HP dv3000 notebook brings smaller size, eSATA

Hewlett-Packard has broken from its usual emphasis on the US by introducing a new Pavilion notebook model first in Asia. The dv3000 series is the first modern home portable from HP to ship with a 13.3-inch screen and takes up a smaller footprint than the dv2000 as a result. The change also brings a new external SATA and USB hybrid port that offers expansion for fast external hard drives without compromising on size.

The new portable should be as fast as the dv2000 with Penryn-era Core 2 Duo processors as well as a GeForce 8400M GS for its discrete graphics chipset; the device will also be media-aware with HDMI output, an ExpressCard remote control, and a VGA webcam tuned to produce clean shots in dark scenes. HP has confirmed a launch for the dv3000 lineup in Asia for May, where it will sell starting from $1,399 US. An American launch has not been announced but may arrive in time with the spring launch of Intel's Centrino 2 platform. [via Crave]