14 DAY TRIAL // Since there already are plenty of tablets on the market, with or without keyboard docks, HP figured a step or two backwards in time, figuratively speaking, could do some good.
What we mean by that is that the company has created a product whose kind has been around for years and which was a precursor, of sorts, to business slates.
Convertible tablets are laptops whose screen is connected to the lower half by a very special hinge.
Said hinge not only lifts and lowers the display. It can also rotate at a 360 degree angle, allowing for the display to sit face-up on top of the keyboard.
This ability to change from tablet to notebook form factors, and vice-versa, is the reason why such items are called convertible tablets.
The convertible tablet that HP just launched is called EliteBook Revolve, measures 11.6 inches and has an HD touchscreen (1366 x 768 pixels).
An SSD of up to 256 GB is part of the configuration, as is an Intel CPU, a customizable RAM amount (DDR3 memory) and a 720p HD camera, plus DTS Studio Sound and a dual-microphone array.
When using the included CyberLink YouCam software, it should be easy to take video calls and participate in video conferences.
Other features include DisplayPort, secure NFC, USB 3.0, WWAN (wireless connectivity to networks) and automatic screen orientation and brightness adjustment.
Finally, the tablet boasts a backlit keyboard and a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 2 protective panel for the screen, plus an all-magnesium chassis.
Buyers of the HP EliteBook Revolve will have the chance to buy an optional pen. The price is unknown, and will stay that way for a while, as availability is only set for March 2013.
"Employees want computing devices that work the way they do -- flexibly and able to adapt to any situation," said Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager, Commercial Managed IT Segment, HP.
"HP is committed to ensuring its Elite portfolio of tablet solutions will provide customers the features their employees need for maximum productivity, with a design they'll be proud to carry everywhere they go, all without sacrificing the enterprise services and protection that take the headache away from IT."