HP unwraps Centrino 2-based 12-inch portable

HP has quietly launched a second notebook this week and now caters towards higher-end but still ultramobile users. The HP Compaq 2230s has just a 12-inch screen and weighs just over four pounds but is based entirely on Intel's just-launched Centrino 2 platform, making faster GMA 4500MHD graphics and 802.11n Wi-Fi standard features on every model. Certain trim levels also get matching processors with the faster 1,066MHz bus and range from the lower-power 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo to a full-power 2.53GHz chip.

A base system starts at $999 with a 1.8GHz previous-generation Core 2 Duo as well as 1GB of memory, a 120GB hard drive with Windows XP preloaded with a Vista option, and an integrated DVD burner. The least expensive Centrino 2 system lifts the price to $1,249 for a 2.26GHz processor, 2GB of memory, and a 160GB disk. Systems hold up to 4GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive and should ship in the near future.