh features targeting users at small and medium-size companies. The HP ProBook s-series, which starts shipping globally yesterday, is the company's new mainstream business notebook, following the release of its higher-end, lightweight EliteBook line last year. The ProBook replaces the HP Compaq line, although the Compaq name will continue to be used as a master brand name in other PCs. The ProBook offers users a number of new features, including an optional Linux-based operating system pre-installed – Novell's SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 – for those seeking an alternative to the dominant Microsoft Windows platform. It is HP's first-ever Linux pre-install on a standard business laptop, the company said. The PC maker does offer some netbooks with Linux. "It's pretty much a natural evolution," said Carol Hess-Nickels, HP's Director of Marketing for worldwide business notebooks. "We want to provide a different option ... it's probably a little time yet before we'll know exactly what the demand is, but we did think it was something worth trying." The ProBooks come with 14-inch, 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch screen sizes, with prices starting at $529 (Dh1,943). Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here .