Hewlett-Packard has announced <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Desktops-and-Notebooks/HP-Introduces-Lightweight-Business-Laptops/?kc=EWKNLNAV08192008STR4">a line of portable lightweight computers</A> aimed at business travelers to compete with a product range announced by rival Dell last week. HP said on Monday that the lineup included the EliteBook 2530p, which is the smallest and lightest of its computers with a weight of just more than 3 pounds and an extended battery life.

The company said its EliteBook 2730p is an ultra-thin computer that converts to a touch-screen, pen-based tablet computer with a twist of its screen and weighs 3.7 pounds. HP said it expected the HP EliteBook 2530p and HP EliteBook 2730p to become available by early September, with estimated prices of $1,499 and $1,670, respectively.