Guess who’s crashing Intel’s UltraBook party? HP introduced a clutch of thin and light computers Wednesday. Among them, a pair of machines that follow processor supplier Intel’s specifications for an ultrabook to the micrometer -- the HP ENVY SpectreXT and EliteBook Folio.
Not content to color exclusively with Intel’s crayons, however, HP coined a neologism of its own to describe thin-and-light machines that stray from Intel’s master plan. The HP Envy ‘Sleekbook’ can be equipped with either Intel’s latest ‘Core’ processors or, gasp, processors from Intel rival AMD.
“They’ve found some interesting ways to separate themselves from Intel,”Patrick Moorhead, an analyst with Moor Insights & Strategy said of HP's 'Sleekbooks. '
Not that Intel should be too phased. Starting at $999, the all-metal HP ENVY SpectreXT is the showstopper here. Built around Intel’s latest ‘Core’ processors, the 14.5-millimeter thick machine weighs just 3.07-pounds, includes a 13.3-inch screen, and comes with a surprisingly complete array of ports, including Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and HDMI.
Other unusual touches: a ‘concierge’ technical support line dedicated just to HP Envy Spectre users staffed exclusively by U.S.-based call center workers, premium audio developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre, and phone line for technical support is dedicated exclusively to HP ENVY Spectre users. If Intel is still looking for validation for its ‘ultrabook’ campaign, it can consider that ticket punched.
The problem: expect every other processor maker to pile into this opportunity, too, starting with AMD. A pair of HP ENVY ‘Sleekbooks’ HP introduced Wednesday can be equipped with processors from either Intel or AMD. The thin, powerful machines start at $599.99 for a model with a 15.6-inch screen, and $699.99 and up for a model with a 14-inch display.
The next act: expect Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Texas Instruments to begin pushing tablet processors based on UK design house ARM’s designs at HP, Dell, Lenovo, and other computer makers once Microsoft introduces a new version of its Windows operating system compatible with their chips later this year.
Intel has the advantage, for now, in notebooks thanks to its cutting-edge manufacturing technology -- and the sheer quantity of PC software that runs on Intel and AMD's processors -- but with plans for more powerful chips on ARM’s roadmap, HP’s AMD-based ‘sleekbooks’ are a sure sign that HP, and others, won’t be shy about inviting these Intel alternatives to the party as their notebooks get thinner, and ARM-based chips get more powerful.
