Hewlett-Packard Co. has launched an update to its Z workstation, billing its new Z1 G2 workstation as the “second generation” of its heavy-duty, high-performance computers.
It’s been a few years since we’ve seen an upgrade to the HP Z workstations. In 2009, the PC maker launched the first HP Z workstation, and it’s branding this new iteration as the “HP Z1 G2.”
This new workstation features a 27-inch diagonal display, and it runs on Windows 8 Touch while harnessing Intel Corp.’s Thunderbolt 2 capabilities – features that could come in handy for users who have to quickly transfer and process a lot of data for tasks like computer-aided design or video editing.
Geared towards professionals in engineering, architecture, video editing, and graphic design, HP is touting the Z1 G2 as the only workstation to offer Thunderbolt for both its desktop and mobile workstations.
Alongside the Thunderbolt 2.0 ports built into its side, the workstation comes with a fourth generation Intel Xeon processor, as well as 3D professional graphics options, like the NVIDIA Mobile Quadro graphics processing units. What’s also handy is that users can switch around the workstation’s components or upgrade them on their own just by opening up by the chassis, without having to call in a service technician.
Other features include a high-end professional MXM Graphics cooling module, an adjustable custom display stand, and the option to get multiple hard drives.
Plus, the Z1 G2’s 27-inch IPS display comes with 10-point multi-touch, although users can also opt to drop that feature and get the Z1 G2 without the touch capability.
“We have 10 points of touch in this workstation. It’s like high-end smartphones, incorporating that technology in a 27-inch display,” said Mike Diehl, HP’s worldwide product manager for high-end workstations.
Speaking from a virtual press briefing last month, Diehl added the Z line of workstations has seen a lot of uptake not just among creative professionals, but also among students studying engineering or enrolled in arts schools.
“The Z1 gets customers’ attention,” he said, adding other prospective customers could include government departments and offices providing healthcare services.
The Z1 G2 is slated to be available in the U.S. sometime this month, although there is no word yet on pricing.
