HP Launches New Ultraportable Notebooks

HP today unveiled three new ultraportable notebooks, the Pavilion dv2, Pavilion dv3, and a new HP Mini 2140, each designed for constantly mobile people who require comprehensive laptop performance and entertainment features in a small, portable package.

The HP Pavilion dv2 ($699) is a revolutionary ultraportable notebook and perhaps the notebook we are most excited to see at CES this year. The dv2 measures just under 1-inch thick and starts at 3.8 pounds, but the big news is the powerful processor and graphics packed inside a durable magnesium chassis.

The dv2 is powered by a specially designed new AMD Athlon Neo 64-bit processor that provides enhanced multi-tasking capability similar to an Intel Core 2 Duo processor while consuming significantly less power ... meaning better battery life. The 1.6GHz Athlon Neo processor can convert a music file for your iPod (from .wav to .acc) or encode a movie file 148% faster than the 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor.

The dv2 is also configured with ATI Radeon X1250 integrated graphics or ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410 discrete graphics (256MB memory) which supports smooth 1080p HD playback over the notebook's HDMI port. The notebook is powered by your choice of either a 4-cell or 6-cell battery (4-cell battery shown in photos below).

In addition, the dv2 supports optional built-in WWAN for wireless connectivity when you aren't close to a WiFi hotspot, and includes an HP Webcam and microphone for staying in touch with friends and family. An optional lightweight, external Blu-ray disc drive is available and is connected via one of the notebook's three USB ports.

A variety of high-capacity hard drive options up to 500GB provide more than enough room for photos, music and other content. The 12.1-inch diagonal LED BrightView display (1280 x 800 resolution) and a nearly full-size keyboard make this notebook a powerful alternative to a netbook. It will be available in two durable finishes with matching HP Imprint designs on the palm rest: Espresso (black) and Moonlight (white).

The HP Pavilion dv3 ($799) is a new 13-inch consumer notebook that weighs 4.35 pounds and is perfect for people who want a laptop that's easy to travel with but still has the power of a full-featured notebook. It offers a 13.3-inch diagonal LED BrightView backlit display (1280 x 800 resolution) and a built-in optical drive and is based on the AMD Turion Ultra X2 (Puma) processors.

In addition, it features ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics for a true HD experience, a slot-loading SuperMulti DVD player, 5-in-1 media card reader for quickly transferring photos, three USB ports (including a USB/eSATA combo port), an HP Mobile Remote control and SRS Premium Sound. Optional features include a solid state drive for faster boot up time and lighter weight and a backlight keyboard for working in low light. The dv3 is offered with a variety of wireless options (including 802.11a/b/g/n with Bluetooth), Gigabit Ethernet, and is powered by your choice of either a 6-cell or 9-cell battery.

This notebook will be available in only one finish, the bronze and chrome "Intersect" Imprint Finish. The dv3, like the dv2, features a magnesium chassis for lightweight durability and HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection for protection from data loss. Both the dv2 and dv3 are ENERGY STAR qualified and EPEAT Silver registered.

The HP Mini 2140 ($499) is an update to last year's HP Mini-Note 2133 and features an attractive, durable all-aluminum chassis. Starting at 2.6 pounds, the new Mini 2140 features the 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, a range of hard drive or solid-state drive storage options, as well as the following:

• A 10.1-inch diagonal LED display with 16:9 aspect ratio available in either standard-definition (1,024 x 576) or high-definition (1,366 x 768) resolutions.
• User-friendly 92 percent of full size keyboard (QWERTY) and touchpad coated in the "HP DuraKeys" finish that protects the finish and printed letters and characters. HP DuraKeys offers 50 times more resistance to visible wear than keyboards without it.
• HP 3D DriveGuard, featuring a three-axis digital accelerometer chip that sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock.
• Ability to view video, still-image capture, web conferencing or video-enhanced instant messaging with no additional hardware to buy or carry. The integrated VGA webcam enables video and still-image capture to allow the addition of photos and video clips to presentations, documents and email.
• Two battery solutions: 3-cell for lightest-weight configurations or 6-cell lithium-ion battery for longer life.
• Optional Absolute Software’s Computrace, which allows IT professionals to work with local law enforcement to track and help recover stolen or missing computers, inventory computers district wide, and detect changes in hardware and software.
• Integrated Wi-Fi Certified WLAN and optional Bluetooth 2.0

New accessories designed for the Mini 2140 include an HP USB Docking Station, USB-powered HP Mobile Audio Speakers and HP USB optical disk drive that can read and write CD and DVD formats, as well as offer HP LightScribe capability to burn labels directly onto discs. A lightweight, functional Messenger Bag designed specifically for the HP or a neoprene slip case offer added protection for professionals while on the go.

Pricing and availability

The HP Pavilion dv2 starts at $699 and will be available in April. The HP Pavilion dv3 starts at $799 and will be available starting today. The HP Mini 2140 starts at $499 and is expected to be available later this month. See www.hpdirect.com for more details. Stay tuned to NotebookReview.com for in-depth reviews of all three of these new notebooks.