HP's new HP Envy x360 laptop features a new seventh-generation mobile processor from Advanced Micro Devices.
The new processor, the AMD A-series accelerated processing unit (APU) features advanced video, high-end graphics, and security features for a laptop that combines both productivity and entertainment features.
HP also offers models that feature Intel's Core i5 and Core i7 processors. But the big computer likes to spread its processor sourcing around for various reasons.
The HP model is the first to include the AMD processor (code-named Bristol), and additional designs will be shown off later this year.
“We know that consumers want more for their money than ever before – sharper graphics, faster performance, and longer battery life. We have focused on working with key OEM partners to develop outstanding computing platforms that will fully take advantage of the powerful 7th Generation AMD APUs,” said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager at the Computing and Graphics Business Group at AMD, in a statement. “I’m excited that consumers will start to see some of these fantastic systems come to market so soon. I’m very proud of the exceptional AMD engineering execution that enabled us to accelerate these exciting new products into the market for our customers and end users.”
The AMD chips are now shipping to customers in volume.
"It is exciting for HP to be first in bringing 7th Generation AMD A-Series APU technology to market, especially in such a compelling new notebook design," said Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager of Consumer Personal Systems at HP, in a statement. "We think the HP Envy x360 will resonate with consumers who are looking for the entertainment- and productivity-enhancing capabilities of the Envy x360 design, which really showcases AMD computing and graphics prowess."
The seventh Generation AMD A-Series FX part shows up to 50 percent improvement in compute performance over the FX part released just two years ago.
"AMD needs to get to Zen quickly, so Bristol Ridge is intended to cover the market until then in notebooks," said Patrick Moorhead, analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. "I’m impressed with what AMD did with Bristol Ridge without a process node change in the factory. Just goes to show the importance of cell size, library designs, and a re-architecture of the way the GPU was [fabricated]. I believe AMD will leverage a lot of these improvements in Zen."