New generation of HP Z1 stations

HP has updated its Z1 professional all-in-one workstations, launched during 2012. It has now designed the Z1 G2 model, which adds Windows 8 multitouch capability and Thunderbolt 2 connectivity in an optional module that fits next to this system.

The desktop design still has the same chassis as the previous model and features a 27-inch, 2560×1440 resolution, 8-bit display. This panel is the same as that of the HP Z27i professional monitors and is available in a glass finish, for a touch interface, or in matte.

Like its predecessor, it includes two USB 3.0 ports, although the Firewire connection has been removed to be replaced by the fast Thunderbolt ports.

Another significant improvement is the addition of mSATA Flash storage, along with two additional disk bays, allowing support for up to three storage devices.

The system has four slots for dual-channel DDR3 memory (up to 32 GB total), with support for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch HDD, SSD or mSATA devices. Wireless LAN and Bluetooth connectivity are also available.

It uses a fourth-generation Intel Haswell 22nm CPU, with support for processors up to 95W. CPU options include the Intel Core i3-4130 and i5-4570, as well as Intel Xeon E3-1225v3, -1245v3 and -1280v3. A single Gen3 PCIe x16 NXN slot supports Nvidia Kepler 2 technology GPUs, with the Nvidia Quadro K610M, K2100M, K3100M and K4100 as available options.

Finally, it supports optical discs and includes options to burn/load DVD-ROM, DVD RW and BD-R discs.

The new Z1 G2s run on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 (they will also run on Linux). They are scheduled for release later this month, with an entry price of $1,999.