HP unveils ElitePad 900 Windows 8 tablet with unique and versatile ‘Smart Jacket’ system

[Corey]

Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) has announced a steady stream of Windows 8 computers that will launch ahead of the holidays this year, and now the company has added to its next-generation lineup by unveiling a business-class Windows 8 tablet that will launch early next year. The HP ElitePad 900 follows up HP’s Windows 8-powered ultra-portables, All-in-Ones and laptops, and unlike the ENVY x2 convertible notebook, this is a true tablet — but with a twist.

HP’s upcoming ElitePad 900 is a powerful Windows 8 tablet aimed at enterprise users, but it will likely appeal to consumers as well. The device features a large 10.1-inch high-definition display and it weighs only 1.5 pounds thanks to a 9.2-millimeter thin aluminum case and lightweight Corning Gorilla Glass 2 covering the screen.

The slate also sports the latest Intel mobile processors, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 1080p front-facing camera, 32GB or 64GB or SSD storage, and optional integrated 4G with hotspot support, and it can handle finger, stylus or voice input.

Things take an interesting turn for the ElitePad 900 when HP’s various “Smart Jackets” are thrown into the mix.

Using a unique docking system, this HP tablet can be placed into one of a number of jacket accessories that transform the device and add a variety of functionality. Examples include the Productivity Jacket, which adds an integrated keyboard, connectivity ports and an SD card reader, and an Expansion Jacket that adds USB, HDMI and other connectivity options as well as an optional second battery. HP will also make various accessories available for the tablet, including a docking station, a rugged case and a stylus.

The HP ElitePad 900 will launch this coming January and pricing has not yet been announced. HP’s full press release follows below

HP Unveils a True Tablet for Business

Smart Jacket ecosystem delivers complete computing solutions

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2012 — HP today introduced the HP ElitePad 900, a tablet that balances a beautiful design with enterprise-grade features, functionality and support.

Designed for business and government, it features HP ElitePad Smart Jackets,(1) which add connectivity options and an additional ultra-slim battery for longer runtime, along with specific add-ons that customize the tablet for specialized uses.

The HP ElitePad is an ultrathin, lightweight tablet designed for Windows 8(2) that delivers features to keep IT managers happy and touts a design that employees will crave. It offers the full serviceability, enhanced security and manageability found in HP Elite PCs, and military-grade durability for drops, vibration, dust, temperature extremes and high altitude.(3)

“Businesses used to face a tough purchase decision: How to find a product that will delight employees and help them be more productive, while also making sure IT can secure and manage it,” said Todd Bradley, executive vice president, Printing and Personal Systems, HP. “The HP ElitePad meets all those tests. It combines the great style and user experience consumers demand with the features IT requires.”

A tablet that is made for business

Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand, the HP ElitePad offers a 10.1-inch diagonal display, weighs just 1.5 pounds(4) and measures 9.2 millimeters (mm) thin. The 16-by-10 aspect ratio maximizes the display area for ideal viewing of traditional business applications, as well as video content. Precision crafted, with an eye toward fit and finish, the HP ElitePad uses stylish, premium materials such as CNC-machined aluminum and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2.

Powered by next-generation Intel® mobile processors, the HP ElitePad delivers PC productivity for those on the go and Intel x86 compatibility for existing business application support. It is designed for Windows 8 and supports touch-, pen- or voice- based input. The HP ElitePad also provides power efficiency and smartphone-style convenience with compatibility for familiar Windows applications, as well as easy integration into existing IT environments.

The unique, productivity-enhancing ecosystem of HP Smart Jackets and additional accessories designed specifically for the HP ElitePad expand the tablet’s potential, turning it into a total enterprise solution: (1)

• HP ElitePad Productivity Jacket—includes an integrated keyboard, connectivity ports, SD card reader and adjustable viewing angles for a complete computing experience.
• HP ElitePad Expansion Jacket—adds USB, HDMI and other connectivity to get more done on the go. Adds even longer battery life when bundled with the optional HP ElitePad Jacket battery.(5)
• The HP ElitePad Rugged Case—provides military-grade reliability and enhances the stylish profile of the ElitePad for added protection.
• HP ElitePad Docking Station—delivers an enterprise-class desktop experience with an added keyboard and monitor and also charges the tablet. Or, use it to set the tablet up as a secondary screen for phenomenal multitasking.
• HP Executive Tablet Pen—lets customers write messages and notes in their natural handwriting directly on screen and then save or convert to typed text for use in other applications.

Loaded with tools for mobile work or play

The HP ElitePad tablet’s 1080p front-facing video camera and 8 megapixel (MP) rear camera with an LED flash and included CyberLink YouCam software help users easily communicate face to face, create high-definition (HD)(6) web videos or record training videos without high production costs.

Powered by technology from HP Labs, the company’s central research arm, new HP PageLift(7) is an application that automatically trims, correctly lights and orients a captured image of a whiteboard, paper contract or other document so it is ready to use or share without requiring manual editing.

Users can easily print directly from their HP ElitePad to any ePrint-capable HP printer or to a networked HP printer without the need for downloading drivers. HP ePrint software(8) allows users to print remotely at more than 24,000 public locations such as hotels and business service retailers.(9) The HP ElitePad also helps small workgroups connect with HP Wireless Hotspot, a desktop application that allows users to share a wireless internet connection and network bandwidth.(10)

Additional user-experience software includes the CyberLink Media suite, which enables users to manage and create audio and video content with the same easy-to-use interface as other HP business PCs. Plus, users can record and listen to audio with a stereo microphone and headset jack that feature the richness of SRS Audio.

Information management is made easy with Evernote, which captures, saves and synchronizes information across devices with impressively quick search capability, and Skitch software that eases collaboration with colleagues by quickly marking up images with captions or sketches.

Manageability, deployment and security for IT environments

The HP ElitePad offers a long life cycle, stable image and HP Global Series Support, all of which IT managers expect in an enterprise tablet. It also features a one-year standard warranty, with the option for a three-year warranty via HP Care Pack Services. The HP ElitePad is fully serviceable with an optional, industry-unique service tool for HP Self- Maintainers that allows customers to access the panel, battery, motherboard and unibody chassis, helping reduce downtime and keep sensitive data and devices in-house.(11)

In addition, organizations will appreciate the enterprise-caliber data, device and identity protection from HP Client Security,(12) including HP BIOS Protection, Security Manager and HP Drive Encryption. Additional security features include Device Access Manager, Computrace(13) and Sparekey.

Device deployment and ongoing support and maintenance are made easy with x86 compatibility and support for HP Client Management solutions. The LANDesk Management Suite(1) also increases security and eases management by providing exclusive tools to locate and protect data on lost devices, remotely capture SIM card info for mass WWAN activation(14) and enforce geographic policies to remotely lock, full wipe or selectively wipe data.

Availability

The HP ElitePad 900 is expected to be available in the United States in January 2013. Pricing information will be announced closer to availability.

This announcement follows HP’s unveiling of touch-enabled notebooks on Aug. 30, all-in- one desktops on Sept. 10 and a new lineup of consumer and business PCs on Sept. 20.

 

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