Hewlett-Packard, one of the world's leading vendors of portable computer systems, has recently updated its line of Compaq laptops with the addition of the new Compaq 515 and Compaq 610 systems. Both models have been designed to accommodate the performance requirements of business users and come built with a choice for Intel or AMD processors. Featuring displays of 14.1 inches and 15.6 inches, the new laptops are to provide users with a noteworthy price/performance ratio, as they are both priced below US$500.

Kicking off with the more portable 14-inch model, the Compaq 515 notebook, users will be provided with a choice for an AMD Turion X2 Dual-Core mobile processor or an Athlon X2 dual-core CPU for notebook PCs. The system also comes equipped with the ATI Radeon HD 3200 integrated graphics solution and 4GB of DDR2 667MHz memory. There's also a 250GB hard drive and a DVD burner. In addition, it also boasts 802.11 a/b/g/draft-n wireless connectivity and an LED backlit monitor with a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels.

The other system, which features a 15.6-inch display, with the same resolution support, has been designed to provide users with a choice for an Intel Core 2 Duo or a Dual-Core Celeron processor. It can also be equipped with 4GB of DDR2 memory, coupled with the X3100 integrated graphics solution, from Intel. There's also a 250GB HDD and a DVD burner and the same 802.11 a/b/g/draft-n wireless connectivity option as the AMD-based solution.

Both systems come with a mono speaker and microphone, Ethernet LAN, three USB ports, ExpressCard, SD card slot and a VGA output. Shipped with either Windows Vista Business or Vista Home Basic, both models have been featured with a 6-cell battery pack. Price wise, these machines have been built as affordable alternatives to today's business laptops, coming with starting prices of US$429 and US$449, respectively.