HP Targets SMBs with New All-in-One PC

A new, all-in-one PC from HP is aimed squarely at small business users with a 20-inch monitor, space-saving design and a choice of both processors and operating systems.

Similar Articles:

Part of HP's existing Omni Pro line, the Omni Pro 110 is designed to "keep things simple so you can focus on your business," in the company's own words. Toward that end, the device combines the traditional PC tower with the monitor, thereby reducing its desktop footprint and providing a simple, clutter-free design.

Included in the Omni Pro 110 are a 20-inch diagonal widescreen monitor with HD anti-glare display, integrated high-performance stereo speakers, a webcam and a microphone. Also built in are two USB 2.0 ports on the left and four in the rear.

Business users can choose either an Intel Pentium or Intel Core2 Duo processor, and the Intel G41 Express chipset is included. The Omni Pro 110 can be equipped with up to 4GB DDR3 SDRAM memory and a hard drive up to 1TB in size.

Other specs on the new device include a tray-load SuperMulti LightScribe DVD writer drive--designed to offer quick access for data-backup purposes--along with an integrated 6-in-1 media card reader, which aims to make transferring files easy. For communications, an HP Wireless LAN802.11b/g/n 1x1 Mini Card is optional.

Windows-Free Options

On the software side, a 60-day trial of Norton Internet Security is preloaded, but HP's own integrated suite of small business security control modules is also an option. Users can request that a Kensington lock be installed on the machine's rear panel as well.

Energy Star-qualified models are available, as is optional HP Power Assistant software designed to help reduce PC energy consumption.

Best of all, from my perspective? The Omni Pro 110 gives buyers their pick of operating system, with a choice of FreeDOS, Windows 7 or--in some parts of the world--RedFlag Linux, a Chinese distribution of the open source operating system.

Available soon through HP's Web site, the Omni Pro 110 is priced starting at $639, including a limited one-year warranty. For those in the market for a new machine, it's nice to see a new preloaded option that offers an alternative to life on the Microsoft treadmill.

Follow Katherine Noyes on Twitter: @Noyesk .

Read more like this: all-in-one desktop, hp, linux

Katherine Noyes has been an ardent geek ever since she first conquered Pyramid of Doom on an ancient TRS-80. Today she covers business and tech in all its forms, with an emphasis on Linux and open source software. You can also find her on Google+ and Twitter.