HP goes MacBook Pro with HP Envy 15 and Envy 13 models

15 September 2009 6:45 GMT / By Stuart Miles

As leaked on Monday, HP has confirmed the launch of the HP Envy on Tuesday with the launch of two new models; the HP Envy 15 and HP Envy 13.

“HP Envy includes the latest in materials and technology inside and out and pushes the technological and performance boundaries of what can be done in sleek, powerful and lightweight notebook PCs”, said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. “Discerning consumers will get a premium experience and performance”.

HP is hoping that its style approach will appeal to a new collective of consumers keen to brush off the whims of the recession and opt for HP over alternatives from Dell and Apple.

With that in mind, HP is hoping that the exterior, consisting of an aluminium and magnesium construction with metal etching on the lid and palmrest, of the Envy 15, and on the palmrest of the Envy 13, subtly signals luxury and is compelling enough for people to get out their wallet and part with their cash.

The Envy 13 model will feature a "HP Radiance display" that is, according to HP, twice as bright as other notebook displays in its class – 410 nit. With 82% colour gamut (versus standard 45-60%), photos should appear richer with amazing colour depth. Additionally, with fast 8-millisecond response time, customers can view movies with TV-like performance.

Inside and stealing a trick from Apple, the computer will feature the ability to switch between an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 graphics card and the Intel integrated graphics processor.

The HP Envy 15 will feature a slightly duller 15.6-inch screen (300 nit), however the same ATI graphics options. HP has improved on the rather standard Intel Core 2 Duo chip found in the 13-inch variant with a new Intel Core i7 processor and up to 16GB RAM all in a 1-inch thick 5.18 pound form factor.

The HP Envy 13 and Envy 15 are expected to be available in the United States on 18 October with a starting price of $1699 and $1799, respectively.

No word on UK pricing or availability.