Laptop Computer
HP Unleashes Seven New Notebooks
With the launch of seven new notebooks today, HP's laptop line has just expanded in a big way.
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Five of these systems are business laptops, and the remaining two are consumer laptops showcasing new and sleek designs. The new HP Pavilion dv2000 and the Compaq Presario V3000 will sport a new piano (black and silver) high-gloss finish inspired by, and I quote, "the latest design trends in fashion, furniture and art."
The paint job doesn't look like any furniture I've seen, but it is a refreshing change from their usual lackluster designs. You'll also notice the imprints embedded into this new surface, resembling wavy patterns inspired by a "Japanese Zen Garden." The imprint finish is a molding process and a technology used in Nissha film products, which can also be found in cell phone casings and luxury car interiors.
The dv2000 and the V3000 will eventually replace the dv1000 and V2000 series, respectively. Both models will have a range of dual-core processors to choose from, including the Intel Core Duos, and the highly anticipated AMD Turion 64 X2 dual-core processors. The Intel processors will be available right away, but you'll have to wait a little longer for a machine with one of the new AMD processors.
The dv2000 will feature a 14.1-inch LCD display, an optional webcam with a built-in microphone, and new touch-sensitive keys for applications and volume control. The V3000 will not have the webcam option, but it will sport Quickplay 2.0, a preboot application, for the first time. Both systems will have options for discrete graphics, featuring the Nvidia GeForce Go 7200 for the Intel dv2000 and the Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 for the AMD version. The discrete graphics is a first for HP's 14.1-inch models, and you can always opt for integrated graphics if you want the extra battery life.
The HP Pavilion dv2000 starts at $1,099 after a $50 mail-in rebate, whereas the Compaq Presario V3000 will be a little cheaper, starting at $949.
In addition to the Compaq nc2400 and Compaq nc6400 which I have just reviewed, the business line is also refreshing several models with more processing power.
Also thrown into the mix is the HP Compaq tc4400, a 12.1-inch convertible tablet with an integrated fingerprint reader and an option for an "outdoor" screen. It still doesn't have a built-in optical drive, which is one of the drawbacks. The tc4400 will start at $1649 and will be available in June.
An HP Compaq nx7400 comes with a 15.4-inch widescreen and will also get the Intel Core Duo package. Prices will start at $749 and will be available mid-May.
Last but not least is an HP Compaq 8400 series that's all about power. It comes with high-end Intel Core Duo components and discrete graphics by ATI. Additionally, the machine has an anti-glare 15.4-inch widescreen so you can get some serious work done. Expect the laptop to ship in mid-May with prices starting at $1599.
