Virtual reality has a lot of practical applications. In an attempt to address a few of them, HP launched its first business focused wearable virtual reality (VR) personal computer (PC).
They claim that their products can reduce concept-to-production cycle times, provide fully immersive customer experiences and improve training exercises.
Launched as the ‘world’s first professional wearable VR PC’, the HP Z VR Backpack is a first of its kind and asserts that it can bring the ‘full potential’ of VR to life. Aiming at the commercial segment, the backpack can be applied to product design, architecture, entertainment and automotive tasks.
For the consumer, HP says that the Z VR backpack has the potential to reinvent the buying experience. On the other side, HP’s proposition for businesses is that the Z VR Backpack can be used to reduce the cost of training exercises as well as the risk associated with dangerous situations.
HP Z VR Backpack
The HP Z VR Backpack runs on the Intel Core i7 vPro processor and the NVIDIA Quadro P5200 along with 16GB video memory. To manage heavier VR data loads, the PC has 32GB dual-channel DDR4 system memory.
It isn’t too heavy at 4.6kgs. The company also claims that since the harness of the Z VR Backpack is made from mesh, it should be durable as well as comfortable over long usage.
Its docking solution gives users the option to move between using a desktop and using the wearable VR PC as per their requirements. It even has support for two 4K displays.
Users will have to buy the head-mounted display separately. HP’s own portfolio includes the HTC Vive Business Edition and the HP Windows MIxed Reality Headset. Out-of-the-box the HP Z BR Backpack includes the harness, dock, hot-swappable batteries, battery clips, power adapter and of course, the backpack PC.
The PC comes with numerous ports that cover most of the bases. It has 4 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.0 port, a mini-DP 1.3 port, audio combo jack, an HMD power jack and the power port.
According to HP, between the two batteries, the backpack should be good for an hour of high-performance VR. PC operation is dependent on the internal battery.
The HP Z VR Backpack costs Rs 3,25,000.
Other HP VR products
The HP VR portfolio also includes the HP ZBook 17 which runs on the 7th gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA Quadro P5000 with up to 64GB DDR4-2400 ECC and up to 1TB HP Z Turbo Drive PCIe SSD. It’s basically a 17-inch laptop with an Ultra HD DreamColor IPS screen.
The HP ZBook 17 is priced at Rs 1,65,000.
If you don’t want the portability of a laptop, then there is the option of 1HP Z Desktop Workstations. The Hp EliteDesk 800 G3 Tower, specifically, is a VR certified PC.
The company’s redesigned the desktop to fit a 26% smaller chassis and paired it 7th gen i5 and i7 Intel Core processors, to keep with the times at the modern workplace.
This is most reasonable of all three offerings, price wise, at Rs 72,000.
HP's wearable VR PC portfolio was launched internationally in 2017 but the products have only come to India now. The the Omen X Compact Desktop hasn't yet entered the Indian market, but with the launch of these products, perhaps it will make an appearance at the next launch.
- Don't want to empty your pockets in search of VR? Try these suggestions.
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