Hewlett-Packard Co. Wednesday introduced a new line of gaming PCs and iPaq PDAs.
HP’s new gaming PC, the Blackbird 002 LCi, is made from aluminum and is liquid-cooled to enhance performance. The Blackbird was created by designers of VoodooPC Inc., which HP acquired last year. The Blackbird 002 Dedication Edition will be released September 15, and come with a pre-set configuration. Users will be able to buy customized Blackbirds from Oct. 1, each of which will be hand-built in HP’s Calgary, Alberta facility. The machines retail for US$2,500 to US$7,100.
The company also announced five new iPaq models. The iPaq 900 Series Business Messenger is a 3G (third-generation) phone with a QWERTY keyboard; the iPAQ 600 Series Business Navigator is also a 3G phone and with a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) and navigation functions; the iPaq 300 Series Travel Companion is a PDA with built-in GPS, with additional graphics and 3-D mapping capability; the iPaq 200 Series Enterprise Handheld is designed for business users; and the iPaq 100 Series Classic Handheld offers Wi-Fi connectivity and easing synching with a PC. HP did not offer suggested pricing for the new iPaq models.
HP will work with MTV Networks in co-sponsoring a laptop cover design contest for young people called Take Action. Make Art.” The winning design will be used on an upcoming HP consumer laptop.