Hewlett-Packard reveals HP Stream series of skinny laptops and tablets

Hewlett-Packard is stretching the limits of design with the announcement today of the colorful and thin HP Stream series of Windows laptops and tablets.

Above: HP Stream laptops

Image Credit: HP

Targeted for the holidays, the new Windows machines are meant for people who combine work and play in a single machine. The HP Stream series includes two new laptop computers and two tablets.

The devices offer free cloud storage and free 4G connectivity on selected models. They also come with the option of 1 terabyte of storage in Microsoft OneDrive for a year, as well as access to Office 365 Personal edition for a year.

“Today’s consumers demand mobile products that fit their personal style and allow them to work and play where ever they are,” said Mike Nash, vice president in the Personal Systems Group at HP, in a statement. “The HP Stream products announced today hit the mark with sleek design, portability, access to free cloud storage, and the familiarity of Windows and Office 365.”

The machine also comes with a $25 gift card in the box to use for apps or games from the Windows store. The free 4G data plan does not require an annual contract.

The laptops come with 11.6-inch or 13.3-inch high-definition displays. The larger laptop has an option for a touch display, and it includes an optional 200 megabytes of free 4G data each month. The laptops come with an Intel Celeron processor and 32 gigabytes of flash memory storage. The machines are available in Orchid Magenta or Horizon Blue colors.

HP previously announced another member of the Stream family, the 14-inch HP Stream laptop.

Meanwhile, the tablets include the HP Stream 7 (with a 7-inch screen) and the HP Stream 8 (with an 8-inch screen).  They include a year of Office 365 usage and 60 minutes of Skype. The 8-inch tablet also has an option for 200 megabytes of 4G data. All of the devices run Windows 8.1. You can personalize the tablets with the Start screen, live tiles, and a dynamic lock screen. Each device comes with HP’s apps for connectivity, music, and photos.

The HP Stream products will be available in November at the HP shopping site and select retailers.

The 11.6-inch laptop sells for $200, while the 13.3-inch model sells for $230. The HP Stream 7 tablet is $100, and the HP Stream 8  will be $150.

Above: HP Stream tablet

Image Credit: HP