By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
HP's pro entry into the Windows 8 tablet market is the impressive ElitePad 900 which is Intel powered, offers a 10.1-inch diagonal display and weighs just 1.5 pounds while measuring 9.2 millimeters (mm) thin. Precision crafted, with an eye toward fit and finish, the HP ElitePad uses stylish, premium materials such as CNC-machined aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass 2 making it lightweight yet sturdy.
Extremely portable and mobile with the option of 3G or 4G data, the HP ElitePad can also serve various functions by way of innovative ecosystem of HP Smart Jackets and additional accessories designed specifically for the HP ElitePad expand the tablet’s potential.
First impressions on the device based on a hands-on event held a few months ago are as follows. The ElitePad 900 feels extremely well designed and constructed. HP applied a lot of engineering to create a solid yet lightweight business tablet that consumers will find desirable. This is a premium product from HP that's very similar to the level fit and finish we are seeing from their Envy line of Ultrabooks.
Windows 8 running on the ElitePad 900 was fast, responsive and felt natural and instinctive. Used with the dock adaptor to transform into a desktop solution, the ElitePad 900 ran various Windows 8 apps without missing a beat and looks to be a great tablet-desktop convertible device for most business users.
Demoed during the event were the Smart Jacket add ons. One of these jackets could double battery life (for tablet) while others include a rugged case for use on field. The the HP ElitePad Productivity Jacket—includes an integrated keyboard, connectivity ports, SD card reader and adjustable viewing angles for a complete computing experience. HP has also loaded the ElitePad 900 with various enterprise level security and software solutions.
The HP ElitePad 900 is expected to be available in the United States in January 2013. Pricing information will be available closer to availability.