HP ElitePad 900 Hands-On Preview: Windows 8 Tablet

HP announced the latest addition to its Windows 8 lineup. A business-focused tablet, the ElitePad 900 will be built around the same basic chassis as the ENVY x2. Where the ENVY is being billed as a notebook that can be a tablet when you need it, the ElitePad 900 is going to be all tablet, all the time.

Built around the next-generation Intel Atom CPUs (codenamed Clover Trail), the ElitePad will be an x86-based tablet that is going to run Windows 8 Pro -- meaning businesses won't need to rewrite custom apps to run on the platform.

In addition to the dual-core Atom CPU, buyers will find the ElitePad stocked with 2GB of RAM, 32 or 64 GB of flash storage, Intel integrated graphics, and a full suite of wireless connectivity options (802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, etc.).

Measuring just over 9 millimeters thick at its thickest point, the ElitePad will be about the same thickness and weight as the third-generation Apple iPad. Unlike the iPad, however, the new ElitePad 900 works with both finger and pen inputs, making it a solid choice for executives who need to take copious notes or sign documents on the go.

HP is bringing to market a number of different cases for the ElitePad, each enabling different functionality for the tablet. Despite the business pedigree of the device, consumers will find a lot to like, from the device's responsive touchscreen, to the high-quality stereo speakers, Full HD front-facing camera and more.

Mum's the word on pricing just yet, though HP does say it expects the tablet to be generally available in the first month of 2013.