HP Announces Business-Focused HP ElitePad 900 Windows 8 Tablet

This morning, 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. 

Be sure to check out our extensive hands-on ElitePad 900 video preview, and click the photo gallery to see all of HP's shiny press images.