HP has unveiled its business-focused tablet portfolio for 2015.
Micheal Park, VP and GM of commercial mobility and software at HP, said the firm has split its product line-up into three segment areas - Enterprise, SMB and education - because the varying product requirements.
"In enterprise you have [the] three-year lifecycle - so these products need to be serviceable. In SMB, it's about quality. You see a lot of consumer products being purchased but they don't survive being hammered 10 hours a day. And education is a different animal because of the price points and the users are kids," he said.
HP Pro Slate 8
The Pro Slate 8 is the most eye-catching device. It ships with a Duet Pen stylus, which HP has worked in conjunction with Qualcomm on. Users can take notes on Folio paper and these will be duplicated on screen in real-time. This is done using four ultrasonic microphones on the front of the device, which transmit data like a radar signal.
HP has opened up the API and the Duet Pen is already compatible with Evernote. It's also possible to reverse the nib on the pen - so it can be used directly on the screen.
The Slate 8 favours those who need to take notes and potential users are expected to be in the retail, legal and insurance sectors. HP also suggested the Slate 8 could be used by teachers or lecturers. Notes made on paper are duplicated on screen and can then be shared with students.
Key specs:
- 7.9in (2048 x 1526) Gorilla Glass 3 with anti-smudge coating
- Android KitKat 4.4 (Security Enhanced - Android for Work)
- Duet Pen
- VPN encryption, Secure Boot, FIPS 140-2 certified
- Wi-Fi, Miracast, Bluetooth LE, NFC
- 350g
- Starting at 379 and shipping in January
HP Pro Slate 12
Essentially a bigger version of the Slate 8, this has been designed in conjunction with retailers and law firms. Park suggested the Slate 12 is ideal for users who want to begin digitising documentation, and that it will appeal to the older workforce because of its paper-like size.
Key specs:
- 12in (1600 x 1200) Corning CT-40 FIT Glass with anti-smudge coating
- Android KitKat 4.4 (Security Enhanced - Android for Work)
- VPN encryption, Secure Boot, FIPS 140-2 certified
- 850g
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 2.3GHz quad-core processor + 2GB RAM
- 32GB internal memory
- Duet pen included
- Wi-Fi, Miracast, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC
- 850g
- Starting at 529 and shipping January.
HP ElitePad 1000 G2 Rugged
The Windows 8.1 device uses HP's unique jackets to provide ruggedness, connectivity and increased battery life. Certified to a MIL-STD 810G and IP65 specifications, it's targeting users in the construction, public sector and oil/gas industries.
Key specs:
- 10.1in (1920 x 1200) Gorilla Glass 3 with anti-smudge coating
- Windows 8.1 (64-bit) or 8.1 Pro
- TMP 1.2, CAC Smartcard reader with FIPS 140-2, FIPS 201 certified, Drive Encryption, Absolute Data Protect, HP Bios
- Intel Atom Z3795 2.3GHz quad-core + 4GB RAM
- 128GB internal storage
- 2D barcode reader optional
- Up to 20 hour battery life
- 4G + GPS support
- 1.45kg starting weight
- Starting at 1469 and shipping in January
Meanwhile a specialist healthcare version of the G2 will also be made available. HP's aim for this portable form factor is to replace cumbersome devices that are used by nurses in hospitals.
The Healthcare edition of the G2 has many of the same core features as the ruggedised model but also includes an antimicrobial coating. Pricing for this edition will start at 1369.
