HP Pavilion line made over with metal casing, new AMD and Intel processors
By Joanna Stern 
posted May 5th 2010 12:01AM
posted May 5th 2010 12:01AM
Going on up in size, the 15.6-inch Pavilion dv6 is all about choices -- you can configure it with either a brushed aluminum or HP Imprint finish, a mulitouch screen, and AMD or Intel Core 2010 processors. The AMD variant will start at $530 and the Intel Core i5 version at $649. Last but not least is the dv7 powerhouse, which now has a Beats Audio option. No surprises here, the 17-incher can be pimped with quad-core AMD or Intel CPUs and ATI discrete graphics. We're planning to review at least a few of these models before back to school laptop shopping season gets fully underway, but for now, feel free to head on past the break for the full press release and feast your eyes on some of these far-from-budget-looking lappies down in the galleries below.
HP Expands Design Leadership with Updated Consumer Notebook PC Portfolio
PALO ALTO, Calif., May 5, 2010 – HP today unveiled a redesigned portfolio of consumer notebook PCs that delivers distinctive design elements, new materials, enhanced performance and better experiences to consumers.
With updates across the HP ENVY, HP Pavilion and HP Mini lines, HP is fusing style and efficiency to offer stylish notebook PCs that meet the personal computing needs of every consumer.
The models reflect HP's "MUSE" (materials, usability, sensory appeal and experiences) design philosophy of fusing a rich mix of materials that create textured finishes, easy-to-use features for improved usability, a blend of artisan elements for sensory appeal, and intuitive features for simple experiences.
Etched metal finishes, touchable textures and a mix of high-quality materials create a simple, clean look that seamlessly fits into the lives of consumers. These new notebook PCs also can be customized with a choice of 15 exclusive wallpapers, including 12 designed by well-known artists from around the world.
"With these new designs, we offer customers a broad portfolio of notebook PCs and Minis that are innovative on the outside and the inside," said Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager, Consumer Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP. "Each notebook provides a unique experience for the customer and allows customers to express their personality."
HP ENVY 14 and 17
The new HP ENVY 14 and 17 deliver premium experiences to satisfy the most demanding customers. The notebooks offer the ideal balance of design and technology by combining the latest in manufacturing with artistic expression and world-class performance.
Both ENVY notebooks feature powerful Intel® processors(1) and ATITM Mobility Radeon discrete graphics for gaming, videos and 3-D images. They come with a backlit keyboard, slot-loading optical drive, HP TrueVision high-definition (HD)(2) webcam, a mini DisplayPort Connector and the latest in wireless(3) and connectivity options.
The notebooks also include Beats™ Audio, a unique, high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre™ to provide the optimal sound experience when playing music or audio through headphones or external speakers – the way the artist intended it.
The slim and light ENVY 14 features a precision-crafted design with a 14.5-inch diagonal HD(2) Radiance display that offers picture quality up to 59 percent brighter than any notebook with a standard display. With up to 13.75 hours of battery life,(4) the ENVY 14 is one of the thinnest and lightest quad-core notebooks available in the world.(5) The ENVY 14 also offers optional WWAN/3G.(6)
With up to 2 terabytes(7) (TB) of storage capacity, the ENVY 17 has the horsepower and flexibility for the most demanding tasks. The ENVY 17 offers enhanced performance with ATI Eyefinity Technology for multiple external display support and an HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer for outstanding sound.
HP Pavilion PCs
The new HP Pavilion notebook PCs, including the dm4, dv5, dv6 and dv7, meet a wide variety of power, performance and mobility needs at prices that fit most budgets.
Thin and light, the HP Pavilion dm4 offers mobility paired with a sleek, metal finish and cool etched patterns, making it a stylish and ideal choice for all-day computing.
At just 1 inch thin and weighing only 4.4 pounds,(8) the dm4 features a stunning full-metal chassis with an elegant etched pattern on its brushed aluminum finish. Powered by an Intel CoreTM processor, it includes a 14-inch diagonal BrightView HD(2) LED display, internal optical drive, fingerprint reader and up to 6.5 hours of battery life.(4)
The high-performing HP Pavilion dv5, dv6 and dv7 are ideal for any type of media-rich experience, offering the latest in graphics, audio and video.
- With exterior bold finishes and touchable textures, the HP Pavilion dv5 and dv6 are designed to suit every consumer's personal style. The dv5, available in black cherry, champagne and Sonoma red Imprint finishes, features a unique 14.5-inch diagonal HD(2) display, ideal for work and play.
- Available in the same Imprint finishes, plus a brushed-aluminum finish etched with a stream design, the dv6 is the first HP Pavilion notebook PC available with an optional touch screen in the United States. Dolby Advanced Audio and Altec Lansing speakers are available on the dv5, dv6 and dv7 Imprint finishes.
- The HP Pavilion dv7 is the ultimate balance of power and performance for entertainment. With an HD(2) display, Altec Lansing speakers, an HP Triple Bass Subwoofer and the option of Beats Audio, the dv7 provides a superb audio and virtual surround sound experience, bringing out the best of every song, TV show or movie. The notebook also comes with Corel® PaintShop Photo Pro X3 and Corel VideoStudio Pro X3 for creating photo and video content.
The Pavilion dm4, dv6 and dv7 with metal finishes also come with HP SimplePass, providing consumers enhanced security access to all their passwords with a simple swipe of a finger.
All of these new HP Pavilion notebook PCs include exclusive technology such as HP TrueVision WebCam, which optimizes video for any light setting, and HP QuickWeb, which gives users access to the web(3) without booting up the notebook by simply pushing a button.
HP Mini netbooks
HP also has expanded the HP Mini 210 line with two new designs, preppy pink and white crystal. The pink, plaid-like design on the preppy pink HP Mini 210 features HP Imprint 3-D, the industry's first 3-D PC surface technology, which debuted on the HP Mini 110 by Studio Tord Boontje. Multiple layers on the top and bottom covers make the design appear to float on the surface while casting shadows onto lower layers. The HP ClickPad also features the preppy pink finish and tiny cupcake Imprint at the bottom of the unit.
The updated HP Mini 110, HP's entry-level Mini, now offers an integrated six-cell battery that provides up to 8 hours of battery life.(4)
Pricing and availability(9)
- The HP ENVY 14 is expected to be available in the United States on June 27 with a starting price of $999. The HP ENVY 17 is expected to be available in the United States on May 26 with a starting price of $1,399.99.
- The HP Pavilion dm4, dv5, dv6 and dv7 metal editions are expected to be available in the United States on May 19 with starting prices of $729.99, $649.99, $649.99 and $799.99, respectively.
- The HP Mini 210 and Mini 110 are expected to be available in the United States on June 15 with starting prices of $354.99 and $279.99, respectively.
Matching accessories are available for most of these notebook PCs and Mini netbooks. Notebook sleeves, which include an exterior pocket, and notebook mice, which include advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology(3) for less interference and longer range of operation, start at $29.99.
Register for availability notification at www.hpdirect.com/go/newfromhp. Additional information is available at www.hp.com/personal.
About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
(1) Intel's numbering is not a measurement of higher performance.
(2) High definition (HD) content is required to view high-definition images.
(3) Wireless access point and Internet service is required and sold separately.
(4) Battery life will vary depending on the product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality (including the wireless functionality) and power management settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage. See MobileMark07 battery benchmark www.bapco.com/products/mobilemark2007 for additional details.
(5) Dual Core/Quad Core is a new technology designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology.
(6) Broadband use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for local coverage and availability.
(7) For hard drives, GB = 1 billion bytes. Actual formatted capacity is less. Up to 20GB of hard drive is reserved for system recovery software.
(8) Weight will vary by configuration.
(9) Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.
ATI is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Corel is a registered trademark of Corel Corporation or Corel Corporation Limited.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the achievement of expected operational and financial results; and other risks that are described in HP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010 and HP's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
© 2010 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Does the trackpad still suck?
@johnb Only a review will tell!
HP make lousy, overheating, poorly made, shitty support products no matter what touchpad they used.
@johnb
Probably, but hopefully not.
I like that they're going for better materials now. I went to Fry's today and I couldn't stand being in the Windows laptop section due to the cheap glossy plastic that most companies use on their laptops.
@Joanna Stern
Any word on a release date?
I've basically been waiting for them to make a core 2010 metal 13-14" laptop, so this looks perfect. I guess they're not putting an i3 or i5 in that 13 inch though, eh?
@johnb
Okay HP, if you're going to insist on making track pads that merge with the buttons, then you HAVE to fix the issue of not being able to keep your finger on it and scroll at the same damn time! This is not the year 2003! Fix the damn track pads!
Very sexy, and for a change not a fingerprint magnet.
@Ducman69
ITS OF NO USE AS I THINK NONE OF THESE HAVE OPTION FOR FULL HD SCREEN WHICH IS A DEAL BREAKER FOR A LAPTOP OF >15" SIZE
like the design but i prefer the trackpad having actual buttons
Very nice, HP. The (now discontinued) Pavilions started to look gaudy.
WANT WANT WANT!
This makes my DV7-2185 look like cheap plastic that was very poorly put together... oh ;\
ARgh! Now I don't know which to get. Metal = win. :)
I hope they fixed the i7s running hot in the dv7 because mine runs near 100C playing 3D games, a metal casing would be hell on a lap like that.
@Forphucsake just turn down the settings a bit... you cant expect too much power from a portable top. i've been playing sc2 on my dv7t and its doesnt go up to boiling point...
I hope they let you put something better than the god awful geforce 320m in the dv6
ABOUT TIME.
Almost makes me wish I would have waited another 6 months to get my DV6 - oh well, the $550 I spent to get one with an ATI 4650 in it has given me a lot of use to date, so I can't be too mad.
Looking nice, HP.
Oooh they look nice, i use a compaq and i am looking to upgrade even though i've only had it for 2 years, but that looks sleek.....
Hopefully they don't mess it up with some god ugly stickers, but I doubt it. And to match they'll likely be some aesthetically lacking buyers that will proudly want to keep all the stickers on.
Liking what I see HP
DEAL BREAKER - NO FULL HD SCREEN :(
@URPradhan
No full HD screen, no expresscard slot, no dual headphone jacks, and no modem port (I use dialup when I'm overseas/to send faxes).
@WasAPasserBy
Also, do I see crotch speakers?!?!
@URPradhan I must be missing the part where it says that it doesn't have full HD...
Is it me or are these prices INCREDIBLE given the amazing looks and performance that you get for them??? I mean, they seem to be very Envy-like, inside out.
@TareG Im excited for these, I cant wait until May 19th
Nice HP, now please provide a model with a matte display!!!
Now how about an Anti-Gloss screen??
Can someone please tell me why HP's website is so awful? There are a million things going on. I couldn't find these new laptops for the life of me. What the heck? Slim down your product lineup and tidy up your website for gosh sakes, HP!
@trm2124 That's because they're not there yet...
@Poryhack They still need to make their line-up smaller. Sometimes I almost want to suggest a MacBook because there's a clear distinction, regular, and Pro. HP.....dm, dv, ProBook, 10 different netbook-ish laptops, etc. Jack of all trades, master of very few; cut the fat.
@(Unverified) I agree. Just saying, they aren't there. (I'll be waiting anxiously for May 19.)
@Poryhack Not to mention the site design is AWFUL. I don't care for Apple, but it stands out as a company with a website that makes sense. Compared to apple.com, hp.com isn't even navigable.
@trm2124 they have a limited range, so of course it's easy to make a simple website.
I'm really liking HP's new design philosphy.
...sent from my HP Envy15
@Reaper21x I would love Envy if it weren't for that floral pattern. Call me insecure but that pattern is an absolute killer to any self-respecting man.
@Poryhack Maybe a big t-bone steak graphic? Interlocking shotguns and footballs? Man up. It's okay to like flowers. :)
But if it helps, it's not floral; it's paisley, a kind of fractal. And I don't know anyone who thinks recursive geometry is emasculating.
Can't wait! I'm getting one! ohhhwwwweeeee
@gebvin15 me too!!
Love the look (and price!) of the dm4; just wish that it had actual buttons; honestly, I don't see why some laptop manufacturers are averse to providing computing experiences with some tactile feedback. Numpties.
I love muLITouch screens.
Kidding, Joanna.
Nice laptops, though!
"Aluminum housed" is a bit of a stretch isn't it? Everything below the waistline looks pretty plastic to me. "Aluminum surfaced" would be more accurate, like some of the new Asus ULs.
Not that I hate the design; I think it's a big step towards awesome.
@Treefingers
You are incorrect, the lid and the keyboard housing are Aluminum, the bottom is magnesium. It's a very nice laptop, but the trackpad isn't that great.