HP unveils new Slate tablet after killing off TouchPad

Barely three months after killing its consumer-oriented TouchPad tablet computer, Hewlett-Packard returned to the tablet race, unveiling a multi-touch "business" tablet powered by Microsoft's Windows OS. HP said its Slate 2 Tablet PC has expanded touch capabilities, enhanced multitasking performance and embedded security for mobile business users. “HP is dedicated to the tablet PC category and continues to listen to customers and improve the product in ways that best address their business needs," said Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager of HP's Commercial Managed IT Segment. The 1.5-pound Slate 2 Tablet PC provides instant deployment for business and vertical markets such as education, healthcare, government and retail, "where jobs frequently take users away from a traditional desk." It has a "full-featured" Windows environment, offering professionals the flexibility to "create, edit and review content on one highly mobile and lightweight device." Also, it features an 8.9-inch diagonal capacitive multitouch display for touch and pen input plus includes a new Swype keyboard. The Swype applet enhances the touch experience with comfortable and efficient data entry via one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. HP said the Slate 2 starts at $699 and is expected to be available worldwide later this month. “The HP Slate includes the right mix of rich features, support for custom-built applications, and the security and connectivity needed for today’s highly mobile and rigorous day-to-day professional environment," Forlenza said. Powering the Slate 2 is an Intel® Atom Z670 processor with mSATA SSM technology to deliver faster boot times, improved battery life of up to six hours and increased performance for business customers. Additional hardware and software enhancements include:

• A TPM Embedded Security Chip protects data – from email to information on the hard drive.
• Embedded Security for HP ProtectTools provides user control and management of the TPM chip to increase secure user authentication, improved personal secure drive integrity, secure email and support protected digital certificate applications.
• BIOS support for Computrace Pro helps protect against data theft by allowing customers to remotely delete data at the file, directory or operating system level and keep confidential information more secure.
• HP Connection Manager offers easy control over wireless connections, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth® and optional integrated 3G Mobile Broadband for convenient internet and intranet access from more places around the world.

For remote workers, a front-facing VGA webcam enables videoconferencing, and a 3-megapixel camera on the back allows for still image and video capture. SRS Premium Sound provides optimized audio settings for voice and multimedia applications and an SD card slot allows for expanded storage and sharing capabilities. A HP Slate Dock provides device connection via two USB 2.0 ports and an HDMI port. Accessories The HP Slate 2 comes with optional additional accessories and business solutions including the HP Retail Mobile Point of Sale (POS) Case, which features an integrated magnetic stripe reader and barcode scanner for retailers. The case attaches to the HP Slate 2 and creates a secure portable POS solution that personalizes transactions, boosts productivity and sales, and integrates into existing application and hardware infrastructure. Also, the Slate 2 helps retailers combine online and enterprise access to applications and services including task management workflows, inventory data and custom orders. Lightweight business notebooks Meanwhile, HP released the HP 3115m offers up to 11.5 hours of battery life, flexible wireless capabilities, an 11.6-inch diagonal LED-backlit HD display, Beats Audio and a high-definition (HD) webcam for collaboration. The new AMD E450 dual-core Fusion APU with AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics provides greater performance than a netbook without weighing professionals down. The HP 3115m starts at $429 and is expected to be available Nov. 11 in the Americas only. — TJD, GMA News