HP's Pro x2 is a 2-in-1 detachable tablet that is undoubtedly its business-oriented answer to the Microsoft Surface Pro line of tablets. In addition to sleek metal-and-glass styling that will attract end users, the Pro x2 has features like available Intel vPro and HP Sure Start Gen3 BIOS protection for the IT professionals that support them.
New Intel Core m3, i5, i7, and Pentium Y-series processors power the HP Pro x2 612 G2. They are fanless, so featured accessories like cases don't need to have vents built in. The Core i5 and i7 variants support smart card readers and Intel vPro, a necessity for IT infrastructures at larger corporations.
We figure that most Pro x2 tablets will ship with Windows 10 Pro, but the regular Home version will also be supported. HP Sure Start Gen3 ensures that the BIOS firmware and configuration conforms to your company's custom specs. It will automatically protect the BIOS from attacks, and roll back any changes brought on my malware or unauthorized end users.
Full-Featured Tablet
The tablet has a 12-inch 1,920-by-1,280-resolution touch display, covered by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, and has a u-shaped aluminum kickstand that lets you set a comfortable angle for viewing. 8GB of soldered memory comes standard, along with replaceable SSDs with 128-512GB capacities. The screen, battery, and kickstand are also serviceable by your IT department.
An optional HP Collaboration Keyboard is similar to the Type Cover on the Surface Pro, since it is removable and has full-sized chiclet-style keys. It features special function keys that speed Skype for business calls and presentations. The Pro x2's pressure-sensitive stylus comes with a specialized button for launching apps like OneNote and uses Wacom technologies.
The tablet has a headset jack, a mircoSD card reader, a USB 3.0 port, and a USB-C port, so you may not need the optional HP Elite USB-C dock ($149) or Elite USB-C Travel Hub ($49) for every user in your organization. If you do avail of the docking solutions, both feature one-cable USB-C connections for simultaneous charging and accessory use. The tablet will start at $979 and is available now.
Rugged Retail
The Pro x2's other accessories are very business oriented, including a $49 Rugged Case with built-in stylus storage and hand strap. The Rugged Case will help shield the tablet from drops and falls during handheld use by field workers. The $129 HP Retail Case also features a hand strap, but is designed to connect to a lockable retail dock that turns it into a POS (point-of-sale) terminal.
HP also released a $329 Mobile Scanning Solution and $999 Mobile Retail Solution for its HP Elite x3 mobile phone at MWC. Both are designed to aid information entry and retrieval at retail outlets, warehouses, and healthcare facilities.