HP adds POS functionality to its ElitePad 900 tablet

HP wants to make it easier for retail employees to use tablets in the workplace, with the firm unveiling a specialised attachment for its ElitePad 900 tablet.

The world's largest PC manufacturer debuted the Retail Jacket accessory for the Windows 8 Pro device, which turns the tablet into a mobile POS unit.

This allows employees to complete customer transactions anywhere on the shop floor using a built-in barcode scanner and a magnetic strip reader.

The Retail Jacket also has space for an additional battery pack, Enrique Lores SVP of sales and services at HP, told attendees at its Discover conference in Las Vegas.

"We have built in an additional battery which allows the product to be used non-stop for more than a full day. When we tested [the ElitePad] with customers this was one of the key requirements," he said.

HP also unveiled its refreshed range of desktops and AiOs. The firm showcased the ProDesk 600 and ProOne 600 lineups together with the EliteDesk 800 and EliteOne 800.

The ProDesk 600 will be available in small form-factor or traditional tower configurations. Key specifications include the choice between Intel Haswell (4th Generation Core) i5 or i7 processors, support for up to 32GB of RAM, and a choice between a 500GB HDD, 500GB Self-Encrypting drive or 160GB SSD.

The AiO edition known as the ProOne 600 ships with a 21.5in full HD display (1920 x 1080), supports up to 16GB of RAM and has the option of wireless LAN and NFC capabilities.

Users can choose between a 1TB Solid State hybrid drive, 2TB HDD, 500GB self-encrypting drive, or 160GB SSD.

The EliteDesk 800 and EliteOne 800 also offer similar specifications. The key difference is that the EliteDesk 800 has an ultra-slim desktop configuration and the EliteOne 800 AiO ships with a larger 23in display.

HP is yet to announce the release dates and pricing.