HP DM1z – new 11.6 inch notebook with AMD Zacate firepower

HP follows in the steps of other manufactures and will use a AMD fusion chip for one of its notebooks. According to liliputing.com, the 11.6 inch HP Pavilion dm1z will have a AMD 18W TDP E-350 (Zacate) processor, which comes with built in AMD Radeon HD6310 graphics, that will support 3D gaming, HD video playback and DirectX 11.

If the name of this laptop sounds familiar, don’t think too hard, as it is next in line after the Pavilion dm1 we had last year, and it comes with a bunch of improvements. First of all, there’s a full size keyboard (instead of the 93% one on the dm1) and there’s a little ridge between the clicking area and the two mouse buttons in order to feel when you “cross the line” without having to look.

Also, it’s easier to upgrade, as there’s a base plate without any screws that grants access to components without any hassle. Besides the dual core processor, there’s the 1366 x 768 pixel HD display, 2 GB of RAM, web cam, HDMI port, SD card reader, and up to 750 GB of disk space, or a 120 SSD drive, but expect this extravaganza to effect the price tag. When the WiFi is turned off, the battery should last for about 9.5 hours and if you go for the low power SSD drive, expect up to 10.5 hours.

Redesigned HP DM1z with AMD Fusion inside, available starting today

New bottom should theoretically allow faster and easier upgrades

The laptop uses a bunch of HP’s Cool Sense technologies aimed at comfort with as little heat issues as possible. Components were moved from the palm rest area towards the keyboard and there’s a large vent on the left side, so no worries if you use a mouse (well, for most of you righties ).

HP Pavilion dm1z

There’s also a software component to this, named the thermal assistant, which displays the activity of the vents. If you hold it steadily on a table, the vents will work less, but if the machine jiggles, meaning you hold it on your lap, the vents kick in to disperse heat. The laptop is available starting today (or perhaps not, although that’s what initial sources claimed – so wehere not sure when will this actually land in stores – Thanks Guy for the input) for a starting price of $499. Don’t leave before checking the hands on video below.