HP Cranks Arrival Of Windows 10 To 11, With Limited Edition Bang & Olufsen EliteBook Folio 1020

Back in early December, Hewlett-Packard pulled the wraps off two interesting new ultrabooks: the svelte EliteBook Folio 1020 and Folio 1020 SE. The Intel Core M-powered Folio 1020 SE was the real stunner, however, with its QHD display, and magnesium-lithium alloy and carbon fiber chassis.

But now that Windows 10 is just over two weeks away from its retail launch, HP is preparing another SKU for its EliteBook Folio 1020 series. This time around, HP is adding some audio enhancements to its ultrabook. Since the addition of Beats speakers is out of the question now that Apple owns the rights to the name, HP has introduced the new EliteBook Folio 1020 Bang & Olufsen Limited Edition. Bang & Olufsen has custom-tuned the speakers, which means that sound quality should be a step above the muddy audio emanating from most ultrabook speakers these days.

But HP hasn’t stopped at improving the Folio 1020’s audio hardware/software; the company has also added in a new HD webcam, dual-array microphones, and noise-cancelling software. Those last two additions will come in handy for Cortana since this new limited edition ultrabook will come standard with Windows 10. HP has also seen fit to improve the battery life of the machine, which was one of the sticking points with reviewers for the original model.

Another change that you will notice right away is the exterior design which has transformed from a rather staid light silver to a more brash ash silver and copper. The look definitely isn’t for everyone, but we can’t fault HP for taking some chances with this limited edition model.

All other hardware specs for the device match up with the EliteBook Folio 1020 SE, which means that you’ll find Intel Core M power, 8GB of RAM, and up to a 256GB SSD. You’ll also find the QHD (2560x1440) display from the EliteBook Folio 1020 SE along with a fingerprint reader, and MIL-STD 810G certification.

HP isn’t divulging availability or pricing for the new Bang & Olufsen Limited Edition, but it goes without saying that it will launch on or after Windows 10’s July 29 debut. As for pricing, the EliteBook Folio 1020 retails for $1,249, while the EliteBook Folio 1020 SE has yet to make it to retail channels (we were supposed to see it this past April). Given its QHD display, we have the feeling that this newest SKU will be priced several hundred dollars beyond the $1,249 ground floor.