HP Z1 Redesigns the Workstation

Hewlett-Packard has released a new workstation desktop PC, but we'll forgive you if you do a double-take—the HP Z1 is the world's first desktop all-in-one workstation.

Despite packing a giant Intel Xeon processor and an Nvidia Quadro graphics processor, the HP Z1 has no tower, reducing the clutter and bulk of a traditional desktop workstation. And just wait until you see what it does next.

The new workstation looks unlike anything we've ever seen, combining the high-performance parts of a desktop workstation with the form-factor of an all-in-one, all without sacrificing the easy access and upgradability of a traditional PC tower. But it adds an innovative design element to the mix as well. The all-in-one folds down flat and opens up, with the 27-inch monitor lifting up like the hood of a car to expose the components within. The easy open chassis and modular component design also allows parts to be swapped out and upgraded with no tools needed.

"HP and Nvidia have joined to rescue the workstation from its tower," says Jeff Brown, general manager of Nvidia's Professional Solutions Group. "The HP Z1 transforms the traditional workstation from its long familiar footprint into something truly spectacular -- the industry's first all-in-one workstation."

In addition to the head-turning new design, the HP Z1 features Intel's quad-core Xeon processors—the Xeon E3-1245 (as seen in the ) and E3-1280 are available. New versions of Nvidia's Quadro graphics processor are also available, with the Nvidia Q500M, the Q1000M, Q3000M and found in various configurations. Storage space ranges from 200GB and 2TB in hard drives or solid-state drives in capacities of 160GB or 300GB. A slot loading DVD +/- RW optical is standard, but can be ordered with a Blu-ray drive instead.

The HP Z1 workstation starts at $1899, but prices will vary by configuration. The HP Z1 is expected to ship in April, and will be covered by HP's three-year warranty, which includes parts, labor, and service.