Convergence in notebook functionality
An Envy 3-D with 3-D glasses: Courtesy of hpTechnological convergence. We have heard about it millions of times, and it is obvious convergence of technologies and functionality will never stop. Time and time again, we are in awe with the results.
A notebook with a surround audio subsystem, whether 5:1 or 7:1, is already commonplace. I believe that in the near future touch-screen will be the norm for every computer, whether a notebook or desktop. The technology has matured and PC vendors have developed easy-to-use and attractive-looking touch interfaces.
Recently, HP collaborated with the chipmaker Intel to create a new generation of notebooks and netbooks that the PC vendor calls MUSE. The name stands for Material, Usability, Sensory Appeal and Experience. All of these nomenclatures already tell us that these portable computers are targeting the consumer segment rather than corporate users. But let us forget the marketing jargon for the time being, as the new line of products does incorporate several new interesting features.
Let’s start with the Beats technology implemented in HP 14” Envy Beats Edition. If you recall, the Envy series is meant to make a pretty loud statement about the users with its particular look, which is supposed to make other people envious. Beats Audio makes the audio produced by the notebook very clear and detailed.
By the way, Beats by dr. dre is actually part of the technology portfolio of Monster. If you are an audiophile, you will immediately remember Monster Cable, the first choice for very demanding music lovers. Monster claims that dre headphones will give the users the high definition audio artists want them to enjoy.
3-D is also becoming a must on entertainment-centric notebooks. A number of leading notebook makers have rolled out their 3-D-capable products, including Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Toshiba and, of course, HP.
HP Envy 3-D features a 17.3 LED screen with all the standard paraphernalia. It also comes with the Beats System and a triple bass reflex subwoofer to complement it.
The 3-D effect is achieved by synchronizing the shutters on the glasses, and the notebook does this wirelessly. By the way, we may also see 3-D notebooks that do not require 3-D glasses in the future.
In addition, HP also launched two Pavilion notebooks, the dm4 series and the dv6 series. And, lets not forget the tablet PC called HP TouchSmart tm2.
All of these notebooks come with Intel Core processors, from the Core i3 to the Core i7. As we know, these latest generation processors come with Turbo Boost technology, which increases the computing power depending on the application. This saves energy and extends battery life — although, with this kind of notebook, who needs batteries?
Although it is meant for consumers, the Core i7 based HP Envy 3D will have ample power to help us edit videos and audios professionally. Intel’s Hyper-threading technology allows multiple threads to go through the processor core, speeding up multitasking too.
The netbook market, on the other hand, is already a very crowded space, so it is increasingly challenging for the netbook makers to set their products apart.
HP does this with its HP Mini 210, which comes with various features and options, such as GPS and Voice Guided Navigation. HP claims it has a quite useable battery life, of up to 10 hours.
The color and feel of the casing are two of the features that most netbook makers concentrate on when attempting to make their products stand out. HP Mini 210 comes in four different colors. More importantly, it can come with HP video playback option.
Sometimes the convergence happens incrementally, sometimes it goes at a breathtaking speed. But it will continue to happen, as the new products from HP demonstrate.
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Diyah Patimah
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