HP Sprout Pro All-in-One PC Built for Enterprise, Education Buyers

HP has unveiled a Pro version of its Sprout all-in-one PC for education and enterprise customers. Here’s a look at what makes it a contender in that space.

Although its design is somewhat different from similar PCs from other manufacturers, the Sprout Pro is an all-in-one PC similar to the iMac or the countless Windows-based all-in-ones on the market. It’s important for companies to know that while it may some special features, it’s still a capable PC for any personal of professional need.

The Sprout Pro’s secret sauce is the hardware-and-software integration between Microsoft and Intel. The HP machine runs on Windows 10, which accepts a wide range of apps and has been optimized for such technologies as augmented reality or what HP has called “blended reality.” In addition, the Sprout Pro relies upon Intel’s RealSense technology that allows camera to “see” a real-world item and render it in 3D on the PC.

If it’s productivity that enterprise users are after, the Sprout Pro can get the job done. Although its touch mat is best used as a way to render real-life items in 3D, it can also be used as a dual touch screen. So, users can use the downward-facing camera and project Windows on the touch mat. From there, they can interact with Windows as they would on the standard screen.

The Sprout Pro features the Sprout Companion for Skype for Business. The app allows for remote screen sharing and collaboration, so users can share a Sprout camera capture during a Skype meeting. And since the Sprout Pro comes with a stylus, users can be in a Skype meeting and draw on the touch mat to write notes on the meeting’s virtual whiteboard.

The 3D scanning capability is one of the Sprout’s most important features. The cameras built into the Sprout Pro will analyze an object placed on the touch mat and create a full 3D rendering of it on-screen. From there, special software allows it to be manipulated in any way a user desires. It could be especially useful in a manufacturing setting, where 3D renderings speed up the design and production process.

To get the best experience out of the Sprout Pro, some apps will be required. For corporate users, 3D Capture is a must-have to produce 3D renderings of objects. In addition, two Sprout Pro users could collaborate with MyRoom and an app called Docscan that scans documents placed on the touch mat and automatically turns them into PDF files.

HP has highlighted a feature called the External Display Mixer as a potentially appealing way for corporate users to create presentations. The feature allows users to share what’s on the Sprout Pro screen, as well as video from a Webcam or whatever the downward-facing camera is capturing. Best of all, it can share all three at the same time.

The HP Sprout Pro comes with some security enhancements that go beyond the features built into Windows 10 Pro. The Trusted Platform Module is among the security features baked in to make the Sprout Pro more appealing to the enterprise.

While the Sprout Pro may have several extra features, it’s still a high-powered PC. It comes with a 23-inch full-HD display to complement its 20-inch touch mat. Inside the all-in-one is a sixth-generation Intel Core i7 processor, a 1TB solid-state hybrid drive and 8GB of RAM. Users will also find dual USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, as well as support for media cards. The Sprout Pro can connect to networks both wirelessly and with a wired connection.

If the Sprout Pro sounds like a compelling buy, customers won’t need to wait long to get their hands on it. The computer will be available starting in February for $2,199. HP hasn’t provided an exact release date, but the company did mention that add-ons, including the Sprout Companion for Skype for Business and scanning features, will come with the computer at no additional charge.