14 DAY TRIAL // Palo Alto, California-based Hewlett Packard has just announced a series of updates for its line of desktop computer systems designed to provide an alternative to users that will be shopping in the back-to-school period.
With the announcement, HP adds a series of configuration options for its customer base, providing them with the latest hardware on the market. In addition, the world's leading vendor of computer systems has unveiled an updated TouchSmart PC software suite and having kicked off its supporting Windows 7 free upgrade program, enabling users to upgrade to Microsoft's much-hyped operating system.
“This new generation of desktop PCs features a fresh and modern design, unbeatable performance and tremendous value,” said John Cook, vice president, Worldwide Consumer PC Marketing, HP. “And with matching monitors and accessories, it’s easy to customize a desktop solution that combines performance with style.”
The updates will be available on HP's Slimline, Pavilion, Pavilion Elite and Compaq Presario desktops, which will provide users with configuration options for both Intel and AMD processors. In addition, select models will also offer support for an optional Blu-ray optical drive.
The Pavilion Slimline s5000 series can be configured with an AMD Athlon single-core LE1660 CPU, 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive, while the Pavilion p6000 family kicks off with an AMD Sempron LE1300 CPU. The Pavilion Elite e9000 offers options for a Phenom II X2 processor or a faster Intel Core i7 920 model, paired together with 6GB of DDR3 memory, 750GB storage and an ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics card with 1GB of memory. Finally, the Compaq Presario offers an Ahtlon X2 dual-core CPU with 3GB of RAM and the NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE graphics.
HP announced that these systems could be combined with the company's 2009m and 2159m monitors, starting at US$119 and US$239, respectively. Pricing for the new Pavilion Slimline s5000, Pavilion p6000, Pavilion Elite e9000 and Compaq Presario CQ5000 desktop PCs starts at $289, $269, $599 and $379, respectively.
In addition to the new desktop PCs, HP also announced an upcoming line of SimpleSave hard drives, featuring a USB connection and a backup software. These new drives are to be available in both portable and desktop form factors in August starting at US$119.
HP said that it would participate in the Windows 7 free upgrade program, enabling its customers to take advantage of Microsoft's next-generation operating system, by purchasing a new HP PC from today onwards.