HP announced today its second Windows 8-powered tablet, the HP ElitePad 900, first seen during mysterious advertisements played at the Olympics that suggested an even newer tablet was on the way.
It also comes less than a month since the PC maker showed off its new Windows 8-powered ‘all-on-one’ PCs, ranging from touch and non-touch devices that mimicked much of the design qualities of Apple’s iMac and technologies, including keyboard and trackpad.
- CNET: HP ElitePad 900 review
The new tablet, running Microsoft’s next-generation operating system, set for launch later this month, includes a 10-inch screen that offers enterprise-grade features and functionality.
Designed for business and government users in mind, HP says, the device includes:
- A 10-inch screen featuring Gorilla Glass 2, running at a 1280×800 (16:10 ratio) resolution;
- Intel Atom (x86) processor (though details are yet to be released);
- 2GB RAM, with 32GB or 64GB solid-state storage;
- A slimline and lightweight chassis, weighing 1.5 pounds at 9.2 millimeters thin;
- An ultra-slim battery for around eight-hours run time, with additional battery functionality;
- Enterprise features, including enhanced security and drive encryption;
- 1080p front-facing camera; 8 megapixel rear camera with LED flash;
- SIM-slot for always-on connectivity and remote geographic policy management;
- Military-grade durability for drops, vibration, dust and temperature extremes.
The device comes with a bevy of new accessories turning the device into a “total enterprise solution,” which naturally must be bought separately.
The HP ElitePad Productivity Jacket features an integrated keyboard and connectivity ports, similar to that of Microsoft’s Surface tablet sleeve; the HP ElitePad Expansion Jacket that dons an extended battery when connected and other USB and HDMI connectivity options; and the HP ElitePad Docking Station which can be used as a secondary screen for multitasking.
Also on offer is the HP ElitePad Rugged Case for military-grade protection against bumps, knocks and the like, and the HP Executive Tablet Pen acts as the device’s stylus.
The device will go on sale in January 2013, just in time for the post-Christmas holiday sales. Pricing was not disclosed — this will be announced at a later date — but you can bet your bottom dollar that the cost will be priced competitively with the Surface tablet, Microsoft’s own tablet offering.
Image credit: Eric Franklin/CNET.
