Choices, choices. You want a next-generation optical drive format for your new PC, but do you go with Blu-ray, which has sold more software, or with HD-DVD, which actually has a slight lead in hardware sales? HP is offering a third option in its new consumer desktop PCs. Starting on May 9, you'll be able to select a PC with a Blu-ray Disc Writer/HD DVD-ROM drive. The dual format optical drive reads both formats.

This is one of the new high-performance and HD computing options that will be available later this week on HP's configure-to-order PCs. In addition, consumers can choose from other technology including an ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner, an Nvidia GeForce 8800 graphics card with 640MB of memory, and an Intel Core 2 Quad Processor. This stuff likely won't come cheap, but if you're looking for an ultra-fast and versatile machine, HP will have you covered.

Post by Peter Suciu