New HP EliteBook tablet adds capacitive touch, new Intel processors
With ruggedized features and speedy specs, HP's thin metal convertible enters the tablet fray yet again.
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Lest anyone be left out of the tablet/slate wave that's currently crashing over the laptop and ultraportable industry, HP has announced a new 12.1-inch EliteBook convertible tablet for the business-minded who feel the need for pens and capacitive multitouch displays at the same time.
Equipped with a stainless steel finish and magnesium casing, the EliteBook 2740p tablet PC will be available with either a Core i5 or Core i7 processor, a reinforced glass screen, and a touch interface that will also work with an included pen. The 2740p (and its non-tablet sibling, the 2540p below) also meet military standards for high temperatures, dust, vibration and altitude, like its tablet predecessor the 2730p. Built-in HP DriveGuard technology also builds some impact resistance into the design.
At a starting weight of 3.8 pounds, the 2740p comes with a choice of two batteries, both six-cells: one is lithium-ion prismatic with a longer runtime between charges, while the other is a "long-life" battery that should last longer before replacing, thus potentially being more ecological.
The 2740p can dock like other HP laptops--a separate expansion docking bay with optical drive, additional ports, and hard drive bays is available separately.
For the non-tablet-minded, the EliteBook 2540p has a similar look minus the swivel screen, available with either a standard-voltage Core i5 or i7 CPU and 7200rpm hard drive, or a low-voltage Core i7 processor with optional room for an internal optical drive or second hard drive. The 2540 comes with batteries ranging from 3 to 9 cells, and HP Mobile Broadband, using Gobi.
The 2740p tablet starts at $1599, while the EliteBook 2540p starts at $1099, with both being available starting next month.