HP targets multimedia laptops at movie moguls

Latest 18.4in HD behemoth

By James Sherwood • Get more from this author

16th September 2008 12:17 GMT

HP has expanded its HDX range of notebooks with the addition of two “Premium” models aimed at multimedia junkies with an eye for style.

HP's HDX Premium laptops include an HD 18.4in model (left) and a 16in one

The HDX16 has an ample 16in, 1366 x 768 display, while the HDX18 has a larger, 18.4in display with a 'full HD' 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Both models incorporate Intel’s 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo P8500 CPU and Nvidia’s GeForce 9600M graphics chip. Users have 4GB of DDR 2 memory to play with on both laptops, but while the HDX18 has a spacious 500GB of storage its sibling only comes with a 320GB hard drive.

The HDX18 also has the advantage of a Blu-ray combo drive, whereas HDX16 buyers have to make do with a plain old DVD burner.

Wi-Fi connectivity is included, of course, but the addition of Bluetooth is an added treat on both machines. A fingerprint reader’s featured to keep your data safe - unless you work for the Yakuza - and a webcam’s been secreted inside the screen bezel of each laptop too.

Pretty much everything else you could want features in the duo, including a five-in-one memory card reader.

Both HP HDX Premium laptops will be available next month, with the HDX16 set to cost £1000 ($1900/€1250) and the HDX18 expected to set you back around £1200 ($2100/€1500).