HP has unveiled its first multi-touch tablet for business users with the HP EliteBook 2740 p. The laptop, which is convertible into a tablet, weighs only 3.8 pounds and has two optional displays. You can either choose a 12.1 inch diagonal 1280×800 LED display or an outdoor view display for use in natural light with low reflection and high contrast.
HP’s tablet is equipped with an Intel Core i7 or i5 processor and optional vPro management technology. It also offers Intel HD integrated graphics, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, up to 320GB of hard drive space or up to 160GB of solid state drive storage, and an external DVD burner as an option.
The 2740p also incorporates a 2MP web camera, microphone, stereo speakers, a keyboard that is resistant to spills, two pointing devices (touchpad and pointstick), 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, the optional HP un2420 EV-DO/HSPA mobile broadband module, Ethernet LAN, a 56k modem, three USB ports, ExpressCard and Secure Digital slots, Firewire and a VGA port.
HP confirms that the EliteBook meets the military standards for (MIL-STD 810G) vibration, dust, humidity, altitude and temperatures. The optional HP 2740 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base can be used as a dock for the notebook to connect with peripherals without needing to plug and unplug. This expansion base includes a DVD+/-RW drive, and an eSATA port, allowing for connection to an external RAID array, HDD and optical drives.
Since battery life is important for business users, you can opt for a six cell Li-ion prismatic battery with a battery life of five hours. You can combine this battery with a HP 2700 Ultra-Slim Battery and the total battery life will increase to 11 hours.
HP EliteBook 2740p, which runs on Windows 7.0, should be available in the US next month at a starting price of $1599.
