We expected HP’s regional Big Bang event to introduce a multitude of products, but we did not expect it to be the virtual smorgasbord of ideas, technologies and innovation that it turned out to be. HP’s Big Bang Regional Product Launch held in Hong Kong from September 8-11 took on the event theme of “Engage. Excite. Experience", and stayed true to it, if the sheer number of great products are any indication. HWM goes into the thick of things and emerges with vital information, presented in this two-part feature, for the computer user intent on staying ahead of the technology curve.

                                             Christopher Morgan, SVP for the Imaging and Printing Group for HP Asia Pacific and Japan is on the left, while See Chin Teik, SVP for the Personal Systems Group for the same region stands on the right.

The two main lines focused on during the 4-day event were the Personal Systems Group (PSG) offerings and the Imaging and Printing Group (IPG). Both product lines presented forward-looking devices that take into account customer preferences at the beginning of a product’s life, customer care for the continued utility of the product over the course of its usage through HP’s Total Care program, and still have an overall policy of Eco Friendliness in all its products through the implementation of the Eco Highlights Label on select products.

                                              The enthusiast's HDX 16 Notebook sitting beside a $139, wireless All-in-One printer. The sheer multitude of devices was overwhelming.

It’s easy to see that HP isn’t interested in simply churning out products, the whole event emphasized HP’s focus on creating a compelling customer experience that encompasses the product cycle from top to bottom – and even beyond through its Eco Highlights program. At the same time HP did not ignore the importance of innovation and new features that appeal to the geek in all of us – as we will see in the products in the Personal Systems Group.

                                              An Imprint for each of us - the HDX 16 sports the "Fluid" Imprint - smooth and flowing.

                                            The HP Pavillion DV5 entertainment notebook with its own distinctive Imprint.

Technologies serve as the immovable foundation of the products in this line-up – and there is an appreciable cross-leakage of features across all the products as well. Thus we can find traces of HDX performance features in the TouchSmart, and the HP Imprints Technology ties the different product types together.  Consequently, the main updates announced during the event include these three – TouchSmart PC, HP Imprints technology, and HDX series Notebooks and Desktops. The HDX line appeals to the enthusiast, combining cutting-edge technology with excellent design to arrive at the junction of a complete PC experience. Undoubtedly the better known of the PCs under the HDX line is the “Dragon” – a Desktop replacement Notebook that boasts of a humongous 20” LCD – bigger than many regular desktop systems. This Premium Notebook PC also carries with it either an 8800 GTS – based discrete graphics card, or one based on the ATI Radeon 2600XT. Either way, this Notebook won’t get left behind graphics-wise (if it’s going to be left behind, it will be because of its size, if anything). Then again, it is meant to be a desktop replacement, and delivers power and performance fitting for such a title.

                                             Quick specifications of the HDX18 - sure to catch any enthusiast's attention. Core 2 Duo up to 2.8GHz, a 9600M GT, and optional Blu-Ray on an 18" LCD frame are some ket specs.

Along with the Dragon, the HDX16 Premium Notebook PC was also on show, boasting of up to Centrino 2 T9600 (2.8GHz) support along with a 9600M GT with 512MB of RAM on-board. The 16” screen can be had with various options, ranging from a 1366x768 BrightView Display up to an Ultra BrightView Display running at 1920x1080. An 18” model was also present, named in obvious fashion the HDX18 Premium Series Notebook. It has similar specifications to the HDX16. All the HDX notebooks share features like optional Blu-ray for HD viewing, Altec Lansing speakers and of course HP Imprint designs that help make them standout from other notebooks. The HDX line during the event also had a desktop on display  - the HDX 900 PC. It incorporates many enthusiast features on a foundation of HP quality – something that can’t be said of many boutique manufacturers that can’t back-up their uber-powerful creations with proper support and solid quality. The HDX 900 supports up to Core 2 Quad processors, along with unique features such as HP Pocket Media for easy transport of data, Imprint design, and a “feature” that is notable in its absence – a specific mention by HP that there is a complete absence of adware, demos, and trials on its HDX desktop – a welcome feature that is a big plus for enthusiasts.

                                           Wires conspicuously absent, the TouchSmart IQ800 media PC boasts of specs such as 750GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, and Dual integrated TV tuners.

The HP TouchSmart IQ800PC made quite an impression to the assembled press during the event, what with its wall-mountable 25.5” touch screen component making up the whole PC and cutting off all clutter, as well as smart touch-screen program applications that give easy control of the PC to the consumer. Applications such as TouchSmart Photo, Movies and Notes return control to the user’s fingertips, complementing the included wireless keyboard and mouse. Its motivation comes from a combination of a choice of Core 2 Duo Processors, standard 4GB of DDR2 memory, 750GB of storage, and even dual integrated TV tuners.

                                            HP's DV7 Entertainment Series Notebook.

                                            The HP DV4 sports the "Intensity" Imprint, reminiscent of constantly moving waves and influenced by natural energy.

HP’s Imprint feature is present in both previous product lines and is used to differentiate the products and give them their own unique flavor. These designs take their cue from inspirational imagery and natural patterns, all for the purpose of achieving a look that makes the PC “personal again” – a recurring theme in recent HP products and an important aspect of HP’s strategy as a computer manufacturer. With the HDX Premium series, the Fluid Imprint imparts a streamlined, metallic look that complements the high-end nature of the series. Other Imprint designs grace various HP products, such as the Intersect Print for the HP Pavillion dv Series Notebooks, the Renewal Imprint for the dv5series Entertainment Notebooks, and the Intensity design for the dv4 series, each alluding to tis base influences such as moving waves for Intensity, spring and new growth for Renewal, and structure and strength from the Intersect design.

                                            HP's HDX18, all glossy and imposing. That's a full size keyboard right there folks.

The Big Bang event not only presented products, features and excellent design to the attendees, there was also a marked emphasis on the customer’s welfare. To address the HP customer’s needs for proper after-sales support, HP presented HP Total Care, a program giving personalized attention to HP customers in the form of value-added services such as Notebook Tracing Service, HP Instant Care which allows HP technicians to connect to your PC to fix your printer issues, a new HP Total Care portal located at www.hp.com/apac/totalcare, a host of helpful software for utility and maintenance, plus the HP Eco Highlights Label that tell the user exactly how they can be environmentally responsible with their printer purchase, use, and eventual disposal. HP has given a lot of thought to this program, with various services covering all of the varied product offerings – from printers to PCs, from choosing your product, to using and protecting it, all the way to transitioning to an updated product and disposing of the replaced device. HP makes the ownership experience as smooth as possible with these thoughtful services.

Do join us again soon for the second part of the event coverage of HP's Big Bang - so big it can't fit in one post!