Following its global debut last week, HP has announced local availability of its new Windows 8, business-focused ElitePad 900 tablet.
The tablet won’t arrive on Australian shelves until early 2013. It will retail from $899. HP declined to reveal why the device would not launch alongside Windows 8.
The mystery tablet had been popping up in HP advertisements over the last few months. The ElitePad 900’s arrival marks the first time HP has re-entered the tablet market since its TouchPad was withdrawn from sale just weeks after launch.
The tablet is targeted at businesses and boasts a 10.1-inch display. It is powered by Intel's latest Clover Trail Atom processor, will run on Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 OS, and has a 1080p front and 8MP back camera. It weighs in at o.68kg -- the same as Microsoft's Surface tablet -- and measures 92.mm thick.
The tablet is specifically designed for enterprises with a range of accessories including the ‘productivity jacket’, arming the device with an integrated keyboard, connectivity ports, and an SD card reader for a more traditional notebook-like experience; an ‘expansion jacket’ which offers additional USB, HDMI and extended battery life, as well as a ‘rugged case’, which HP said provides "military-grade" protection against drops.
Also available are a docking station and stylus.
Security features such as HP Client Security and HP Drive Encryption are designed to win over IT departments. The tablet's x86-based architecture also allows IT managers to support and monitor the new ElitePad 900 using HP's existing Client Management solutions.
The tablet is also fully serviceable with an optional service tool that lets customers access the panel, battery and motherboard, helping to reduce downtime and protect sensitive data.
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