HP today extended its notebook lineup with a handful of new models aimed at the consumer and enterprise market. Starting with the first group, the Envy 14 gets a refresh with Intel's 2011 Sandy Bridge processors and USB 3.0 connectivity. It looks the same as previous Envy models, with a precision-etched metal alloy case with a 14.5-inch display, but HP says the clickpad is more responsive this time around – a frustrating issue with its predecessor.
If our previous experience with this machine is any indication, the new HP Envy 14 should offer plenty of processing power and top notch build quality. It's expected to hit stores on June 15 starting at $1,000. Meanwhile, the new Pavilion starts at $600 and is expected to be available on May 18, sporting updated hardware and a new feature called CoolSense, which basically offers a simplified control panel for the cooling fans and an automatic setting that detects whether the machine is sitting flat on the table or on your lap – adjusting performance and fans so it doesn't run too hot.
HP has also redesigned the Mini 210 netbook, which is only about one-inch thick, weighs less than 3 pounds and offers 9.5 hours of juice with a streamlined six-cell battery. It includes a dual-core Intel Atom CPU, a netbook version of the same Beats audio technology found in the high-end Envy laptops, and the QuickWeb 3.0 instant-on OS. Arrives on June 15 starting at $300 in five color options: sweet purple, charcoal, crimson red, luminous rose and ocean drive.
On the business side of things the computer maker is introducing two new EliteBook models, including one that doubles as a tablet, and the ProBook 5330m. The latter is a slim 13-incher sporting Intel's newest Sandy Bridge CPUs and a backlit keyboard, as well as enterprise-oriented features like TPM and Intel vPro technology. It also brings Beats Audio for the first time to HP's business notebooks and starts at a relatively affordable $800.
Lastly, the EliteBook 2560p and 2760p are aimed at high-end business users featuring metallic finishes, thin designs, and Core i5 and i7 Intel Sandy Bridge processors. The EliteBook 2760p has a base price tag of $1,499 and boastsnotebook a swiveling convertible 12-inch screen that supports both finger and stylus touch, as well as up to 16GB of RAM, Intel HD 3000 graphics, up to a 500GB hard drive or 160GB solid state drive and a DVD writer. The $1,100 2560p offers similar specs to the 2760p except this is a traditional clamshell device and doesn't support touch input.