HP announces new slimline laptops, including Core i7 and nVidia Ion models

HP took the wraps of its new line up of laptops today and the range includes a ProBook that’s billed as the “world’s thinnest full-performance” portable and its new premium consumer brand of portables, called “Envy’.

The HP ProBook 5310m is aimed at business users and is a mere 23mm thick (or just under an inch). It weighs in at a less impressive 1.7kg, but it does pack a 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SP9300 processor, rather than one of the less capable CULV chips that are currently in vogue, and a choice of ATI or NVIDIA discrete 3D graphics.

The case is made from a combination of magnesium and black anodised aluminium, and is finished in “soft touch” paint. The ProBook 5310m has a 13.3in screen and, HP reckons, it’ll run for 7 hours with the standard 3-cell battery and up to 10 hours with the optional 6-cell.

More details on the other new models — and prices — after the cut.

The new HP envy range consists of two models, the Envy13 and Envy15. Aimed at consumer rather than business users, both models are “less than 1in” thick and weigh 1.7kg and 2.3kg, respectively. The difference is down to screen size — 13.1in on the Envy13 and 15.6in on the Envy15. All-metal cases give both models a bit of a MacBook Pro look too, which is no bad thing.

The HP Envy13 has a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo SL9400 processor and switchable ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 graphics. The Envy15 is one of the first laptops we’ve encountered to use Intel’s new ‘Clarksfield’ Core i7-720QM processor — a quad-core chip that supports up to 16Gb of memory (though you’ll need a small lottery win if you’re to stick four 4Gb SODIMMS in the laptop’s slots). It also has the option of dual SSD drives, although both laptops are supplied with hard disks as standard.

HP has also introduced a number of new Mini netbooks to the UK. The Mini 110 is available with two ‘designer’ lids or lain black, pink or white, and has a 10.1in screen with Intel Atom processor (there’s no word yet on whether it’s the N270 or N280 — both are options in the US).

More interesting is the 11.6in screen Compaq Mini 311, thanks to its nVidia Ion graphics and claimed 6-hour battery life.

All models will be available in October and the prices are as follows:

• HP ProBook 5310m — £525
• HP ENVY13 — £1499
• HP ENVY15 — £1199
• HP Mini 110 Studio Tord Boontje —  £349
• HP Mini 110 — £299
• Compaq Mini 311 — £329

HP’s New Thin and Light Portfolio Takes Industry Firsts in Design and Mobility

Line-up Includes World’s Thinnest Full-Performance Notebook PC and New Premium Consumer Sub-Brand, HP ENVY

LONDON, UK, September 16, 2009 – HP today announced the latest additions to its portfolio of thin and light notebook PCs and Mini computing companions, including two luxury consumer notebooks under the new HP ENVY sub-brand, a slim-line business notebook – the world’s thinnest full-performance notebook(1) – and new special edition Minis from world-renowned designers.

The company pioneered the thin and light category earlier this year with the introduction of the HP Pavilion dv2, which combined the performance of a fully featured notebook with the size and portability of a Mini computing companion. Today, HP is expanding its range of ultra-mobile computing products with new thin and light notebooks and Mini computing companions. These include:

• HP ENVY13, an elegant super-slim premium notebook featuring the industry’s brightest screen
• HP ENVY15, HP’s thinnest and lightest consumer notebook, wrapped in a refined laser-etched design
• HP ProBook 5310m, the world’s thinnest full-performance notebook, for business users
• HP Pavilion dm3, a consumer notebook that balances performance, mobility and affordability in a new aluminium design
• HP Pavilion dm1, the most affordable ultra mobile notebook in a thin and light design
• HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje, with the industry’s first three-dimensional PC surface technology that involves multiple layers to make the art appear to float on the surface
• HP Mini 110, in a new range of colours including black swirl, pink chic or white swirl
• Compaq Mini 311, featuring the largest screen for a Mini at 11.6 inches in high definition (HD) (2) resolution

HP now offers the industry’s broadest range of ultra-mobile personal computing products, ensuring it can meet the needs of consumers and professionals alike, whether they are looking for an affordable, entry-level product or a high-performance, premium experience. HP’s ultra-mobile portfolio now includes products with screen sizes ranging from 10.1 inches up to 15.6 inches. A choice of sleek designs and eye-catching imprints ensures both men and women will find a product that appeals to them.

“At HP, product design is driven by how our customers actually use their computers. Instead of offering a limited selection of products based on price/performance, we provide real choice enabling customers to match their notebook to their personal or professional lifestyle,” said Ben Perrins, HP's Consumer Business Development Manager, UK.  “Whether customers are looking for a Mini computing companion that offers them instant Internet access, or a high-performance notebook PC that combines content creation with ultimate portability, there is an HP product to suit their needs and personality.”

HP ENVY: New luxury sub-brand combines refined elegance and raw power

Today’s announcement includes a new luxury sub-brand, HP ENVY, designed for consumers looking for elegant design, leading-edge technology and a premium customer experience. HP ENVY includes two new notebooks, both hand-crafted from superior materials that provide lightweight durability:

• HP ENVY13 offers full-throttle graphics and computing power with a range of subtle refinements, such as the etched metal palmrest, HP Clickpad with integrated buttons, yet weighing less than 1.7kg. An optional battery ‘slice’ delivers over 16 hours of battery life. (3)
• HP ENVY15 features the future Intel® Core™ i7 processor combined with a unique magnesium casing, making this HP’s fastest consumer notebook and one of the most powerful thin and light notebooks on the market today.

Both products include top-of-the-range entertainment software and premium warranty and service options, including exclusive ENVY support.

The world’s thinnest full-performance notebook, designed for mobile professionals

The new HP ProBook 5310m is an ultra thin and light notebook for mobile business users who cannot compromise on performance or battery life. Weighing just 1.7kg and measuring only 23mm thick, it is the perfect travel companion for small business users, combining mobility, durability and security. The HP ProBook 5310m includes a complete, easy-to-use security solution, HP ProtectTools, as well as full productivity software, extensive connectivity options such as mobile broadband, and support for business operating systems. The standard lithium-polymer battery delivers up to seven hours of battery life(3) while an optional six-cell battery, expected to be available later this year, will further increase battery run time.

Thanks to its stylish design – durable, black anodised aluminium with a reliable magnesium frame wrapped in soft-touch paint – the HP ProBook 5310m looks professional in any customer or client meeting. The scratch-resistant finish and spill-resistant keyboard enhance wear-and-tear protection and mean the HP ProBook 5310m is designed to last, maximising return on investment for cost-conscious small businesses.

New thin and light consumer notebooks combine performance and mobility

HP’s consumer computing portfolio also includes two new HP Pavilion notebook PCs:

• The HP Pavilion dm3 is a portable entertainment centre housed in a slim, light aluminium finish with an eye-catching design, all at an affordable price. It includes an HD 13.3-inch diagonal LED screen for high-quality movie viewing and HP MediaSmart software for easy photo and video editing. With up to 10 hours of battery life via a standard six-cell battery and a choice of Intel® and AMD processors, the dm3 can stay up and running all day without sacrificing performance.(3)  Additional features include optional NVIDIA or ATI discrete graphics and multiple connectivity options with WLAN, Bluetooth, and optional WWAN.
• The HP Pavilion dm1 is the most affordable ultra mobile notebook in an exquisite design, available in both black and white swirl. With up to nine hours battery life(3), optional WWAN, up to 500GB HDD and weighing less than 1.5kg, this is the perfect thin and light 11.6-inch notebook for all day computing when in the office, at home, or on the go.

Unique designer editions offer personalised mobility

HP unveils a new designer Mini, the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje, and previewed a new ‘digital clutch’ design by Vivienne Tam. HP’s range of special edition products by world-famous designers is unique in the industry, enabling customers to really stand out from the crowd.

• The HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje is an essential accessory for tech-savvy women who are both environmentally and fashion conscious. Crafted with environmentally friendly materials, the unique flora imprint weaves around a pattern of endangered animals. The Mini also offers built-in blogging and Twitter tools and can connect to the web in less than five seconds.
• The new Vivienne Tam design follows a previous successful collaboration with the designer. Available in early 2010, the ‘digital clutch’ will feature butterflies and embroideries, echoing the themes found in Vivienne Tam’s recent catwalk collection which is inspired by a love story of romance, independence, freedom and transformation.

Mini computing companions for a mobile digital life

HP has also expanded its range of Minis in EMEA, to include the HP Mini 110 and Compaq Mini 311:

• Available in black, pink or white, the 10.1-inch HP Mini 110 features a keyboard that is almost (92 per cent) as big as a full-sized keyboard, enabling users to easily conduct e-mail and instant message conversations. Over three hours battery life(3), a built-in webcam and WLAN connectivity make video chat quick and easy while on the go. HP Quick Web allows access to key applications including email without booting up the PC.
• The Compaq Mini 311 is perfect for entertainment on the move. Its 11.6-inch widescreen display, NVIDIA Ion graphics, built-in Altec Lansing speakers and six-hour battery life ensure users enjoy music and HD video to the full.

The HP Mini 110 and Compaq Mini 311 feature HP Syncables software that automatically synchronises files created or edited on the move with a home PC over a wireless connection.