HP introduces business tablet- HP ElitePad 900 in India

Hewlett Packard Printing and Personal Systems Group, India announced the launch of its business tablet HP ElitePad 900, a tablet that balances a smart & stylish design with enterprise-grade features, functionality, serviceability and support.

Designed for businesses and governments, it features the optional HP ElitePad Smart Jackets, (1) which add connectivity options and an additional ultra-slim battery for longer runtime along with specific add-ons that customize the tablet for specialized uses.

The HP ElitePad 900 is an ultrathin, lightweight tablet designed for Windows 8 (2) that delivers features for IT managers and touts a design that employees will crave. It offers the full serviceability, enhanced security and manageability found in HP Elite PCs, and military-grade durability for drops, vibration, dust, temperature extremes and high altitude.(3)

Mr. Vinay Awasthi, Senior Director - Product Category, PPS, HP India said, "Tablets are increasingly finding their way in the work environment and companies now recognize the importance of mobility offered by tablets, to executives and key employees. With the launch of Elitepad 900, HP continues to drive innovation that best suits India's technology and mobility needs."

"Enterprise workforce has to be extremely mobile today and hence they need a device that can help them to be more productive, while ensuring security aspects. The HP Elitepad is that perfect device for today's mobile workforce as it combines great style and user experience along with manageability and security features", said Mr. Sunish Raghavan, Head, Commercial PC Category, Printing and Personal Systems Group, HP India.

The ElitePad's thoughtfully designed accessories ecosystem allows the tablet to work as a primary notebook or a customized vertical solution to meet customer needs.

A tablet that is made for business

Ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the hand, the HP ElitePad offers a 10.1-inch diagonal display, weighs just 0.63-kilos (4) and measures 9.2 mm thin. The 16-by-10 aspect ratio maximizes the display area for ideal viewing of traditional business applications, as well as video content. 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.

Powered by next-generation Intel® mobile processors, the HP ElitePad delivers PC productivity for those on the go and Intel x86 compatibility for existing business application support. It is optimized for Windows 8 and supports touch- and pen- input. The HP ElitePad also provides power efficiency and smartphone-style convenience with compatibility for familiar Windows applications, as well as easy integration into existing IT environments.

The unique, productivity-enhancing ecosystem of the optional HP Smart Jackets and additional accessories designed specifically for the HP ElitePad expand the tablet's potential, turning it into a total enterprise solution:(1)

· HP ElitePad Productivity Jacket - includes an integrated keyboard, connectivity ports, SD card reader and adjustable viewing angles for a complete computing experience.

· HP ElitePad Expansion Jacket - adds USB, HDMI and other connectivity to get more done on the go. Add even longer battery life when bundled with the optional HP ElitePad Jacket battery.(5)

· The HP ElitePad Rugged Case - provides military-grade reliability and enhances the stylish profile of the ElitePad for added protection.

· HP ElitePad Docking Station - delivers an enterprise-class desktop experience with an added keyboard and monitor and also charges the tablet. Or, use it to set the tablet up as a secondary screen for phenomenal multitasking.

· HP Executive Tablet Pen - lets customers write messages and notes in their natural handwriting directly on screen and then save or convert to typed text for use in other applications.

Loaded with tools for mobile work or play

The HP ElitePad tablet's 1080p front-facing video camera and 8 megapixel (MP) rear camera with an LED flash and included CyberLink YouCam software help users easily communicate face to face, create high-definition (HD)(6) web videos or record training videos without high production costs.

· Powered by technology from HP Labs, the company's central research arm, new HP PageLift(7) is an application that automatically trims, and correctly lights and orients a captured image of a whiteboard, paper contract or other document so it is ready to use or share without requiring manual editing.

· Users can easily print directly from their HP ElitePad to any ePrint enabled HP printers with the preloaded ePrint driver (8), or to a networked HP printer without the need for downloading drivers.

· The HP ElitePad also helps small workgroups connect with HP Wireless Hotspot, a desktop application that allows users to share a wireless internet connection and network bandwidth. (9)

· Additional user-experience software includes the CyberLink Media suite, which enables users to manage and create audio and video content with the same easy-to-use interface as other HP business PCs. Users can also record and listen to audio with a stereo microphone and headset jack that feature the richness of SRS Audio.

· Information management is made easy with Evernote, which captures, saves and synchronizes information across devices with impressively quick search capability, and Skitch software that eases collaboration with colleagues by quickly marking up images with captions or sketches.

Manageability, deployment and security for IT environments

The HP ElitePad offers a long life cycle, stable image, and HP Global Series Support, all of which IT managers expect in an enterprise tablet. It also features a one-year base warranty, with the option for a three-year warranty via HP Care Pack services in select countries. The HP ElitePad is fully serviceable with an optional, industry-unique service tool for HP Self-Maintainers that allows customers to access the panel, battery, motherboard and unibody chassis, helping reduce downtime and keep sensitive data and devices in-house. (10)

In addition, organizations will appreciate the enterprise-caliber data, device and identity protection from HP Client Security,(11) including HP BIOS Protection, Security Manager and HP Drive Encryption. Additional security features include Device Access Manager, optional Computrace (12) and Sparekey.

Device deployment and ongoing support and maintenance are made easy with x86 compatibility and support for HP Client Management solutions. The LANDesk Management Suite (1) also increases security and eases management by providing differentiated tools to locate and help protect data on lost devices, remotely capture SIM card info for mass WWAN activation (13) and enforce geographic policies to remotely lock, full wipe or selectively wipe data.

HP has also announced a new HP Multi-Tablet Charging Module, (1) which quickly and easily charges and stores up to 10 tablet PCs with just one power outlet. Suitable for a range of different work environments, the module secures all docked tablets with a locking mechanism and a keyed lock on the fold-back doors. The HP Multi-Tablet charging module helps areas like nurses' stations, classrooms and other workspaces stay tidy while keeping tablets charged and secure for when users need them.

It works with any tablet device up to 10.1 diagonal inches, and is ideal for use with the HP ElitePad tablet and the HP ENVY x2 notebook- which doubles as tablet-whether the notebook is being used standalone or with an HP Smart Jacket or keyboard.

Pricing and Availability (14)

The HP ElitePad 900 is now available in India at a starting price of approximately INR 43,500.

(1) Sold separately or as an optional feature.

(2) This system is Windows 8 certified and supports the new Windows Store user interface. The integrated display resolution is below the threshold for Snap, a Windows Store interface feature that allows two Windows Store applications to be viewed simultaneously. This feature may be enabled by attaching an external 1,366 x 768 or higher resolution display.

(3) Preliminary test results based on preproduction models. MIL-STD-810G testing was not intended to demonstrate fitness for U.S. Department of Defense contracts or for military use. Test results are not a guarantee of future performance under these test conditions.

(4) Weight will vary by configuration.

(5) Requires optional HP Smart Jacket and secondary battery.

(6) High definition content is required to view high-definition images.

(7) Requires Windows 8 Pro.

(8) Requires an internet connection to HP web-enabled printer and HP ePrint account registration (a list of eligible printers, supported documents and image types, and other HP ePrint details is available at www.hp.com/go/eprintcenter), requires optional broadband module. Broadband use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in specific area. Separately purchased data plans or usage fees may apply. Print times and connection speeds may vary.

(9) The HP Wireless Hotspot application requires an active internet connection and separately purchased data plan. While HP mobile hotspot is active, on-device applications will continue to work and will use the same data plan as the mobile hotspot. Mobile hotspot data usage may incur additional charges. Check plan for details. Requires Microsoft Windows 8.

(10) Available for HP Authorized Service Providers or HP Self-Maintainers only. Additional information is available at www.hp.com/partners/SMprogram.

(11) Requires Windows 8 and initial user set up.

(12) Computrace agent is shipped turned off, and must be activated by customers when they purchase a subscription. Subscriptions can be purchased for terms ranging for multiple years. Service is limited. Check with Absolute for availability outside the United States.

(13) Broadband use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in specific area.

(14) Estimated India pricing. Actual prices may vary.