HP laptop a stretch as portable

For a real-world test of Hewlett-Packard's outrageous new HDX laptop computer, I took it to a coffee shop three blocks from my office.

Halfway there my arm was aching, the hand clutching the case was sweating and I was terrified I'd have a muscle spasm and drop the $3,600 machine on the sidewalk. The HDX pushes the definition of portable computing; it's at the other end of the spectrum from the iPhone. It's a 15.5 pound monster that HP nicknamed "The Dragon," allegedly because of the graphics on the case.

It's built around a 20.1-inch screen that's bigger and crisper than a lot of televisions. It comes with a digital TV tuner, video recorder and DVD burner that plays high-definition HD-DVD movies. It also has a remote control, four speakers and a "Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer."

Inside is top-shelf hardware, including an Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 processor, dual hard-drives and an ATI HD 2600 XT graphics card.

But powering that huge screen takes a toll on battery life. It lasts a measly two hours unplugged, and the AC adapter is huge, adding several pounds to its weight.

It's a crazy machine. It's hard to believe many people would buy it.

But it's a good example of the lengths PC makers are going to develop stylish new products and expand a market that's saturated and less affected by waves of new technology.

"This is a dilemma the PC industry is facing: How do you move from a world where you have one-form factor fits all to an industry that deals with personalization and niche markets?" said David Daoud, an IDC research manager who tracks computer sales.

"The challenge is you have to come up with new ideas. That's what HP is doing, clearly," Daud said.

So if a slightly faster processor and Windows Vista aren't enough to make you upgrade, perhaps you'll be interested in a colorful new laptop that makes a statement about your taste.

I worry, though, that my "Enter the Dragon" moment at the coffee shop sent the wrong message.

The place was full of metrosexuals with trim little MacBooks. A few glanced over as I tugged the massive lid to open the huge screen on an 8-inch silver hinge that looks like it was lifted from an Apple iMac.

They didn't seem jealous. I think they were wondering whether I was trying to overcompensate for something. It felt like driving a Hummer up to Whole Foods.

Daoud said monster notebooks will never be a big part of the PC market. Most prefer laptops with screens in the 14-inch to 16-inch range.

But IDC is predicting sales of 19-inch or larger laptops will double over the next three years — from 0.5 percent of all PCs sold to 1 percent. That translates to sales of up to 1.6 million units a year.

Who will buy these things?

"We developed this machine aiming at entertainment enthusiasts ... as well as somebody who just needs a machine with plenty of power to do pretty much anything," said Kevin Wentzel, HP technical marketing manager.

People who want a sleek machine to replace their desktop computer might be interested, he said. It may also appeal to people who do video editing in the field, or who have vacation homes where they'd like to bring along the PC a few times a year.

"While not something you carry around day to day, it's still portable and very capable," Wentzel said. "It pretty much replaces any desktop you might think about."

Company's forecast

HP expects to sell enough to cover its investment in design and make a profit, Wentzel said.

It's hard to second-guess HP right now. It has become the world's biggest PC maker and last week reported its best quarter since 2000, including a 74 percent increase in laptop sales.

HP began selling the HDX online in July and will bring it to stores next month. It starts at $2,999, but the model I tested had extras, such as bigger hard drives.

Slow startup

During a week of casual use, the system worked pretty well, aside from the usual slow Vista startup and annoying bundle of Norton and AOL software.

HP includes its own entertainment program, which launches such functions as TV, music or DVD when you push buttons above the keyboard.

But the program was slow to start and stalled completely a few times. It also doesn't have the polish of Vista's Media Center software, which also comes with the HDX.

It was disappointing that HP didn't offer a touch-screen option to take advantage of that great but neglected capability built into Vista.

As a portable computer, the HDX has some shortcomings.

But if you're looking for a distinctive, premium PC for your desk, it might be worth a look (especially after HP adds an even sharper, 1080p screen expected later this year).

The HDX starts to get interesting when you come at it from a different angle.

Sure it's heavy, but what do you expect from the world's most advanced boom box — a five-speaker stereo, TV and video recorder that just happens to have a built-in computer.

Brier Dudley's column appears Mondays. Reach him at 206-515-5687 or bdudley@seattletimes.com.