HP shocks business computing world with Compaq 515, 610 laptops
By Laura June 
posted Aug 4th 2009 1:23PM
posted Aug 4th 2009 1:23PM
Now, let's be clear about one thing: these are laptops for business -- so the casual need not apply. That said, HP's just announced the Compaq 515 and 610, and, like most office parties, they're pretty boring. The 515 is 14.1-incher with an AMD Athlon X2 or Turion X2 CPU, ATI Radeon HD 3200 integrated graphics, up to 3GB of DDR2 RAM, and an up to 250GB of hard drive. The 15.6-inch Compaq 610 boasts a choice of Intel Core 2 Duo or Celeron Dual-Core CPUs, Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics, up to 3GB of DDR2 RAM, and an up to 250GB hard drive. Both of these suit-loving laptops boast DVD burners, LED backlight, WiFi and Ethernet LAN, three USB ports, ExpressCard and secure digital card slots, plus a VGA output. Starting price for the 515 is $429, while the 610 runs $449 for the base configuration.
[Via Laptoping]
[Via Laptoping]
Netbook, who?
Letmeguess, you're one of those people that thinks the only reason anyone would buy a netbook is because of the price? Size and battery life are not factors?
This is the most exciting news I've read today!
Really??? AMD CPU + ATI GPU = Frying Pan. And these are "business" laptops? I'm sorry, but it's just pure crap. Better get a ThinkPad or Latitude, yes more expensive and more reliable.
@Leo: Wrong. I've been using a $500 AMD+ATi laptop for a couple years now, and I've done more work on it than on all my old Intel computers together.
...you're right about the "frying pan" part, though, it gets freaking hot when doing massive multitasking
Yes a ThinkPad would be really really nice, but there are other expensive tools that I need (or want) more than a nicer computer, so I just can't afford it. This Compaq 515 sounds like something I'd buy (and LED backlight is good).
Was there an Recession Antidote yesterday or toady? I didn't find one yesterday. Are you slacking off Engadget?
I spelled today wrong :(
>Celeron Dual-Core CPUs
>Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics
How about no.
Ha Ha. Your avitar says, "Vtech inside." Like Intel?
Very Clever! You could put a sticker like that on your Honda.
@LloydChiro:
I would, except that I drive a Pontiac Vibe.
If all you run is excel, outlook and word then it is perfect.
the screen is crooked
Not to mention blurry.
Why does HP continue to use the Compaq name? It just gives everyone I know including myself the willies to stay the hell away. It's a tainted brand. Yes I said taint.
I don't quite get why the title says "HP Shocks..." and the article says "...they're pretty boring." Which is it? Shocking or boring? Shockingly boring?
One word: "Sarcasm"
Or, they might mean that they are shocked at how boring these laptops are.
Quite nice configs apart from the graphics card. I can see myself buying one of these...
Agreed. When you're in this price point, specs won't be very high. For the money you're getting mobile computing at a better power range than a netbook. It's not supposed to be a gaming machine. I bought a similar Compaq last year with specs that were appropriate at the time. I'm still very happy with it.
If you want more recent/capable components, perhaps you should be looking at higher priced machines ....
Gosh, I can't stand Engadget's half-witted irony anymore. Could you please stop? It adds nothing to the news, and it's so tired it's pointless. Please stop.
Shut up Ho.
I can't see what 'Ho' has got to do with this, but I agree, he should shut up. And so should you.
I dont think irony means what you think it means
I've got to agree with giuliop re: the annoying, smirky attitude of the reporting.
So these new laptops aren't particularly interesting or newsworthy. . . so don't post them!
Reporting with attitude on something non-newsworthy comes across as teenage behavior in the worst way.
Have to agree with giuliop and Henry...
those one liners at the end of each title are getting stupider and annoying ... (errrr)
Aren't we already beyond this silly and artificial business vs. consumer devices distinction?
HP sucks
This is correct
you're right, as we are all so familiar with the high-end nature of x4500MHD graphics...
I read the article title as:
"HP shocks business computing world with Compaq five hundred fifteen thousand six hundred and ten laptops"
wow that 515 is quite a deal, I think I'm going to buy it.
Uh, these are BUSINESS laptops, not consumer grade. The target audience for these laptops do not need HD capable graphics, or able to support DX10.
guys my 4500 GMA runs Everquest 2, at a steady 20-35 fps on lower to medium graphics.
VERY PLAYABLE
R.I.P macBooks!
@Chris
He was being sarcastic. Until Larrabee comes out, at which point the Jury will reconvene,Intel graphics are crap end of story.
thats because this is all just marketing..