HP releases 3D laptops

COMPUTER MAKER HP has decided that there is cash to be made out of this this 3D lark.

After all if 3D technology can be used to flog bad films like Piranha it should be good for a few laptops too.

First off the block is the HP Envy 17 3D laptop. It has a 17.3-inch 3D screen and speakers with a subwoofer. The idea is that it gives you what HP calls "a cinematic experience" in your lap. We guess it does not mean having a bucket of iced fizzy stuff or popcorn accidentally tipped into your lap by a fat bloke trying to get by into his seat.

The Envy 17 3D is capable of running Blu-ray 3D movies and normal high-definition videos. It has 2TB of hard disk storage capacity to cope with the large sized high-definition content.

The machine is powered by an Intel quad core i7 processor and has an ATI, er, AMD Mobility Radeon HD 5850 graphics card.

The thing comes with 3D shutter glasses to view the 3D content and users can switch 3D mode on and off. The HP Envy 17 3D laptop will set you back $2,000.

HP has also released the Envy 14 Beats Edition. This is supposed to have a better sound quality and includes Beats Audio. This was designed by HP and Dr Dre to provide the best sound "the way the artist intended it" when playing music or audio through headphones or external speakers.

It has 6.5 hours of battery life with the standard battery and up to 13 hours with the optional extended-life battery. It also has an Intel Core processor and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 graphics and Beats by Dr Dre Solo headphones. It will cost $1,249.

HP is also flogging a new Pavilion DM3 laptop. This comes with shedloads of stuff to keep it cool. It automatically adjusts cooling levels according to a user's personal preferences.

It uses HP Thermal Assistant software that detects how the PC is being used and automatically shifts into either a maximum cooling mode or maximum performance mode based on the customer's choice.

The HP Pavilion DM3 has a 13.3-inch HD display, an island-style keyboard with optional backlit feature and a stylish and durable metal finish with soft-touch surfaces in matte black. It can manage 7.5 hours of battery life and is less than an inch thick. It will cost $549. µ