PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA:HP has announced a new brand of affordable notebook PCs that merge business functionality with sophisticated design to stand out from the crowd.

The HP ProBook series joins the award-winning HP EliteBook series to form one of the most versatile business notebook portfolios in the industry. Inspired by minimalism, the design of the new HP ProBook series combines matte and glossy surfaces while stripping out the extraneous, leaving only a stylish and clean look.

Distinguished by a choice of merlot or glossy noir finishes, a unique keyboard design and a set of professional innovations previously found only on higher-priced models, the HP ProBook series delivers HP's best combination of business features, functionality and value.

"The stunning HP ProBook s-series delivers exceptional style and aggressive pricing that will captivate small and medium business (SMB) users," said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. "But it's not just about good looks or low cost, the HP ProBooks deliver the right blend of features and professional innovations to provide a great user experience."

The standard series (s-series) of the new HP ProBook models incorporate a mercury-free design, and features high-definition (HD) LED backlit displays in a choice of 14-inch, 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch diagonal wide-screen sizes.

The keyboard's innovative layout provides a visually open and spacious keyboard with keys raised from the surface. Usability is the same as with traditional keyboards and the raised surface means fewer places for dirt and dust to hide making it easy to clean and more maintenance free than ever before.

Select HP ProBook models incorporate the latest in wireless connectivity with HP Mobile Broadband. Built-in Qualcomm Gobi technology enables HP notebooks to use a single module, the HP un2400, to support multiple mobile broadband network technologies and mobile operators. This increases users' international roaming options and offers greater choice and flexibility in choosing a mobile data plan.

In addition to Microsoft Windows operating system offerings, select HP ProBook s-series models will offer Novell SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 11 pre-installed. SuSE Linux is an easy-to-use open source operating system that gives users the connectivity, usability and features they expect.

HP Professional Innovations included on the ProBook s-series include HP QuickLook software, which provides access to e-mail, calendar, task and contact information within seconds at the touch of a button.

 The HP SpareKey feature addresses the hassle of forgotten passwords by using a sequence of three predetermined personal identification questions to gain immediate entry into the system.For added data security, File Sanitizer for HP Protect Tools permanently deletes individual files, folders and personally identifiable information from the notebook, which also allows customers to recycle the notebook with confidence that their business data has been removed.

Designed for recyclability, the ProBook s-series has been engineered for reduced impact on the environment by eliminating or reducing substances of concern, using fewer resources and reducing energy consumption.

The entire HP ProBook portfolio holds an Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) silver rating and is ENERGY STAR qualified for energy savings. HP ProBook models configured with the Microsoft Windows operating system include a power management capability to save energy by automatically switching the PC into a low-power mode after a period of inactivity. Energy-saving HP Smart AC Adapters allow the notebooks to automatically make power adjustments as needed. Additionally, more than 90 percent of HP notebook PCs (by weight) are recyclable or recoverable (do not go to a landfill).