October 12, 2009

Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) is taking on Apple in high-end laptops, introducing a notebook optimized for music, with with high-performance sound and graphics.

The HP Envy 15 Beats is the result of a partnership between HP and Beats Electronics, which develops headphones that improve sound quality of digital music. Beats was founded by rapper/producer Dr. Dre and Jimmy Lovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records.

The Envy 15 Beats, the latest addition to HP's Envy line, features a piano black, high gloss finish. The system comes with a pair of Beats headphones, and also includes Beats' mixing software for professional and aspiring DJs.

The sound quality of the PC is what HP is hoping will make it stand out from rivals. "Working with today's leading artists on a market-defining product from HP benefits music lovers of all genres and generations," Todd Bradley, executive VP of HP's Personal Systems Group, said in a statement.

The new Envy includes a quad-core Intel (NSDQ: INTC) Core i7 processor and a choice of one of two 15.6-inch BrightView LED backlit displays. The highest performing screen is a full high-definition LED HP Ultra BrightView widescreen display.

The system is an inch thick and weighs 5.19 pounds. The laptop is available with an external optical drive and an optional extended-life battery that HP claims will deliver up to seven hours of battery life. The portable PC also comes with a built-in Webcam optimized for low-light conditions.

With a starting price of $2,299, the Envy 15 Beats falls between Apple's 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro, which start at $1,699 and $2,499, respectively. The latest Envy will run Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) Windows 7 and is scheduled to be available the same day the new operating system ships, which is Oct. 22.

Source:- http://www.informationweek.com