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Hewlett-Packard arrived at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2014 with two new tablets—the ElitePad 1000 and the ProPad 600—and tablet-based point-of-sale solution, the HP TX1.
“We’ve all seen the big transformation that’s been taking place. The work life and personal life of the user is no longer separated,” Derek Everett, director of worldwide product marketing, told eWEEK. “We’re embracing that transformation and delivering innovative products that address the blend of personal-meets-business. And there’s no one size fits all. We let you tailor the solution to what the end-user wants and needs.”
HP ElitePad 1000
The ElitePad 1000, which runs Microsoft Windows 8.1, is the result of HP acting on the feedback it received from the ElitePad 900, said Everett. It’s HP’s thinnest tablet to date, measuring 9.2mm thin, and weighs 1.5 pounds.
The ElitePad 1000 features a 10.1-inch widescreen ultra extended graphics array (WUXGA) multi-touch display that’s viewable outdoors, and it’s covered in Gorilla Glass 3, making it “durable, scratch-resistant, anti-smudge [and] easy to clean,” says HP.
The resolution is 1920 by 1200 (up from 1280 by 800 on the ElitePad 900) and the display is direct bonded—a process that results in a brighter display than when there’s an air gap, as there is in the ElitePad 900.
Communication is another area where HP received feedback—and listened. The new ElitePad features a USB 3.0 port (versus the 2.0 on the 900). It also offers support for 64-bit capability, featuring an Intel Atom Bay processor, instead of topping out at 32-bit.
There’s also the option of a Qualcomm Gobi 4G LTE modem and a line of accessories that include Smart Jackets. These include an Expansion Jacket to extend battery life, a Productivity Jacket with a built-in keyboard and a Security Jacket and multi-function authentication, thanks to a fingerprint reader and smart card support.
The tablet also features a chassis made from CNC-machined aluminum and it’s been military-specification tested. (Which is to say, HP intends for it to be hearty enough to withstand normal wear and tear; the results of the MIL-SPEC test haven’t been shared.)
HP ProPad 600
The ProPad designation follows the tradition of HP’s Elite and Pro laptop lineups, which indicate different pricing levels.
With the ProPad 600, said Everett, “you get the same WUXGA display, the same resolution, the same direct-bonding technology, the same Intel Atom processors. Where you see the difference is the Elite has docking, the Jackets, the accessories, the serviceability and the aluminum case. Pro is business class—great technology at a lower price point.”
HP calls the ProPad, which only offers WiFi connectivity and has a plastic case, a “connectivity hub.” It features Bluetooth 4.0, integrated HP ePrint software, a built-in micro-HDMI slot and the ability share content wirelessly via Miracast.
Enterprise-level security features include HP BIOS and HP Client Security, and purchasers can also opt for HP’s suite of Client Management tools.
HP TX1 POS Solution
“We’ve had customers ask for a tablet-based POS solution for line-busting,” said Everett. “Retailers want to be able to send people out, pick people out of the lines and execute their transaction on the spot.”
The TX1 features a bar-code reader; a hand strap, for one-handed operation; and also a stand that the tablet can be locked to—and that can be tilted toward a customer to collect a signature. It can also integrate all the functionality of the ProPad 600, as well as other business applications.
The ElitePad will arrive in the United States in March, starting at $739. The ProPad is expected to arrive in April, at a price that will be announced closer to its arrival; and the TX1 POS Solution will arrive in May, with pricing dependent on configuration.