By Patrick Avenell
Hewlett Packard last night launched a new range of mobile, computer and printing products at a Halloween party in Sydney.
Held at the Crime and Justice Museum at Circular Quay, Hewlett Packard showed off its latest smartphone, netbook and touchscreen PCs, as well as a new range of printing solutions, in the midst of relics and artifacts from the darkest days in Sydney’s history.
In a room full of weapons seized from criminals dating back to when rum was our national currency, product managers unveiled their latest netbook, the HP Mini 1000 (RRP $899). This weighs in just over 1 kilogram, has a 10.2-inch screen and a glossy black outer casing.
From a holding cell that may have once housed a souse on Cup day, HP played movies on its latest touch screen PC, the HP TouchSmart IQ800 series (RRP $3,799). This model has a 25.5-inch touch screen, high definition playback, Blu-ray player and built-in TV tuner. Other PCs on display included the Pavilion Slimline series (RRP $1,700) and the Pavilion Elite (RRP $3,000) and Compaq Presario desktop PCs (RRP $2,020).
In a dark and dingy room with mug shots for wallpaper, the HP iPAQ 912 Business Series Messenger (RRP $899) was shown off. This PDA features in-built GPS, Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and HP’s Enterprise Mobility Suite. Important for when you’re being processed and fingerprinted, this model features a full QWERTY keyboard.
Talking about this is Hewlett Packard vice president South Pacific, Richard Bailey.
“HP’s latest consumer product offering enhances lifestyles in a personal way,” said Bailey. “Our vision is to provide consumers with technology that enriches lives and better addresses the needs of individuals.”
Unfortunately, Bailey didn’t make any reference to the musical South Pacific, of which presumably he is also the vice president.
After exploring the displays and exhibitions, and having a play with some admittedly fun Hewlett Packard devices, guests retreated to the verandah overlooking Phillip Street to enjoy a drink and a view of Sydney Harbour. Food served included bat-shaped pizzas, spider-shaped lollies and some really nice deep fried prawns things that some journalists monopolised whilst others waited their turn.