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Sometimes you win them and sometimes you lose them. On that rare occasion, you win them and lose them at the same time. HP has had such a rare occasion, with the company’s earnings report beating the street’s estimates, but their reduced forecast scaring investors. And the only punishment for a company that scares its investors is a wrap on the knuckles and a plunging share price.

HP made good money, though

HP’s revenue for the fiscal quarter ending 31 January totaled $32.3 billion, just shy of street estimates that pegged the company at making $32.96 billion. Net income for this same period was $2.6 billion, up from $2.3 billion the year prior.

It’s the guidance that’s worrying, however

Even though HP earnings for the quarter were highly respectable, especially the 20 per cent plus increase in quarterly profits, it’s the guidelines for the future that has investors jittery. HP says that they think revenue will be between $31.4 and $31.6 billion dollars, and earnings per share of between $1.19 and $1.21. Analysts were looking for earnings guidance of $1.25 per share and revenue of $32.62 billion. As such investors pounded the company, with HP share price plunging a dramatic 8 per cent.

What is attributable to this drop in HP earnings? Weaknesses in Intel’s services and consumer business, which include the printing business, which reminds us of a report regarding how tablet PCs were affecting major company’s printing businesses.

Transitional times

The PC industry is in a transitional phase. Sales of smartphones are now outpacing sales of PCs for the first time ever, and this looks like it will be the case for the foreseeable future. The tablet PC market, which is being dominated by Apple, has eroded sales from netbooks, and may begin stealing sales from notebooks, too. HP earnings are showing early signs of how this shift could affect their leadership in the PC business.

HP is trying desperately to adapt to these new market conditions, using its webOS brand for both smartphones and tablet PCs, while also protecting HP printer sales. How this transition will fair will be a big determinant of Hewlett Packard’s continued dominance of the PC industry.

Photo: mbiebusch / Flickr

We know HP has a tablet PC, widely thought to be called the PalmPad, coming out. The company had previously confirmed that it was still focused on smartphones, so a new webOS smartphone is imminent. In addition, HP announced they were working on printers running their newly acquired mobile OS platform. The reach extends beyond even that, though, with word being the company will also add webOS netbooks to its arsenal of devices to be announced.

9 Feb is critical

The HP webOS event scheduled for 9 February was greeted with little reaction – given its strangely timed announcement, to say people were ho-hum about it would be just right. Now, however, as folks realise this is the big unveiling of the PalmPad, as well as a ‘potential’ netbook saver, the buzz around the HP event has begun to build.

So why the interest you ask? Oh other than tablet PCs and smartphones being the hottest things in all of computing, this represents the first serious play the world’s biggest volume manufacturer of PCs has made at newer mobile computing devices.

What does this mean for Microsoft?

Thinking about how far reaching the HP webOS play actually is, folks in Redmond should be a little nervous about whether or not it works out. Obviously, it poses a significant threat to Windows Phone 7 on smartphones. It also poses an underlying threat to how tech companies around the world are eroding Microsoft’s OS dominance, which is not by attacking the Windows desktop OS, but rather making strides with mobile OS platforms.

If the collective wisdom that mobile devices will eventually eclipse the traditional desktop proves true, coupled with the HP webOS platform taking off, Hewlett Packard may be well positioned to become a massive software player to go with its crazy hardware reach. This is all conjecture, but that’s Apple type power. If the PalmPad is nearly as good as HP thinks it is, things in the tablet PCs space is are about to get very interesting.

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While the tech press continually chases new computing form factors like tablets and netbooks for stories, reports and sales trends, it’s the humble, old-school desktop and notebook PCs that continue to keep the computing industry – and the world as a whole – ticking on. Gartner has just released their sales figures for 2010, with HP emerging the clear number one, and everybody else picking up the remainder.

62 million served

HP’s share of the overall PC market is an insane 17.9 per cent, with the company shipping 62.7 million PCs in 2010, according to Gartner (via TechRadar). Their nearest rival, Acer, was a fairly distant second, shipping 45.2 million PCs in that same period.

Dell snuck in third place, with its overall market share being 12.1 per cent of the PC industry. Lenovo’s share of 9.7 per cent was enough to give the Chinese company fourth spot in the pecking order, and Toshiba rounded up the top five with 5.4 per cent of all PC sales in 2010. The remaining PC vendors, including the like of Asus, Apple, Sony and Samsung, made up 42.1 percent of all PC sales last year.

Context is king

However, numbers in isolation don’t tell the full story. The Gartner research report shows that the HP PC market share actually fell significantly in 2010, when compared to owning 19.1 per cent of the market in 2009. For its part, Acer’s market share remained unmoved, and Dell put on 0.1 per cent growth to get that third spot.

Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo has been on an insatiable growth spurt that really turned the screws on the competition, propelling it to third place in 2010, from being a virtual unknown – to most consumers – three or four years ago.

What the HP PC sales figures show is while we may fuss over specs, and cutting edge technology, most consumers are more concerned about reliable performance paired with good pricing. And HP PCs have always ticked both of these boxes.

Hewlett-Packard, or HP, is one of the leading companies which is involved in producing some of the best laptops which are in great demand. It is equipped with all latest features which ensure optimum performance and no hassles. It is available in a stylish black colour which gives it a trendy and sophisticated look. This is a very compact and handy laptop that can be easily carried and transported. The device is equipped with a 5 in 1 card reader which enables you connect all types of memory cards directly with the laptop.

The HP Pavilion dv6-1340sa (VL073EAABU) is equipped with an Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor that offers swift functionality. The clock speed is around 2,100 MHz which is more than enough. It is fitted with a 4096 MB of RAM that further enhances the overall speed of the HP Pavilion dv6-1340sa (VL073EAABU) laptop. The hard disk memory is around 320 GB that allows you to store all sorts of files without any hassle. It is equipped with a 15.6 inch display that offers a resolution of 1366 X 768 pixel. This laptop is also fixed with an Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics card that allows you to play all sorts of high resolution games.

The Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1340sa (VL073EAABU) is installed with a Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system. It has a built in webcam which enables you to video chat without connecting any external device. This is one of the best laptops and is also equipped with a remote control that offers total comfort to the user. It is one of the most useful laptops available in the market.

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Hewlett-Packard which is more commonly known as HP is one of the leading companies that are manufacturing a wide variety of business laptops. These business notebooks are in great demand all over the world as well. These are manufactured especially for business purpose which and are fitted with all latest features as well. Most of them are available in a stylish black colour which gives it a sophisticated look. These are fitted with a large display which provides a clear display. It is very light in weight as well and can be carried and transported easily.

The best HP business laptops include the Hewlett-Packard HP Paviliion DV7-2215SA (VJ220EA#ABU), Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion DV6-2060EA (VJ689EA#ABU), Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion DV6-2030SA (VJ340EA#ABU), Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1330sa (VL072EA#ABU) and Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion DV6-1333SA (VJ711EA#ABU). The Hewlett-Packard HP Pavillion dv7-2110sa (VB336EA#ABU) is fitted with an AMD Turion 64 X2 RM 74 processor which enhances the overall performance of the device. The clock speed of the laptop is around 2,200 MHz and is fitted with 4096 MB of RAM, placing at the higher-end spectrum of HP laptops. Moreover, the device is fitted with a 17.3 inch display which provides a resolution of 1600 X 900 pixels. It is installed with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium operating system which further enhances the performance.

The best HP business laptops are also fitted with webcam which enables you to have a video conference. It is also equipped with a remote control. The device is very safe to use and is fitted with a number of security systems. Above mentioned HP business laptops are in great demand all over the world.

Hewlett Packard recently launched a new business line of notebooks by the name EliteBook and the models of this line are considered to have a caliber that is worth appreciating. The laptops coming under the name of HP EliteBook 6930p are the line’s flagship model and are loaded with exciting new security features. They have an elegant and durable design and the new Centrino® 2 platform of Intel strengthens the security measures. The vPro™ technology of the Intel® Centrino® 2 allows you to remotely monitor, diagnose and repairs PCs over the network.

With the kind of features that the HP EliteBook 6930p notebooks come with, they have set new standards in the notebook industry.  Some of the names included among the HP EliteBook 6930p laptops are HP EliteBook 6930p (NQ430UC#ABU), HP EliteBook 6930p (FL488AW#ABU) and HP EliteBook 6930p (GB982ET#ABU).

The choice of operating systems provided in this line of notebooks include Genuine Windows Vista® Business 32, Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic, Genuine Windows Vista® Business with downgrade to Windows® XP Professional custom installed and FreeDOS. The network features included in the HP EliteBook 6930p laptops include Wi-Fi certified WLAN, Bluetooth and an optional HP Mobile Broadband thus allowing you to stay connected anywhere and everywhere. The graphics card incorporated in these range of notebooks is either ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450 Graphics or the latest Intel integrated graphics.

The HP notebooks are a combination of both tough and elegant designs and have brushed metal looks. The keyboard is easy to type and produces less noise while typing.

Hewlett Packard is a world leader in manufacturing a wide range of notebooks. The Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1211sa (NZ854EAABU) is a latest development of the company and provides a hassle free performance for a number of years. It is a product of the very famous HP Pavilion dv6 series. The laptop is manufactured using cutting edge technology and quality assured raw material that ensures optimum performance. It is available in a stylish black colour that gives it a trendy and sophisticated look.

The Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1211sa (NZ854EAABU) is fitted with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 QL-65 processor that provides swift functionality. It provides a clock speed of around 2100 Mhz. The device is fitted with 4096 MB RAM that further enhances the functionality speed. Additionally the RAM can be expanded up to 8 GB. The hard disk memory of the Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1211sa (NZ854EAABU) laptop is around 250 GB which is quite enough to store all sorts of videos, audio and various other documents. It is also fitted with a 15.6 inch display that provides crystal clear images. The display resolution of the screen is around 1366 X 768.

Furthermore the laptop is fitted with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD4530 graphics card that enables you to play all sorts of PC games. It is installed with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium which further enhances the performance. It is also fitted with 4 USB 2.0 ports so that you can connect various other devices with it. The laptop is also equipped with a 5 in 1 card reader which enables you to connect all sorts of memory chips.

Hewlett Packard is one of the leading companies engaged in manufacturing a wide range of laptops. The Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1140EA (NR493EAABU) is in great demand all over the world because of its high functional speeds. The laptop is manufactured using cutting edge technology and quality assured components that ensures optimum performance and a long service life. The HP laptop PC is available in a stylish black colour that gives it a trendy and sophisticated look. It is extremely light in weight and can be easily carried and transported.

The Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1140EA (NR493EAABU) is equipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 that provides swift functionality to the laptop. The clock speed of the laptop is around 2000 Mhz. It is fitted with a 3,072 MB RAM which further enhances the functioning speed. The RAM can be expanded up to 8 GB. Additionally the hard disk memory of the laptop is around 250 GB which allows you to store all sorts of audios, videos and various other documents. The Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1140EA (NR493EAABU) laptop is fitted with a 15.6 inch LCD display that provides crystal clear images. The resolution of the display is around 1366 X 768. It is also installed with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD4530 that allows you to play all sorts of PC games.

The Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion dv6-1140EA (NR493EAABU) is installed with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium operating system. The laptop is also fitted with a webcam so that you can video chat without connecting any external device

The Hewlett Packard HP HDX X16-1310EA (NW739EAABU) is an entertainment notebook PC wrapped in a stunning Titanium design. It has been built with a unique combination of digital lifestyle and versatile performance. The Bright View Infinity Display of the 16-inch screen is sure to attract the attention of anybody. The fast speed of the notebook is due to the 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor. It includes a 4GB RAM and 320GB Hard Drive, thus offering loads of space for all kinds of files. The Operating System pre-installed into the notebook is Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium. The full-size backlit keyboard is extremely comfortable to work with and the touch pad has the On/Off button, dedicated vertical Scroll; Up/Down pad, volume control, mute buttons, 1 Quick Launch Button.

With the HP HDX you can enjoy a home theater experience with the Blu-Ray Disc, Altec Lansing speakers and integrated sub-woofer. The notebook has a special attraction for game and movie lovers, in the form of the Nvidia Graphics card that will enable you to play all the latest games, watch TV and a lot more with an amazing picture quality. The various ports provided in the Hewlett-Packard HP HDX X16-1310EA notebook include 4 USB 2.0 (4th shared with eSATA port), 1 HDMI connector, 1 eSata connector, 1 VGA port, 1 RJ45 ethernet connector, 2 headphones-out, 1 mic-in, 1 IEEE 1394, remote control infrared port, cable docking connector. In order to keep you connected with friends and family anywhe re and everywhere, the notebook has a range of communication solutions in the form of Wireless, Bluetooth and integrated Webcam.

Hewlett Packard is one of the most advanced companies engaged in manufacturing a wide range of laptops. HP Pavilion dv6-1216sa (VF360EAABU) is a latest laptop of the HP Pavilion dv6 series. It is manufactured using quality assured components that provides optimum performance and a hassle free long functional life. It is available in a glossy black colour that gives it a trendy look. It is light in weight and can be easily carried and transported.

The HP Pavilion dv6-1216sa (VF360EAABU) is equipped with an AMD Turion 64 X2 RM 74 processor that provides amazing functioning speed. The clock speed of the laptop is around 2,200 Mhz. Additionally it is fitted with 4,096 MB RAM that can be extended up to 8.0 GB. The HP Pavilion dv6-1216sa also possesses a 320GB hard drive, which should be more than enough for housing most people’s applications and media collections. It also has a terrific 15.2 inch display that provides crystal clear picture quality. The resolution of the display is around 1366 X 768. It is also fitted with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD4530 graphics card that enables you to play all sorts of PC games on your laptop. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system installed in this laptop.

It is also fitted with a 1.3 megapixel web camera so that you can video without connecting any external device. Additionally it is also fitted with a 5 in 1 card reader and a remote control. It weighs around 2.94 kg and is very compact to carry.

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