HP Pavilion dm4, dv5, dv6 & dv7 plus ProBook S-Series & B-Series hands-on [Video]

The rest of HP's new notebook range may not be quite as eye-catching as the ENVY 14 and ENVY 17, but there are still some gems in the line-up.  The company have partnered with both AMD and Intel for their new Pavilion dm4, dv5, dv6 and dv7 consumer notebooks, together with the ProBook S-Series and B-Series of business-focused machines.  We went hands-on will all of them – including the optional-multitouch dv6 – so check out more details and first-impressions after the cut.Updated with video after the cut

The new HP Pavilions start with the HP dm4, a Core i5 based machine clad in brushed aluminum and kicking off at $749.99.  Measuring an inch-thick, it has a 14-inch HD display, integrated optical drive and up to 6.5hrs of battery life; hands-on, its premium feel belies its low price tag.  A step up in size gets you the 14.5-inch HP dv5, with Core i3, i5 and AMD Turion II CPU options and – on select machines – Intel WiDi wireless display, all from $649.99.

HP Pavilion dm4, dv5, dv6 & dv7:

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Next is the HP dv6, from $699.99, with an optional multitouch-capable 15.6-inch touchscreen display which proved reasonably responsive.  HP have carried over the home-friendly UI from their TouchSmart all-in-ones, and though the absence of a convertible screen means this isn't a tablet for mobile use, it's still appealing for the home audience.  Power is from an AMD or Intel processor and there's AMD VISION and VISION Pro on select machines.

The HP dv7 has a 17-inch display, a choice of quadcore Intel or AMD processors and ATI graphics.  It has optional Beats Audio and standard Altec Lansing speakers and subwoofer, and will be priced from $849.99.  It's not a small machine, but the HD-capable display is bright and crisp and great for multimedia playback.  We wish HP had a multitouch option here too, though, since it would make for far easier content browsing.

As for the HP ProBook lines, they're obviously a little more sober than their consumer counterparts, but still look slick with brushed aluminum casings and monochrome color schemes.  The ProBook 4325s, 4425s and 4525 all look to AMD for their CPUs and graphics, with a choice of Phenom II, Turion II, Athlon II and V-series processors paired with 13.3-, 14- and 15.6-inch displays respectively.  Pricing starts from $619 when they go on sale later this month, and there are options for discrete ATI graphics, WiFi, Bluetooth and integrated 3G/WWAN.

HP ProBook S-Series & B-Series:

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Meanwhile the HP ProBook 6450b and 6550b get Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 CPUs, 14- or 15.6-inch displays respectively, an eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port and WWAN options, and will arrive in June from $859.  They have AMD counterparts in the shape of the HP ProBook 6455b and 6555b, kicking off at $779, with a choice of triple- or quad-core Phenom II, Turion II or Athlon II processors and optional ATI Mobility Radeon HD 530v graphics.  HP reckon you should be able to squeeze out up to 24-percent more battery life from them versus the last generation of AMD-based notebooks.

At the value end of the business scale there are the HP 425 and HP 625, kicking off from $549 with AMD 2.3GHz Turion II dual-core, 2.1GHz Athlon II dual-core or V-series processors and ATI Radeon HD 4200 integrated GPU.  With 14- or 15.6-inch screens and an HDMI cable, they're not exactly inspiring in the same way as some of the consumer notebooks, but they do offer plenty of specs for the price.

Finally, HP's netbook range has had a mild makeover, with the HP Mini 210 range getting pink and white color options (available June 15th for $354.99) and the HP Mini 110 getting a new 6-cell, 8hr battery (also available June 15th, for $279.99).

HP Design Ethos:

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Press Release:

HP Teams with AMD to Introduce More Than a Dozen Notebook PCs

HP today unveiled its broadest selection and largest single introduction of AMD-powered notebook PCs.

The company introduced 14 notebooks utilizing VISION and VISION Pro Technology from AMD, giving consumers and businesses a wide range of mobile products and a vivid visual experience at virtually every price and performance level.

Consumers have a choice of VISION Technology across HP Pavilion notebooks, including the dm and dv lines, as well as Compaq notebooks. Business customers can tailor new HP ProBook s-series, HP ProBook b-series or HP or Compaq notebooks with the VISION Pro Technology from AMD featuring AMD™ Phenom II, AMD Turion II, AMD Athlon or AMD V-Series processors.

"Businesses and consumers can turn to HP not only for the deepest portfolio of notebook products, but also for a wide range of technology choices to meet specific mobile computing needs," said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. "HP's commitment to providing customers a choice of technology helps us maintain our position as the worldwide leader in notebook sales."

HP customers get improved performance on popular applications with the updated AMD multicore processors. For example, an HP notebook that employs a new AMD Phenom II Dual-Core N620 processor offers up to 69 percent faster performance than previous-generation HP AMD-powered notebooks and gets up to 24 percent longer battery life.(1)

This performance, coupled with long battery life and exceptional visual performance, gives users hassle-free, efficient computing – all at a price that makes sense.

"Our close relationship has evolved to today's expansive consumer and commercial product lineup, providing outstanding technology innovation and performance competitiveness that ultimately benefits the customer," said Chris Cloran, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Division, AMD. "VISION and VISION Pro Technology from AMD enables an exceptional visual experience, great system performance and is designed to simplify the PC purchasing experience."

The new HP products span all customer segments, including consumer, small and midsize businesses (SMBs), and the enterprise. Highlights include:

Thin and light, the HP Pavilion dm3 offers ultramobility and fast performance paired with cool etched patterns and a sleek metal finish. With an internet connection, consumers can stay connected with Skype, instant messaging and HP QuickWeb.(2) At less than 1 inch thick and weighing 4.2 pounds, the dm3 boasts a battery life of up to 7 hours,(3) ensuring that consumers can take it anywhere, leaving power cords at home.

The HP ProBook 4425s features a sophisticated brushed-aluminum metal case in caviar or bordeaux. Weighing only 4.71 pounds, it offers enhanced graphics capabilities, outstanding performance and a long battery life. Designed for SMB professionals who want stylish, affordable notebooks for everyday office applications, the HP ProBook 4425s includes various productivity enhancing HP Professional Innovations, as well as Central Management for HP ProtectTools.(4)

Additional newly announced HP notebooks powered by AMD VISION and VISION Pro Technology include:

HP Pavilion notebook PCs: dm1, dv5, dv6 and dv7

HP ProBook notebook PCs: 4325s, 4525s, 6455b and 6555b

HP notebook PCs: 425 and 625

Compaq notebook PCs: CQ42/G42 and CQ62/G62

More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.

Press Release:

HP Delivers Affordable Notebook PCs Across All Business Segments

HP today introduced nine affordable business notebook PCs tailored for corporate and small to midsize business customers.

With prices starting at $549,(1) the new notebooks deliver HP's best combination of features, functionality and value for businesses. The introduction continues a series of announcements that provide businesses the broadest mix of products to update aging desktops, workstations and notebooks.

Additions to the HP notebook portfolio include:

The HP ProBook 6455b/6555b series offers the latest VISION Pro technology from AMD to deliver cost-effective performance, while the notebook's security features maintain a more secure, mobile environment.

The HP ProBook 6450b/6550b series features Intel® vPro technology to help businesses cut costs and increase efficiency, as well as flexible docking and battery options and a range of wireless connectivity choices.(2,3)

The HP ProBook 4325s/4425s/4525s series sports brushed-aluminum metal cases in caviar or bordeaux. The notebooks offer a range of configurable options, including new AMD Phenom™ II, AMD Turion™ II, AMD Athlon™ II or AMD V-series processors(4) that deliver different levels of performance at varying prices.

The HP 425 and HP 625 are the company's most affordable notebook offerings. Features such as optional wireless technologies,(2,3) a 2-megapixel webcam,(5) an integrated microphone and a spill-resistant keyboard keep users connected and protected while on the go.

HP customers get improved performance on popular applications with the updated AMD multicore processors. For example, an HP notebook that employs a new AMD Phenom II Dual-Core N620 processor offers up to 69 percent faster performance than previous generation HP AMD-powered notebooks(6) and gets up to 24 percent longer battery life.(7) This performance, coupled with flexible battery options, provides hours of battery use. Exceptional visual performance via UMA graphics gives users hassle-free, efficient computing.

The new HP ProBook 6450b and HP ProBook 6550b notebooks offer the latest Intel Core™ i7, i5 and i3 processors.(8) The Core i7 and Core i5 include optional Intel vPro technology(9) to deliver intelligent performance, flexible graphics options, and unique hardware-assisted security and manageability features.

A choice of Intel HD Graphics or ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 540v graphics processor delivers amazing visual performance.

Users can choose a 14-inch (6450b/6455b) or 15.6-inch (6550b/6555b) diagonal high-definition (HD)(10) LED-backlit display and extensive wireless connectivity options, including HP Mobile Broadband(2) and optional dual-pointing devices(11) that offer greater ease of use.

Other features include multiple battery options, including the HP Long Life Battery, compatibility with the HP 12-cell ultra-capacity battery, an eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port and optional dual hard drive support.(11)

All of the new HP ProBook b-series feature a spill-resistant keyboard with drains. This helps protect sensitive electronics and key components from minor spills by combining a thin layer of Mylar film under the keyboard with a drain system that funnels the fluid through a hole in the bottom of the notebook.

All ProBook b-series notebooks are designed to work with the recently introduced HP 90W and HP 120W Advanced Docking Stations.(11) The docking stations connect to notebooks in one easy step and eliminate the need to plug and unplug peripherals or accessories into the notebooks every time they are used. The HP 120W Advanced Docking Station allows users to expand the notebook's functionality with an integrated Upgrade Bay.

Cost-effective performance for a secure, mobile environment

Ideal for budget-conscious mobile professionals, the new HP ProBook 4325s (13.3-inch diagonal), HP ProBook 4425s (14-inch diagonal) and HP ProBook 4525s (15.6-inch diagonal) notebook PCs feature a range of configurable options and essential office and multimedia applications to assist small business professionals with everyday needs.

The new notebooks offer a choice of processor technology from AMD and a choice of UMA or discrete graphics options depending on the model. Users also can choose multiple wireless connectivity options, including HP Mobile Broadband, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®.(2,3)

The HP ProBook s-series features new multimedia controls for video and comes loaded with the new ArcSoft TotalMedia Suite to allow users to play, edit and create video and audio files. They also feature ClickPad Gestures to allow for a more intuitive document navigation experience.

The b-series and s-series notebooks also include several HP Professional Innovations, including HP Power Assistant software to allow users to more easily monitor energy usage(12) and Central Management for HP ProtectTools,(13) which offers remote security management, deployment, monitoring and auditing from one central location. Central Management for HP ProtectTools can be used on HP or other industry-standard notebooks so IT administrators can manage all the notebooks in their environment with one easy-to-use software application.

HP DayStarter(14) allows users to get a head start on the day's activities with access to key information such as their calendar and battery status, even before the operating system boots, while HP QuickWeb(15) allows users to access the web in seconds when the notebook is shut down. The application resides outside the notebook's operating system, so there is no need to wait for the computer to boot up; users can simply push the dedicated button.

Full-function performance, affordability and value

With a new industrial design featuring a stone gray microfiber pattern texture for a clean professional look, the HP 425 and HP 625 notebook PCs are ideal for small business users looking for a versatile notebook at a smart value.

The notebooks feature VISION Pro Technology from AMD with AMD Phenom II, AMD Turion II, AMD Athlon II and AMD V-Series processors to deliver the right level of performance.

The HP 425 and HP 625 business notebooks are available in two display sizes – 14-inch or 15.6-inch diagonal respectively, in a choice of HD LED-backlit or LED-backlit BrightView HD displays.

An optional integrated 2-megapixel webcam(5) and integrated microphone allow for video conferencing as well as video and still-image capture. The HDMI port provides connectivity to HD(10) displays with one convenient HDMI cable.

Like all HP business notebooks, the HP 425 and HP 625 undergo more than 100,000 hours of rigorous quality testing to ensure the highest standards in design, materials and components.(16)

Financing options(17)

HP is offering businesses zero percent vendor-direct financing plans for the new HP ProBook and HP lines through HP Financial Services, the company's leasing and life cycle asset management services subsidiary. Customers can choose from two plans – a 12-month lease with a $1 purchase option or a 36-month lease with a fair market value purchase option.

Qualifying transactions must be between $1,500 and $150,000 in the United States and between $5,000 and $150,000 in Canada. More details on these financing options are available at www.hp.com/go/totalfinancing.

Pricing and availability(1)

Product availability will vary by region and country.

The HP ProBook 6455b and 6555b notebook PCs are expected to be available in the United States in June and start at $779.

The HP ProBook 6450b and 6550b notebook PCs are expected to be available in the United States in June and start at $859.

The HP ProBook 4425s Notebook PC is expected to be available in the United States later this month and starts at $619.

The HP 425 Notebook PC is expected to be available in the United States in June and starts at $549.

More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.