HP unveils budget-friendly consumer laptops, refreshed Mini 210 netbook

Hewlett-Packard has spent most of the year so far revamping its business laptops, desktops and workstations. Now, the consumer-grade notebooks are getting the same treatment.

It's a tad surprising that HP didn't wait until later in the summer time to release these laptops as they are budget-friendly (and certainly bright) enough to be perfect for the back-to-school season. Perhaps HP wants to beat everyone else to the punch, but hopefully these machines won't be forgotten before August.

Until then, here's the most important specs to know on each of these three portable computers:

HP Mini 210 (pictured right)

• Intel Atom processor options
• Built-in WLAN
• Beats Audio technology
• Webcam
• Flush-button touchpad
• Nearly full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard
• HP's QuickWeb interface
• Battery life: Up to 9.5 hours with six-cell battery
• Updated color design throughout the exterior (not just the top of the computer)
• Availability: June 15 in a rainbow assortment of shades (charcoal, crimson red, luminous rose, ocean drive and sweet purple)
• MSRP: $299.99

HP Pavilion dv4 (pictured below)

• 14-inch diagonal HD BrightView display
• Intel and AMD processor options
• AMD Radeon graphics options
• Optional Blu-ray disc player
• Up to 1TB of hard drive space
• Dolby Home Theater technology
• Altec Lansing speakers
• HP CoolSense technology for improved internal cooling of the machine
• Availability: May 18 in blue and black
• MSRP: $599.99

HP Envy 14 (pictured above)

• 14.5-inch HD BrightView Infinity LED display
• Intel Core second-generation processor options
• AMD Radeon graphics
• Beats Audio
• Back-lit keyboard
• Updated clickpad with integrated buttons
• HP CoolSense technology
• Availability: June 15
• MSRP: Starts at $999.99