Hewlett Packard’s Compaq nc8200

Hewlett Packard, the 2nd most popular global manufacturer of notebook computers has boldly announced that 2005 is the “Year of mobility!”

Here at laptopical we’ve decided to declare 2005 as the “Year of pot noodles”, but that’s another story….

Anticipating the inexorable trend towards mobile technology, HP have decided to regain the coveted number one position on the laptop seller podium, by releasing 5 shiny new compaq notebooks – The Compaq 9600, 8200, 6200, 6100 and 4200 business laptops.

PCMag are one of the first out of the blocks to look at this range of HP/Compaq laptops, indeed they made the Compaq nc8200 an editor’s choice in the sphere of mainstream business portables.

This laptop comes equipped with a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combination drive, FireWire port, 15.4 inch screen, and some interesting safety features including – a laminate palm rest, magnesium alloy cover/chassis, and HP’s Mobile Data Protection System. This system is said to reduce the chance of data corruption by protecting the hard drive from everyday shocks and vibrations.

While not making rugged laptop status, these features should all help to safeguard the notebook against the inevitable bumps and scratches that can happen when on the road.

HP state that battery life of the 8200 is up to four hours of power, this can be increased by another 4 hours if an optional external battery is purchased.

By Ian Bandy

Saturday, February 05, 2005