HP announces business-targeted Slate 2, HP 3115m
The Windows tablet sequel and a new 11-inch laptop with an AMD processor are squarely aimed at the business set, while adopting features we've seen on other products.
The HP Slate 2, with dock.
(Credit: HP)Remember the HP Slate? It's back.
HP's tablet that's not the TouchPad was originally released in 2010 as a Windows-based tablet aimed at offering business users an iPad-esque experience, albeit with a capacitive screen that works with an included stylus. The new Slate 2 is still Windows-based, and still business-targeted, with embedded security including a TPM chip.
The 1,024x768 resolution 8.9-inch-screened tablet weighs 1.5 pounds, and has specs like a Windows Netbook: a 1.5GHz Intel Z670 processor, up to 64GB mSATA SSM storage, and a promised 6 hours of battery life, an improvement on the original Slate. Front and rear-facing cameras and an SD card slot are included. Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and EV-DO/HSDPA Gobi 3000 mobile broadband support cover the bases on communication.
The multitouch display supports finger and pen input, adding a new Swype virtual keyboard. A new folio-style Bluetooth keyboard case is an alternative to the dock, which adds USB 2.0 and HDMI ports. The detachable Bluetooth keyboard accessory can work with both setups.
Windows tablets have a hard time making waves against the iPad and even Android tablets--to put it mildly--but many businesses and services have used Windows tablets to run specific programs. Right now, the Slate 2 is HP's lone tablet.
HP Mini 3115m: a dm1z-alike.
(Credit: HP)In laptop news, HP also announced a business-branded, Windows 7 Professional-running variant on the HP Pavilion dm1z 11-inch laptop that's been so well-reviewed on CNET. The HP 3115m has an AMD Fusion E450 processor, that same 11-inch screen, and Beats audio, which is showing up on every HP product lately.
The Slate 2 will be available later in November, staring at $699, while the HP 3115m will be available November 11 for $429.
