Details on HP's new laptops and all-in-one desktop
The new notebook roster consists of six consumer models and 10 business laptops, including the HP EliteBook, a 14.1-inch thin-and-light with an anodized aluminum case and magnesium alloy chassis. These are also the first HP laptops to offer AMD's Puma platform with Turion 64 X2 Ultra processors and the still unannounced Intel Centrino 2 platform, also known as Montevina. Several models also offer an optional LED-backlit display, which is lighter and more energy-efficient.
Consumer Notebooks Both the Pavilion and Compaq Presario models (PDF with details here) include a new surface design, HP Imprint 2. Depending on the model and configuration, the Pavilions also include touch-capacitive controls, optional widescreen displays with flush bezels, discrete graphics (both AMD and Nvidia), Blu-ray drives and TV tuners. HP also announced several new accessoires including Bluetooth headphones and a redesigned media docking station.
- HP Pavilion dv4t (Intel): 14.1-inches; late June; $999
- HP Pavilion dv4z (AMD): 14.1 inches; early September; $799
- HP Pavilion dv5t (Intel): 15.4 inches; late June; $899
- HP Pavilion dv5z (AMD): 15.4 inches; late June; $699
- HP Pavilion dv7t (Intel): 17 inches; late June; $1,299
- HP Pavilion dv7t (AMD): 17 inches; July; $949
- Compaq Presario CQ40: 14.1 inches; varies by region
- Compaq Presario CQ45: 14.1 inches; varies by region
- Compaq Presario CQ50: 15.4 inches; varies by region
Business Notebooks The EliteBook is the big news here, but there are other changes worth noting (PDF with details here). Some models offer the HP un2400 wireless WAN module, which uses Qualcomm's Gobi software-defined radio that works with multiple carriers and wireless networks. HP has added several utilities for providing quick aceess to e-mail, contacts and appointments; managing usernames and passwords; securely erasing files; and encrypting the contents of the hard drive. (The latter two appear to be on s-series laptops only.)
- HP EliteBook: 14.1 inches; 4.7 pounds
- HP Compaq 6530b and 6535b: 14.1 inches; 5.3 pounds
- HP Compaq 6730b and 6735b: 15.4 inches; 5.9 pounds
- HP Compaq 6530s and 6535s: 14.1-inch WXGA or HP BrightView; 5.3 pounds
- HP Compaq 6730s and 6735s: 15.4 inches; 5.9 pounds
- HP Compaq 6830s: 17 inches
All of these models will be available later this month at starting prices ranging from $799 for the s-series to $1,179 for the semi-ruggedized EliteBook.
Voodoo PCs After purchasing this boutique gaming PC outfit, HP kept the brand alive through a well-received line of Blackbird gaming rigs that were billed as having "Voodoo DNA." Now HP is restoring Voodoo's full status with a new desktop, the Voodoo Omen, and laptop, the Voodoo Envy 133. The Voodoo Omen will initially be available by invitation only (no, I'm not making this up) at prices starting around $7,000. The Envy, which has a 13.3-inch display and weighs only 3.4 pounds, will be available this summer starting at $2,099. The detailed specs on both are available as PDFs on the voodoopc.com site.
In a somewhat confusing arrangement, the new Voodoo-branded PCs will be sold through the redesigned voodoopc.com site, while the Blackbird 002 and future "with Voodoo DNA" products will be sold through www.hp.com/voodoodna.com. As I mentioned yesterday, the Blackbird 002 will also be sold in retail.
HP DreamColor Display HP is pitching this 30-inch display as a "color-critical" panel for pros at a fraction of the price. The DreamColor name, which stems from HP's relationship with DreamWorks, is meant to drive this point home. HP has used the sub-brand in connection with some printers, but the LP2480zx is the first DreamColor display. HP says the LED-backlit display is capable of displaying more than 1 billion colors. It is available now for $3,499.