HP has just launched a large amount of new tablets onto the market. These are aimed at businesses "to mobilize the workforce," and education markets. The devices are variously powered by Windows or Android and among them is a new 2-in-1 running Windows. The new range sees the introduction of an interesting new stylus called the HP Duet Pen, made in collaboration with Qualcomm.
Android tablets
HP's new range of Android tablets comes in screen sizes as large as 12-inches. The first Android tabs detailed were the HP Pro Slate 8 and HP Pro Slate 12 "commercial-grade" examples. These are very thin, at only 8mm thick and are among the first tablets to utilise Corning's new Gorilla Glass 4. The Pro Slates are said to offer a full business day of battery life and have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor at their heart.
And interesting new accessory included with the above Pro Slate tablets is the HP Duet Pen, said to be the first to use Qualcomm Snapdragon digital pen technology. This stylus works both on-screen and digitises straight to screen when writing on regular paper, via the HP Paper Folio (sold separately), thanks to HP's Blended Reality Ecosystem. The 8 and 12 inch tablets are available now for $449 and $569 respectively.
Android or Windows tablets for education
HP's got a new pair of tablets for education called the HP Pro Tablet 10 EE, running Windows, and the HP Pro Slate 10 EE, running Android. These are built with good durability in mind and feature IP-52 testing for dust and moisture. HP also provides an optional stylus and optional hard-wired keyboard for these units. The HP Pro Slate 10 EE has a starting price of $279. The Windows based HP Pro Tablet 10 EE costs from $299 for education customers or $349 otherwise.
Windows tablets and 2-in-1
The HP Elite x2 1011 G1 is an 11.6-inch diagonal 2-in-1 Windows device running Windows 8 Pro. It is said to be lightweight, slim and stylish yet has been tested to ensure military specs and durability ratings are passed. HP says that its optional accessories include "an industry-first WiGig enterprise wireless dock," a cover, a travel keyboard and a Wacom pen. Available later this month the HP Elite x2 1011 G1 will cost from $899.
Next we have two permutations of a tablet made for the medical and industrial sectors. The HP ElitePad 1000 G2 Healthcare Tablet, with antimicrobial coating, is designed to improve caregiver productivity and enhance patient interaction. It's got a 2D barcode reader built-in. Prices start from $1,499. The HP ElitePad 1000 G2 Rugged Tablet is more at home in manufacturing or out in the field. It has good water and dust resistance and can run for up to 20 hours on battery. This tablet will cost $1,599 from next month.
HP's final tablet offering is the HP Pro Tablet 408 G1. This is an 8-incher and measures 9mm thick. As with all the Windows devices detailed today it runs on an Intel Atom processor offering the full Windows experience. Important features of the HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 include; a micro-HDMI socket, up to 64GB of storage, an 8MP main camera and HP's software security and management options. Available straight away this tablet costs from $299.
One other connected business accessory launched by HP was the HP Retail Case for ElitePad. This is a "versatile mobile and fixed POS solution," with two cradle areas for mounting payment devices and the ability to dock existing POS equipment.
If you are interested in perusing tech spec lists for any of the above devices ZDNet has published them all on one handy page here. Just scroll down to find the model you are interested in.
