IT Infrastructure: HP Z1 Workstation Sets New Bar for Portability, Performance
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When the HP Z1 Workstation ships April 16, it will define a new category of all-in-one PC workstations and set a very high bar for competitors following on. The 27-inch display is combined with tool-less, field-serviceable components and wide-ranging configurability so that IT managers can keep high value workloads up and running with a minimum of delay or fuss. The HP Z1 is packed with Intel server-grade processors, ECC RAM, optional Nvidia graphics and a wide variety of high-performance spinning drives or solid-state drive (SSD) storage in a cool-running, easy to set up system. Users who need workstation performance but have constrained desk space or who are working on projects in the field, where fast, no-fuss deployment is required, will appreciate the compact footprint while still getting a 27-inch display. Overall, the Z1 is an outstanding example of practical engineering. Even so, there are some minor drawbacks of which IT managers should be aware. The bottom-edge peripheral ports are difficult to access, and the glass overlay that protects the display panel blunts what would otherwise be a crystal-clear visual experience. But these minor shortcomings are more than outweighed by the path-breaking features that abound in the HP Z1.
Up and Running in Less Than Five Minutes
I was able to deploy the HP Z1 workstation in under five minutes, and that includes reading the one-two-three deployment guide. The CPU, memory, drives and all other components are mounted behind the bright 27-inch display. The monitor height can adjust 100mm up or down.
Cameron Sturdevant is the executive editor of Enterprise Networking Planet. Prior to ENP, Cameron was technical analyst at PCWeek Labs, starting in 1997. Cameron finished up as the eWEEK Labs Technical Director in 2012. Before his extensive labs tenure Cameron paid his IT dues working in technical support and sales engineering at a software publishing firm . Cameron also spent two years with a database development firm, integrating applications with mainframe legacy programs. Cameron's areas of expertise include virtual and physical IT infrastructure, cloud computing, enterprise networking and mobility. In addition to reviews, Cameron has covered monolithic enterprise management systems throughout their lifecycles, providing the eWEEK reader with all-important history and context. Cameron takes special care in cultivating his IT manager contacts, to ensure that his analysis is grounded in real-world concern. Follow Cameron on Twitter at csturdevant, or reach him by email at cameron.sturdevant@quinstreet.com.
