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Years ago, an announcement about a new line of personal computers would highlight the robust processing power, increased memory, greater storage space and many of the other upgrades that would inevitably lead to a hefty sticker price. Back then, a new PC needed more oomph, what with all of the individual specialty programs that users would install to perform basic tasks – and users paid for it.

Today, the world of computing is different. Sure, some people still need that increased power – but a growing number of customers are relying mostly on cloud-based applications, such as social media sites, online storage and web-based programs. They store their photos on the web, not on their hard drives, and they’re more concerned about the strength of the web connection rather than the power of the processor.

Oh, and they’re not interested in breaking the bank for a new PC, either.

Understanding what’s important to this growing set of users, HP has revamped its line of Windows-based Stream PCs to provide more of what customers want – stronger Wi-Fi antenna technology to make sure connections have greater reach and fewer hiccups, a few extra hours of battery life, lighter weight and a thinner form factor. HP has even dropped the price of select models to make a Stream PC even more affordable.

“We’ve enjoyed positive feedback about the HP Stream family, which for many consumers is exactly what they need to access content and services in the cloud from wherever they are,” said Kevin Frost, vice president and general manager, Consumer Personal Systems at HP. “We’ve continued to raise the bar on this popular cloud-based notebook to make it even more portable, more attractive and affordable for customers.”

The updated portfolio now includes an updated 11.6-inch diagonal and a new 14-inch diagonal Stream notebooks, as well as an 11.6-inch diagonal HP Stream x360, which flexes into four positions and can be used in laptop mode (for working), standing mode (for entertainment), tablet mode (for on-the-go) and tent mode (for sharing). Recognizing that customization is also important to many consumers who are enticed by the Stream’s specs and price tag, the new PCs now come in four new vibrant color options.

It’s no wonder that, earlier this year, CNET gave a nod to the Stream PC’s “divine design” and liked that it was affordable but full-featured enough for everyday tasks, making them “perfect for Facebooking, Netflixing and streaming audio … as well as full apps such as Photoshop and Microsoft Word, not their browser-based equivalents.”

Since the release of the first Stream PCs two years ago, HP engineers have been pushing the boundaries of what the HP Stream can do.

Newest specs

The notebooks feature dual-antenna 802.11 ac 2x2 Wi-Fi for improved wireless connectivity. An enhanced Wi-Fi experience means that users enjoy fast connection speeds, less video buffering, fewer dead zones and speedier downloads. For faster data transfers, the HP Stream includes USB 3.0 among its ports and connections.

The Stream notebooks have also been redesigned for users who want an affordable, thin, stylish and light portable computer that doesn’t skimp on features. In select regions, the notebooks are offered in an array of vibrant colors - including Aqua Blue, Violet Purple and Snow White for the Stream 11 and 14, and Jet Black as the fourth color option for the x360 – that allow users to highlight their personalities.

Likewise, some models also come with advanced displays – such as an HD touch-enabled display and HD WLED-backlit display with an antiglare screen – so that users can latest video technology, where available. The x360 also allows users to rotate their display a full 360 degrees to convert in to four different positions, which is great for collaboration, screen sharing and presentations.

More specs here.