Ann: Additional Information on HP OEM Agreement, page-16

Anyone could buy a copy of Mindesk today and download it onto their computer, but unless you had high-end graphics cards, large RAM and processor, it will not run well at all.

CAD users (particularly 3D designers) typically use workstation-style computers specifically configured for graphics-intensive work. Under this agreement, Mindesk would be bundled with HP Z workstations with the correct specs to run the software effectively. It's about having the right hardware, so not a firmware thing at all.

Also bear in mind, that Mindesk has a fairly limited customer base right now as it is only compatible with Rhiocerous and Solidworks CAD software. You are only going to buy an HP/Mindesk hardware/software bundle if you have a specific need for the software, and don't already have a suitable computer to run it on. Customers could alternatively buy similar hardware from other vendors - Dell, Lenovo etc and purchase the software independently.

Once Mindesk is released for other CAD platforms (Revit, Solidedge, NX etc), the number of potential customers will increase significantly, and the marketing campaign will need to shift a few gears.