Once in a while I see a product that separates itself from the others -- even in product categories in which products are similar, such as computer systems.

The Compaq 2710p notebook computer stands out from the pack. Although it looks at first glance like just another notebook, closer looks show that Compaq engineers were paying attention to the details.

The 2710p is a lightweight (3.7 pounds) convertible notebook -- which means it allows you to either type on keys or use a stylus to write on its screen. Those two benefits are enough to make it worth considering. But there is more.

Like most notebooks, the 2710p has integrated Wi-Fi wireless networking. Yet in most notebooks, it's sometimes difficult to find a strong Wi-Fi signal, because the antenna is inside the case where other components block the signal strength. The 2710p has a button that when pressed pops out the antenna so it has better access to Wi-Fi signals, thereby making it easier to connect at full strength. Better yet, the same wireless antenna connects to a 3G wireless module inside the notebook -- meaning you can connect directly to a cell phone wireless provider without buying an external device or hooking up to a cell phone. According to producer Hewlett-Packard, the internal connection works with AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless, so you can choose your favorite wireless vendor.

A few other interesting touches include a fingerprint reader for security, a pop-out LED keyboard light, and an optional built in camera with two distance settings. These devices can be combined and enhanced by software built into the system to create a business card scanner, something I had never seen before in a notebook computer.

The real differentiation is the way in which the HP/Compaq engineers dealt with the trade-off between weight and power. Most engineers struggle trying to get a lighter computer that can be used for long periods of time while keeping the battery lightweight and out of the way, because batteries typically get larger and heavier to become longer lasting.

In the Compaq 1210p, HP did it by putting a small battery in the computer and designing a special flat "ultraslim" 1.3-pound extra battery that covers the bottom of the system. This allows users to take the lightweight notebook system with them; or conveniently attach the extra battery without lugging around an extra brick or making the form factor difficult to carry. As usual, you can't really trust the vendor specs for battery life (which are listed on the HP Web site as up to 11 hours). Yet I have found the internal battery to last around 2 hours consistently, with the combination of internal/external battery to last up to 7 hours -- both excellent by normal standards. For the road warrior, these long times are a major benefit, as power can last through a flight across the country.

The designers used that same ultraslim approach for the Compaq's docking station. It's no larger than the footprint of the computer, and the system slips on top easily -- with or without the extra battery pack. So when you're at your desk, you can quickly attach USB devices, printers, monitor and wired-network in seconds. One quick lever push releases the system from the dock.

The biggest drawback of the Compaq 2710p is the price. Complete with a long three-year warranty, preconfigured models start at $1,599 and go up to $2,749 -- much higher than a standard laptop. The model with the built-in camera starts at $1,749.