HP has done a LOT of reorganizing/updating of models over the last several months. I first realized that things were changing when they discontinued the dv5t, which was almost certainly their best seller. The dv5z lingered for a while longer, but it has also disappeared. Only the dv5t Special Edition remains and it will likely be dropped as soon as they sell through the current inventory.
The intended replacement is the dv6t and, more recently, the dv6z- both with 16" displays (16:9 aspect ratio). This leaves a hole between the 14.1" dv4t/z and the 16" dv6t/z. The only model that HP has in this range is the 15.6" Compaq CQ60Z- which is very entry-level with limited options/performance.
Both Dell and Lenovo have 15.6" and 16" models. Dell has the 15.6" Inspiron 15 and Studio 15 and the 16" Studio XPS 16. Lenovo has the new 15.6" IdeaPad Y550 and the 16" Y650. Does HP have any plans to have a higher-end (Pavilion) 15.6" model?
I have also wondered about the dv4t/z, if those models would be revamped with a 16:9 aspect ratio display. ASUS and Lenovo already have them on the market, so they seem to be the next wave behind all the 15.6"+ models.
One major shortcoming of all of these 16:9 aspect ratio displays is that they're only offered in 1366x768 resolution. Upgrades are offered on higher-end models like the HDX 16t and Studio XPS 16, but not on less expensive mainstream models. Dell has just released the 15.6" Studio 1555 and it is the first mid-range model that I've seen to offer display resolution upgrades. Not only can you upgrade to 1920x1020, but they have an in-between option of 1600x900, too.
Especially on a 16" display, 1366x768 just doesn't cut it! Even if they don't want to offer 1920x1200 to protect HDX 16t sales, something in the middle is needed. I'm thinking that 1600x900 or thereabouts will be the new WSXGA+...
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allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso
HP's plans for 15" models and display resolution upgrades?
Discussion in 'HP' started by allfiredup, Apr 29, 2009.