HP focuses on business with ElitePad 900 Windows 8 tablet

After Intel and its OEM partners announced the new Windows 8 Pro-based tablets running on the new Atom Z2760 processor, codenamed Clover Trail, Hewlett-Packard introduced the ElitePad 900 which the company labels as "a True Tablet for Business" and government, with accessories that crowd the spotlight.

Hewlett-Packard on Monday did not give much away in terms of technical specifications, but a few details were provided. The ElitePad 900 is known to come with a 16:10 10.1-inch display, a 9.2mm thickness and 1.5lbs weight without any accessories. CNC-machined aluminum is used on the tablet, with Corning Gorilla Glass 2 protecting the display. The processor used is "next-generation Intel mobile" and together with "x86 compatibility" it is likely to come with the new Intel Atom Z2760 SoC, that was previously announced. There is an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash as well as a 1080p forward-facing camera, with the latter a standout feature among tablets and smartphones which still hang around the 720p mark.

Preproduction HP ElitePad models were MIL-STD-810G tested, but according to the company, production models will lack the certification.

But the more interesting part of the announcement is represented by the new "ecosystem" business-oriented accessories which have been introduced along with the Windows 8-Pro based tablet:

• ElitePad Productivity Jacket which is basically a keyboard dock and includes connectivity ports and an SD card reader among the highlights
• ElitePad Expansion Jacket adds the possibility to attach an optional ElitePad Jacket battery for extended battery life, and comes with USB, HDMI and other connectivity ports
• ElitePad Rugged Case adds extra protection, and "military-grade reliability"
• ElitePad Docking Station provides a desktop-like experience by adding a keyboard and monitor, and can also charge the tablet or allow it to be used as a secondary display
• Executive Tablet Pen which is a flamboyant name for a stylus

The go-to note-taking app is Evernote and Skitch comes pre-installed as well, both of which are cross-platform apps with easy sharing between devices. The usual plethora of Hewlett-Packard branded applications and third party apps are included on the ElitePad 900. The device carries a one-year warranty, expandable to a three-year warranty through HP Care Pack Services.

The pricing has not yet been disclosed, but as most Windows tablets we've seen this quarter, pricing will be officially announced in the coming weeks when Windows 8 launches. The HP ElitePad 900 is expected to be released in the United States in January 2013.