HP Brio

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HP Brio
Hewlett-Packard Brio logo.svg
Developer Hewlett-Packard
ManufacturerHewlett-Packard
Type Desktop personal computer
Release dateSeptember 9, 1997;27 years ago (1997-09-09)
Lifespan1998–2002
Discontinued2002
Operating system Microsoft Windows
CPU Intel x86
Marketing target Small business purpose
Successor Compaq Evo
Related HP Vectra

The HP Brio was a line of business-oriented desktop personal computers made by Hewlett-Packard aimed at small businesses.

Contents

History

The Brio was unveiled on September 9, 1997, [1] with the 8000 series, designed for "power-hungry" business users. [2] [3] In September 1998, HP introduced the lower-cost 7000 series, targeted at mainstream business computing, with a starting street price of $2449, inclusive of a 15-inch monitor. [3]

In June 1999, HP announced Brio models BA and BAx that included Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business. They were launched at street prices of $999 and $1,499 respectively. [4]

Announced in October 1999 at an estimated street price of $499, the BA200 was aimed at small businesses that purchase white box PCs—non-branded PCs assembled by resellers or consumer PCs from manufacturers such as eMachines at retail. [5] [6] The PCs came ready for Windows 2000, and were certified for Novell network operating systems, for easy integration into a networked environment. They also shipped with HP Brio Internet Center and HP Brio Center, which together provided comprehensive Internet and e-commerce capabilities and online support. [7]

Alongside HP's announcement of a new HP Brio Business PC line with the HP Brio Internet Center, HP also announced an agreement with AT&T; WorldNet Service to provide small- and medium-business customers with fast, easy access to the Internet. The alliance with AT&T was meant to provide small and medium businesses with an end-to-end solution—from initial connection to creating a Web site and online store. [8] [9]

In 1998, HP partnered with Symantec to incorporate pcANYWHERE32, a remote-control software package, on all HP Brio PCs for small and medium companies without an information technology (IT) staff. [10]

Geared for small business users, the value lines of Brio PCs offered on-screen and online tech support. The latter came via a customized Yahoo! web site that featured news, business tips, stock reports, and product-specific service and support content from HP. [11] [12] [13]

In May 2000, the HP Brio BA200 placed sixth on PC World's May list of Top 10 Budget PCs. [14]

In January 2002, Netscape Communications announced that it had licensed its Netcenter Web portal to Hewlett-Packard for the Brio line of business computers. [15]

Models

The following is a list of all HP Brio models ever launched. "x" in the following names is a variable for models 71-85.

References

  1. Kehoe, Louise (September 10, 1997). "Hewlett-Packard aims to lead business PC market". Financial Times: 41. ProQuest   248508294.
  2. Capen, Tracey (December 1997). "Clever PCs for small business: HP's Brio line". PC World. Vol. 15, no. 12. IDG Publications. p. 107. Gale   A20012965.
  3. 1 2 "New "subcompact" HP Brio PCs". PC World . Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  4. "HP Launches New Brio PCs With Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business". August 15, 2000. Archived from the original on August 15, 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  5. Spooner, John G. "HP rolling out $649 Brio 200 PC". ZDNet. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  6. "At Groundbreaking Price of $499, New HP Brio PC Delivers Full E-commerce Solution for Small- and Medium-sized Businesses". August 15, 2000. Archived from the original on August 15, 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  7. "At Groundbreaking Price of $499, New HP Brio PC Delivers Full E-commerce Solution for Small- and Medium-sized Businesses". August 15, 2000. Archived from the original on August 15, 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  8. "HP and AT&T; Align to Provide Small and Medium Businesses with Easy Internet Access". August 17, 2000. Archived from the original on August 17, 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  9. "New HP Brio PCs Take Small Businesses Online in Minutes". August 15, 2000. Archived from the original on August 15, 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  10. "Symantec and HP Partner to Provide pcANYWHERE32 on HP Brio PCs Worldwide". Symantec . Archived from the original on May 27, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  11. "Hewlett-Packard 1999 Annual Report". 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  12. "HP launches Brio PCs, starting at $699". Tom's Hardware. February 23, 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  13. "HP Expands New Brio PC Line for Growing Businesses". August 17, 2000. Archived from the original on August 17, 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  14. "PC World.com May 2000: - Top 10 Budget PCs". PC World . August 17, 2000. Archived from the original on August 17, 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  15. Hu, Jim. "Netscape, HP in portal licensing deal". CNET. Retrieved May 27, 2019.