HP Launches New Tablets for Enterprise Users
HP (HPQ) took aim at enterprise tablet users with the unveiling of two new business tablets meant for employees on the go.
Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) took aim at enterprise tablet users with the unveiling of two new business tablets meant for employees on the go.
The HP ElitePad 1000 and the HP ProPad 600 are the company’s latest enterprise offerings, and both have unique features which make them useful to users who don’t want to sacrifice functionality for mobility, according to HP. The announcement came in a recent press release, which also revealed details on the launch of the HP TX1 POS Solution, which is meant to enhance HP’s portfolio of retail solutions for its enterprise customers.
“Our tablets and mobile ecosystem continue to evolve to meet the growing transformation of the workplace,” said Enrique Lores, senior vice president and general manager, Commercial PCs, HP in a prepared statement. “The line between work and life has blurred to the point that it’s now a true blend, where employees increasingly require stylish, business-ready mobile devices that don’t make any sacrifices to productivity, reliability or security.”
While both tablets come preloaded with Microsoft (MSFT) Windows 8.1, each differ enough to warrant a closer look. The ElitePad is HP’s thinnest tablet ever made, according to the press release, weighing 1.5 pounds and measuring just 9.2 mm in width. It features a 10.1-inch widescreen touch panel and an aluminum chassis to resist drops and other accidents. The ProPad sports an extended battery life and a microSD expansion slot for an additional 32GB of data if needed. The HP ProPad will allow users to access ePrint software via its Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity hub.
According to HP, the ElitePad will be available in March for $739, while the ProPad will be available in April for an undisclosed price. The HP TX1 POS Solution will also be released in May.
As more and more organizations turn to mobile devices for driving employee workflow, companies such as HP are beginning to sit up and take notice that enterprise users need more features than the traditional tablet consumer. Recent reports have shown that government tablet and smartphone use is on the rise, bolstered in part by BYOD. So while an asking price of more than $700 seems pricey for a reliable tablet, it is important to remember that HP is targeting business users with larger pocketbooks rather than the casual tablet audience.
