In addition to the sleek and pricey Envy 13, HP has launched two
new 13-inch thin-and-light notebooks based on Intel's Core 2 Duo and
AMD's Neo platform.
The HP ProBook 5310m targets somewhat more serious consumers, sporting
a conservative, serious look with black anodized aluminum with a
magnesium frame in a soft touch finish. HP is marketing it as 'the
world's thinnest full-performance notebook', as it will be available
with a Core 2 Duo SP9300 CPU for $899. You will also be able to get a
$699 version powered by a ULV Celeron processor. It's a nice piece of
kit, although pricing could have been better.
The HP dm3 is a bit more sensible, or should we say cheaper, although
you wouldn't call its looks cheap. It looks a lot like the Envy 13, but
it will be offered with dirt cheap AMD Neo chips and Intel CULVs.
Prices start at $549 for an AMD dual-core Neo version, while an
Intel-based dm3 will set you back $649. Mind you, this is pretty good
value considering its all metal look. HP promises up to 10 hours of
battery life on its 6-cell battery.
It's nice to see HP dropping that ghastly all-glossy look in favour of a bit less pimpy brushed metal finish. Compared to last season designs, the new models are truly a sight for sore eyes.