HP Shows Off Business Tablets for Every Workplace

Hewlett-Packard's business division has long been a mainstay of the company, but with the business world rapidly changing to include new mobile systems and adapt to the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) style of IT, opportunity abounds for new solutions.

HP is all over it, announcing several new devices today, ranging from a slim detachable hybrid, an 8-inch Windows tablet built for professionals, and several new takes on the existing HP ElitePad 1000 G2 that gears up the tablet for unique work environments.

HP Elite x2 1011 G1
The first in that lineup is the HP Elite x2 1011 G1, a detachable hybrid that takes a full-featured Windows tablet and adds a laptop-style keyboard for full productivity.

The tablet features an Intel Core M processor, allowing for a slim, fanless design without a significant sacrifice in processing power. That productive capability is backed up further with optional vPro for simple fleet management and security, Windows 8.1 Pro for full software support, 8GB of RAM, and solid state storage from 128GB up to 512GB. A microSD card slot lets you add extra local storage, while a microSIM slot supports 4G LTE mobile broadband. The tablet features an 11.6-inch touch screen, with optional Wacom digitizer pen.

There is more than just a tablet, however, with a docking keyboard for laptop use, a keyboard cover for mobile productivity, and a wireless desktop dock.

The docking keyboard features a spill-resistant chiclet keyboard (with backlight), two USB 3.0 ports, and a mini DisplayPort. The docking keyboard also has a second battery, which extends the usable life of the tablet up to a total of 20 hours. To prevent the wobbly issues seen in many top-heavy detachable hybrids, HP has designed the docking keyboard with something it calls a reflex hinge, which functions sort of like wheelie bars on a race car, preventing that backwards wobble with extra support.

For a lighter package that still offers a full keyboard, HP has a second option, a keyboard cover that has no battery and features a slim yet sturdy aluminum frame for on-the-go use with less weight. And while it's a slimmer cover design, the keyboard cover also features a power connector and full-size USB port. Finally, for switching between on-the-go and in-the-office, the tablet can be paired with an optional wireless desktop dock, which uses WiGig connectivity to connect display outputs and USB ports without having to plug in a connecting cable—simply tap the top button of the dock and it pairs with the tablet.

The HP Elite x2 1011 G1 will be available later this month, starting at $899. Pricing and availability of accessories, such as the docking keyboard, the keyboard cover, and wireless desktop dock have not been announced.

HP Pro Tablet 408
On the other end of the spectrum is the HP Pro Tablet 408, an 8-inch Windows tablet that brings mobility and business capability in an affordable and compact package. The small tablet measures just 8 inches diagonal, and has an Intel Atom Z3736F processor that offers 32-bit support for Windows 8.1 Pro (also available with Windows 8.1 with Bing). The tablet boasts 2GB of RAM, with both 32GB and 64GB storage options. The tablet's 8-inch display offers 1,280-by-800 resolution and 10-point touch.

Data security is built in with a TPM-based encryption and HP's several security and management services, including HP Touchpoint Manager. HP has put a big focus on durability, something not usually seen in the inexpensive 8-inch space, and has put the Pro Tablet 408 through a rigorous 115,000-hour durability testing process. For connectivity, the Pro Tablet 408 has 802.11n dual-band Wi-Fi and optional 3G WWAN, while local connectivity is available with one micro USB port, one micro HDMI output, and Intel's WiDi.

The HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 is available today, with the affordable price of $299.

HP ElitePad 1000 G2
In addition to these two new devices, HP has also pulled the wraps off three new options for the HP ElitePad 1000 G2, which debuted last year.

The tablet is built for use with several sleeve-like accessories, called jackets, which add ports and other features for tailored functionality. Today, HP announced a new retail jacket solution that is purpose built for retail environments. The HP Retail Case adds one key feature—a customer PIN entry pad—which makes it possible to take secure payments without being at a stationary cash register. The Retail Case works with a variety of third-party payment devices, and HP has partnered with Verifone for deeper support here in the U.S. The case also features attachments for a hand strap on the back of the tablet or a shoulder strap for easier carrying. The HP Retail Case for the ElitePad 1000 is available for purchase now for $199.

If your work environment is the factory floor instead of the store, HP is also offering the new HP ElitePad 1000 Rugged Tablet, which adds an extra dose of durability to the ElitePad with a factory-installed rugged jacket solution. This durable case protects against dust and water, as well as drops, shocks, and vibration. For connectivity, the rugged tablet has two USB 3.0 ports, a full-size Ethernet port, and a 9-pin serial port for legacy hardware. The tablet has a 2D barcode scanner built in, and an integrated SmartCard reader with FIPS-140-2 encryption and IPS-201 certification.

Similarly specialized is HP's new ElitePad 1000 G2 Healthcare Tablet. Like the rugged solution, the Healthcare Tablet is a standard ElitePad 1000 G2 outfitted with a purpose-built case. Made for use in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical environments, the Healthcare Tablet features an easy-to-clean exterior that is treated with an antimicrobial silver-ion finish, with a case that is sealed against liquid and safe to wipe down with common cleaning agents. Select configurations feature a built-in barcode reader, while built-in microphones and noise-cancellation software let you dictate directly to the tablet. An integrated quick-release hand strap makes it easy to carry from room to room, while a clip-on pen is there to allow precise input, like handwriting and drawing.

The Rugged Tablet and Healthcare Tablet are only sold bundled with a new ElitePad 1000 G2, as they must be installed at the factory to assure proper protection, so they are not available for existing ElitePad units that might need beefed-up protection. The HP ElitePad 1000 G2 Rugged Tablet will be available in February, with a starting price of $1,599. The HP ElitePad 1000 G2 Healthcare Tablet is available now with a starting price of $1,499.