HP unveiled its latest two-in-one convertible enterprise tablet and notebook computer, the HP Pro x2 612 G2, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, bringing a new design and updated features to the company’s 2-year-old previous model, the HP Pro x2 612 G1.
Starting at $979 and available immediately in the United States, the HP Pro x2 612 G2 is built with enterprise users in mind, with a choice of 12-inch full HD BrightView displays that include a Corning Gorilla Glass 4 cover glass, a rugged shell built of magnesium, a choice of Intel processors from the Pentium 4410Y to the Core i7, a maximum 8GB of LPDDR3-1866 SDRAM 3 (soldered-in) memory and solid-state drives (SSDs) ranging from 128GB to 512GB.
The machine comes with Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 or can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro 64. It also includes integrated Intel HD Graphics 6158 cards.
The new HP Pro x2 612 G2 can be detached from its keyboard and used as a tablet or it can remain connected to its keyboard and be used as an enterprise notebook, which includes a 165-degree adjustable rear-mounted kickstand for the first time. The machine also includes a wide range of enterprise security features, an optional backlit keyboard and an estimated 11 hours of battery life on a full charge; it is ruggedized to meet MIL-STD 810G standards for resistance to drops, dust and water resistance, temperatures and other extreme environmental hazards. The all-new standard collaboration keyboard features special keys to bring up calendar entries, presentations, call answering and call ending during online sessions.
The new device is 0.358 inches thick, which is 25 percent thinner than the machines it replaces, and weighs about 2.65 pounds depending on configuration, which is about 27 percent lighter than the previous version. The latest two-in-one also includes one 3.1 USB-C port, one USB 3.0 port, a microSD slot, a smart card reader and a Wacom pen with an app launch button for inputting custom data and illustrations. Fast charging capabilities that allow a 50 percent charge in 30 minutes are built into the new device as well.
Also included are an integrated 8-megapixel 1080p rear-facing webcam, a 5MP 1080p front-facing webcam, built-in global 4G and 3G capabilities, as well as Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2×2) WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Options include a fingerprint reader for security and near-field communications (NFC) capabilities.
The machine, which is aimed at mobile knowledge workers in commercial enterprises and public sector workplaces, also features a line of optional accessories, including an HP Elite USB-C Dock that allows users to connect up to three displays, a wired network and other accessories, as well as an HP USB-C Travel Hub, which can be connected to a display and accessories on the road. Special retail and rugged cases are also available for use in stores by inventory workers or in rugged environments.
“As people continue to work outside the office on a more frequent basis, we are delivering devices and accessories that bring traditional PC-based productivity to a more mobile experience in a way that IT can securely manage and service,” Michael Park, vice president and general manager of personal systems mobility at HP, said in a statement. “These [machines] allow workers to be more productive in a mobile-first environment, enabling a richer experience for workforces across all industries while helping IT realize a lower total cost of ownership with no compromises to security.”
The original HP Pro x2 debuted in June 2014 with a choice of Intel Core i3 or i5 processors as well as standard 3G and 4G LTE connectivity, VGA, RJ-45 and Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader and a docking connector. The keyboard was spill-resistant and backlit and included its own battery that provided an extra 6 hours of battery life for a total of just over 14 hours when the two parts were used in a notebook configuration, according to an earlier eWEEK report.