HEWLETT PACKARD HAS introduced three new ultra-portable notebooks: the lightweight EliteBook 2530p, the sleek 2730p and the business-oriented HP Compaq 2230s.

The EliteBook 2530p, which features a 12.1" LCD display, is protected against bumps, drops and spills by an anodised aluminium exterior casing.

The lightweight three-pound unit (1.44kg), is expected to retail for $1,499 and can be purchased with a combination 1.8-inch HD-optical drive or a larger capacity 2.5-inch hard disk.

The EliteBook 2730p has a rotatable screen which transforms this combination notebook into a pen-based tablet, measuring 11.1". The $1,670 model includes a DVD+/-RW drive as well as tablet buttons, a jog dial and integrated touchpad.

Both EliteBooks can be purchased with a 2MP webcam and a specially designed 'NightLight' to help improve keyboard visibility.

The final in the new trio is the $1,000 business-oriented 2230s. It weighs in at 4.07 pounds (1.85kg) and features a 12.1" widescreen display. The notebook is also protected by HP's 3D DriveGuard, a accelerometer based utility that detects abrupt movements and initiates protective action.

All three models are loaded with HP's QuickLook 2, an application which allows users to quickly access email, calendar and contact information without booting the primary OS. µ