Mobile Technology

HP targets enterprise users with EliteBook Revolve convertible tablet

HP targets enterprise users with EliteBook Revolve convertible tablet
HP's EliteBook Revolve tablet is aimed at enterprise users
HP's EliteBook Revolve tablet is aimed at enterprise users
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HP's EliteBook Revolve tablet is aimed at enterprise users
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HP's EliteBook Revolve tablet is aimed at enterprise users
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HP's EliteBook Revolve features a rotating hinge to switch between laptop and tablet form factors
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HP's EliteBook Revolve features a rotating hinge to switch between laptop and tablet form factors
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With the success of the iPad, it’s easy to forget that convertible units with a rotating hinge and physical keyboard were once the form factor of choice for tablet computers. While touchscreen-only devices now dominate the consumer space, convertible tablets continue to find a market, particularly amongst business and government users. It is these markets that HP is targeting with its latest touch-enabled convertible tablet, the EliteBook Revolve, which is due for a March, 2013 release.

Powered by third-generation Intel Core processors and with 4 Gb of RAM, the EliteBook Revolve features a touch-enabled, 11.6-inch, 1,366 x 768 pixel resolution display that pivots and twists to switch between traditional laptop and tablet form factors. The display is made from scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 2, while the all-magnesium chassis helps keep the unit’s weight down around 3.04 lb (1.37 kg) – that figure is based on the preproduction model, as is the estimated 22.4 mm thickness of the device.

The full-sized physical QWERTY keyboard features a backlight and is spill-resistant, while the screen orientation and brightness will adjust according to the unit’s position. Connectivity features include optional WWAN (LTE in the U.S. and HSPA+ elsewhere), secure NFC, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, two USB 3.0 ports and a DisplayPort.

HP's EliteBook Revolve features a rotating hinge to switch between laptop and tablet form factors
HP's EliteBook Revolve features a rotating hinge to switch between laptop and tablet form factors

Onboard storage comes in the form of a 256 GB SSD, with a 720p HD4 camera positioned above the display, a dual-microphone array, DTS Studio Sound and CyberLink’s YouCam software also on board. An optional pen is also available for touchscreen input. The battery should be good for eight to ten hours of use, and 210 hours of standby.

Although it has been optimized for Windows 8, HP will offer the option of preloading the EliteBook Revolve with Windows 7 for those not yet prepared to jump on the Metro train.

The EliteBook Revolve is that latest bid by HP to grab a slice of the growing enterprise tablet market. In October it announced the business-oriented ElitePad 900 boasting a rugged form factor and compatibility with Smart Jacket peripherals. The company has also announced a new Multi-Tablet Charging Module that can store and charge up to 10 tablet PCs with screen sizes under 10.1 inches from a single power outlet.

Like the ElitePad 900, the Multi-Tablet Charging Module will be available in the U.S. in January. It will be priced at US$499. Pricing of the EliteBook Revolve will be announced closer to its March, 2013 release date.

Source: HP

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5 comments
5 comments
Australian
While impressive in specs, my experience with HP keyboards is the letters easily wear off the keys. HP would not repair it even though it was under warranty.
EddieG
Golly! A tablet and a keyboard in two separate pieces! What impressive innovation! Better throw my old laptop away!
Rann Xeroxx
Its a nice looking notebook regardless of its pivot screen but why does HP think these are what people want when they did not seem to want them before? The beauty of an iPad or Nexus 10 is that they are so light weight and thin, you don't feel like you're carrying a brick around all day.
IMHO, HP needs to combine the ElitePad with the Envy to create a laptop device that completely converts to a tablet but can also be docked to turn into a desktop like PC. Keep the tab light but add the ability to turn it into a production device.
Michael Mantion
I love my dell latitude xt, but I really need an upgrade. I haven't liked HP in some time, I wonder if this computer is any good.
Threesixty
I am running Android (Asus iso) on my HP mini 210 netbook. Great OS with most all of the apps considering the netbook is not a phone.
Tablets lack a keyboard and mouse. Sure they can be emulated on a touch screen as a poor substitute.