Hewlett-Packard Compaq nc6220

The nc6220 is a Compaq sub-branded business notebook from HP that includes Intel's second-generation Centrino (Sonoma) technology.

The model's focus areas include reliability, battery life/weight (mobility) and security.

HP's planned long life cycle of the nc6220 wouldn't be possible if it wasn't also as durable as it is. To this end, the company has employed magnesium alloy casework (that also wraps around the display bezel) together with hard disk protection and extra laminate over the keyboard keys to fend off premature fading and ageing.

On the whole, the slim, light (2.4kg) and no-fuss black/grey appearance is definitely reminiscent of old Compaq workhorses, but also notebooks from IBM/Lenovo--with which HP is clearly going to be competing for market share.

The nc6220 includes several HP utilities (including networking and battery assistants) to make adjusting settings a straightforward affair. HP Local Recovery provided by Altiris is also supplied.

The nc6220 includes a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Embedded Security Chip attached to the motherboard to encrypt and store sensitive data. The chip works with a smart card reader and HP Drivelock technology for various levels of lock down. It can also notify you if your RAM is tampered with and require that a password be entered for power-on.

This machine is outperformed by its similarly configured rival, the Lenovo ThinkPad T43p. Both target the same market, are around the same weight and include Gigabit Ethernet, 56Kbps modems, 802.11a/b/g wireless networking and Bluetooth connection options. The Lenovo features an ExpressCard slot (ready for the next generation of PC Card-style peripherals) in addition to a dedicated graphics processor.

However, HP's nc6200 notebook has features the Lenovo doesn't, such as a removable/modular (via single screw) DVD writer, TV-out and aforementioned smart card reader. The nc6220 doesn't include a FireWire port, but it does have a serial port--still in use in many workplaces. There are also optional basic and advanced docking stations/port replicators available for this model, in addition to USB floppy disk drives.