HP’s ElitePad 900 Windows 8 tablet has been designed for power users and combines a slim and light design with the power and speed of a laptop.
The device has a 10.1-inch display and an Intel Atom Z2760 1.8Ghz processor with Intel Burst and Hyper-Threading Technology.
Also available for the ElitePad 900 is a wide range of accessories including docks and battery cases to extend the device’s performance.
DESIGN
The HP ElitePad has a light and slim feel – it weighs 630g and is just 9.2mm thick.
The 10.1-inch WXGA screen has a resolution of 1280 x 800 with an ultra-wide viewing angle.
On the design side the ElitePad 900 has a machined aluminium rear panel that tapers to the edges so it fits the contour of your hand nicely when you’re holding it.
Along the top edge is the on/off/lock key, the 3.5mm headphone jack and the auto rotate on/off slider switch with the volume up and down key on the rear left side on the curve of the back panel near the edge.
There’s also a 1080p front facing camera for video calls and an 8-megapixel rear camera with flash
On the bottom are two speakers to help make the ElitePad 900 as much an entertainment device as it is a workhorse.
Below the screen is the home button that brings users back to the Windows 8 main screen which features the applications and shortcuts as tiles.
On the back right edge is a panel which can be popped open to add a microSD card and a SIM card for mobile connectivity.
PERFORMANCE
The HP ElitePad 900 is designed for use by a wide range of customers whether it’s for individual use or deployed by large companies to their employees.
Either way the device has the power to handle your computing needs with an Intel Atom processor that’s been optimised with Hyper-Threading technology to improve performance across the board.
There’s 2GB RAM on board and your choice of 32GB and 64GB memory plus an Intel graphics media accelerator.
And the proof of performance is the fact that the ElitePad 900 can run the same applications as your Windows laptop and desktop.
But it has the added versatility of being so light and portable and can work with the excellent range of accessories.
Battery life in our testing ran to just under six hours with moderate use.
ACCESSORIES
The three standout accessories for the ElitePad 900 are the Productivity Jacket, the Expansion Jacket and the Docking Station.
These are designed to make the ElitePad 900 an even more powerful product by adding extended battery life and providing a keyboard and convenient connectivity.
The Productivity Jacket ($289) certainly lives up to its name. The case not only protects the HP device but also adds a keyboard that easily clicks into place for easy typing on the go.
It also adds two USB ports and an SD card reader and an adjustable stand.
The Expansion Jacket ($169) fits the ElitePad 900 neatly and securely inside the case and includes a battery to supplement the one on the device.
This can extend battery life by up to another six hours so you’ll never be short of power during your working day.
This accessory also includes two USB ports and an HDMI out port to replicate the ElitePad’s screen on a larger display.
The Docking Station ($139) places the devices at comfortable angle for viewing or typing with a keyboard.
It can even fit the ElitePad 900 on the dock with or without the Expansion Jacket.
Also on board the Docking Station are four USB ports and HDMI and VGA video out ports.
VERDICT
As far as Windows 8 tablets go, the HP Elite Pad 900 is certainly a capable device with satisfying performance.
The product is well-designed and supported by a useful range of accessories.
It would have been nice to have more connectivity on the device – like USB or HDMI out – considering the entry level price is listed at $799.
To get the full connectivity requires an additional purchase of one or more accessories.
But one thing that can’t be denied is the fact the device is versatile and suited to various uses in any location.
HP ElitePad 900
Price: From $799
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