Photos: HP shows off latest laptops

The HP Compaq nc6400 has an Intel Core Duo chipset, starts at £1,325 and should be available from the end of May. It includes a "modular broadband" feature that allows a user to add new networking options in the future, such as HSDPA.

"This is the workhorse notebook PC," said Clark, who was upbeat about HP's notebook prospects at the company's Mobility event in San Francisco on Tuesday. "Our notebook business is smokin' hot."

HP also launched the Compaq 4400, which is configurable as either a notebook or a convertible tablet PC, costs £1,332 and is available from mid-June; the nx7400 Notebook PC, which has a 15" widescreen display and a magnesium alloy frame, and costs £949 from mid-May; and the Compaq 8400 Notebook PC, which has a 15" widescreen display, ATI graphics and costs £1,149 from mid-June.