HP will launch new business tablets soon

Oct 28, 2014 12:48 GMT  ·  By

It’s been a while since HP hasn’t launched any new tablets for professionals, but the company will soon bounce back with two new models.

The folks over at Notebook Italia managed to dig up information and the first few pictures of HP’s upcoming Pro Slate 12 and Pro Slate 8 (which is not the same as the Slate 8 Pro – getting a little confusing here, HP!).

HP has leaked its upcoming two tablets

Both devices showed up on the official HP website, although the smaller model has been removed since then. Like other HP professional tablets, the newcomers will bring about improved specifications to the professional crowd, but we’ll go into details in a few moments.

The main difference between them is the screen size, one measures 7.7 inches and the other 12.3 inches.

The larger model delivers 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution and the panel takes advantage of an anti-fingerprint coating and CT-40 FIT Corning Glass. The tablet weighs 850 g / 1.8 lbs and its measurements are 300.3 x 221 x 7.99 mm / 11.8 x 8.7 x 0.31 inches.

On the other hand, the 7.7-incher is capable of delivering 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution. Under the hood of both models, HP is throwing in a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 clocked to 2.3GHz with Adreno 330 graphics fitted with 2GB of RAM and 800 MHz LPDDR3 32GB eMMC of internal storage.

The slates take advantage of dual cameras (2MP up in front and 8MP on the back) with auto-focus and HDR. The operating system of choice is Android 4.4.2 KitKat out of the box, which has been a little tweaked by HP. Furthermore, the company has also installed a suite of security software.

Other specifications include 802.11ac Wi-Fi (Miracast compatible), Bluetooth 4.0 + LE, NFC, GPS, 3G / 4G LTE, USB 2.0, audio jack, a slot for nano SIM and two front stereo speakers with Audio DTS Sound+.

Snapdragon Digital Pen might make an appearance with the new models

But what makes the two tablets stand out is the presence of a pen, which the company calls HP Duet Pen. Judging by the photos, the stylus looks pretty much like your average smart pen, but the accessory could hold a greater potential.

There's a possibility that the Duet Pen could take advantage of the Snapdragon Digital Pen technology, which should allow users to control movements in and out of objects, rotate them in 3D and click to take snapshots of critical points and record comments.

The ultrasound technology is used to go beyond the screen and work across external surfaces, a property which could make for some interesting applications.

HP has yet to announce these products, but when it does, we’re sure to come back to this story and confirm whether or not we’re dealing with Snapdragon Digital Pen technology.

HP Pro Slate 12 and Pro Slate 8 (7 Images)

HP Pro Slate 12 runs Android
HP Pro Slate 8 with stylusHP Pro Slate 8 from the side
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