HP Puts AMDs Turion 64 X2 to Work

Hewlett-Packard is offering small and midsize businesses a two-for-one deal by introducing a new notebook PC based on Advanced Micro Devices dual-core Turion processor.

The computer maker on June 6 unveiled its HP Compaq Business Notebook nx6325, which incorporates AMDs new Turion 64 X2 processor. The chip, unveiled on May 17, is the first AMD notebook processor to package two processor cores. Its predecessor was a single-core processor.

Aside from augmenting HPs latest lineup of notebook PCs, the nx6325 continues a trend in which the Palo Alto, Calif., company has offered AMD-based PCs, with the exception of some workstation models, primarily to the SMB space.

Still, “Theres nothing to preclude large customers from buying this particular machine,” said Carol Hess-Nickels, director of commercial notebook marketing for HP, in Houston.

At some point, HP may offer an AMD machine thats tailored to larger accounts, Hess-Nickels said.

“I do believe youll see that over time,” she said. “There continues to be interest [in AMD] on customers parts.”

For now, the HP Compaq nx6325 business notebook will pair the Turion X2 with a 15-inch screen, a fingerprint reader to enhance security and an optical drive. It will offer about four hours of battery life.

HP will begin deliveries of the 5.7-pound machine in late June. It will start at $1,049, including a Turion 64 X2 model TL-50 processor, which runs at 1.6GHz, Hess-Nickels said.

HP also unveiled on June 6 a new three-in-one notebook docking station. The $399 HP 3-in-1 NAS Docking Station includes a 160GB hard drive, which can act as a network drive for sharing files or for backup. The station also sports an optical drive, as well as numerous ports, including eight USB ports for attaching additional hard drives, printers and other gear.

“The station allows [business users] to access the network dive…to share files with a group or access [data] while traveling,” Hess-Nickels said. “Its very much like a mini server…when it comes to storage capability.”

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