14 DAY TRIAL // Today, Palo Alto, California-based Hewlett-Packard announced the expansion of its line of business-focused portable computer systems with the introduction of a series of new models. The new models start at just US$549, according to the leading PC manufacturer, providing users with a nice range of choices for different technical specifications, form factors and design. Among the latest models, the company has included a few that are powered by AMD's latest Vision Pro platform, delivering increased performance for an affordable price tag.
According to the company, the new portfolio includes the following models: The ProBook 6455b/6555b, ProBook 6450b/6550b, 4325s/4425s/4525s, as well as the HP 425 and 625, the company's most affordable notebook offerings. With the new additions, users will have a choice of a 13.3-inch, 14-inch or 15.6-inch notebook, sporting an AMD or an Intel platform, consequently enabling the end-user to choose from the latest performance offerings available on the market.
As far as tech specs go, the 14-inch ProBook 6455b and 15.6-inch 6555b series will be powered by AMD's VISION Pro technology, while the 14-inch ProBook 6450b and the 15.6-inch 6550b will boast Intel's vPro technology, offering a choice of Core i7, Core i5 and Core i3 processors. These last two will be available with either Intel's HD graphics or an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 540v graphics processor, thus enabling users to choose from different levels of visual performance.
There's also the ProBook 4325s, 4425s and 4525s, which will be available in brushed-aluminum metal chassis with caviar or bordeaux coloring. These notebooks offer a choice for the latest AMD Phenom II, AMD Turion II, AMD Athlon II and AMD V-series processors. The HP 425 and 625 have been designed to allow consumers access to HP's business laptops, with a more affordable price tag.
Additional features include HD LED-backlit display, a wide range of wireless connectivity options, 12-cell ultra-capacity battery, eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port and even optional dual-drive support for an increased storage capacity.
Price wise, the ProBook 6455b and 6555b will hit the States in June for a starting price tag of US$779, while the ProBook 6450b and 6550b will start off at US$859. The HP 425 also comes in June for US$549, with the ProBook 4425s due out later this month for a starting US$619.