HP announced a netbook-like portable computer that combines an 11.6-inch display with a dual-core AMD Fusion CPU. The Pavilion dm1 includes 3GB of RAM and up to 750GB of hard disk storage, a VGA port and an HDMI output, and a six-cell battery that can last more than ten hours, the company says.

HP's Pavilion dm1 employs one of the AMD Fusion processors announced yesterday, with onboard graphics circuitry that makes it capable of playing back HD video and running DirectX 11-compatible games. Though the particular CPU wasn't specified, we're confident it's AMD's top "Zacate" model, the dual-core, 1.6GHz E-350. (This CPU has also been adopted by Lenovo's Thinkpad X120e, MSI's U270, and Toshiba's Satellite C655D, the latter a 15.6-inch device.)

HP's Pavilion dm1
(Click to enlarge)

In its release, HP refers to the dm1 as a notebook, but you could also consider it a netbook or an ultraportable, depending on which one of these marketing terms you prefer. The device has an 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768 pixel screen that's a bit larger and higher-resolution than on most netbooks, yet overall weight is only 3.5 pounds and thickness is less than one inch, according to the company.

HP says the dm1's "advanced hardware and intelligent cooling software" allows it to run up to 10.75 hours on a charge of its six-cell battery. A product manager quoted by the IDG News Service added that using hard disk storage pulls life down to 9.5 hours, while running "a lot of high-definition applications" takes its toll as well; but battery life was still described as "substantially long."

HP does not appear to have updated its website with a description of the new dm1 — an earlier version of the device was offered with different processors — but an official-looking spec sheet posted by Engadget says the device will offer 3GB of RAM and a 320GB hard disk drive (HDD). It's said RAM can expand to 8GB, while HP's release says a 750GB HDD will also be offered.

According to HP, the Pavilion dm1 comes with standard 802/11b/g/n wireless networking and Bluetooth, and will also be offered with an optional GPS receiver. The IDG News Service report claims a version of the device will also connect to LTE (long-term evolution) data networks.

Engadget's spec sheet says the Pavilion dm1 will offer three USB 2.0 ports, VGA and HDMI video outputs, audio I/O, and a SD/MMC card reader. The device also includes "Dolby Advanced Audio for optimal playback of movies, music and games," according to HP.

Availability

According to HP, prices for the Pavilion dm1 will start at approximately $450. The device will go on sale next week, the company adds.

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