HP's 2730p EliteBook tablet PC reviewed, seriously loved

HP's exceptionally fresh EliteBook 2730p tablet was recently reviewed by the notebook mavens over at GottaBeMobile, and right out of the gate, they delivered the line that tells all: "The HP 2730p EliteBook tablet is more than worthy of your consideration as your next or your first tablet PC." So, what did this thing do right in order to garner such a recommendation? Let's see -- overly satisfactory performance, an excellent design, smile-worthy battery life (4-hours in normal use on a single 6-cell), and perfectly implemented inking / tablet features. Granted, not everything was rosy, as the WXGA (1,280 x 800) screen left a little to be desired and the keyboard layout was similarly scolded. Overall, the unit still performed well enough to make it into their short list, but it sounds like you may want to try one in person before buying blind.

[canoo @ Oct 2nd 2008 11:54AM]

Verryyyy niceee!! How Muchhh???

[Jonathan Keim @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:27PM]

Starting at: $ 1,679.00

[MioTheGreat @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:08PM]

It's a gorgeous machine...But for the price, I think I'm happy with my tx2500z.

[Big Bad Bun-gee Cord @ Oct 2nd 2008 11:55AM]

These just don't appeal to me. Guess i am just not an Elite Tablet kinda guy.

[huh @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:02PM]

The "elite" moniker and the brushed steel look is the #1 thing turning me off this model.

[Mobius_1 @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:59PM]

What, like any Chinese product that has the word "Super" somewhere on the packaging?

[jon @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:00PM]

this needs I have a shootout with the new lenovo tablet, now!

[RadicalxEdward @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:00PM]

This is what I wish Apple would do with a MacBook line. A tablet. Not in the sense of the ModBook. which is stupid because then you loose the whole keyboard. but a convertible tablet like this where the screen swivels around onto the keyboard.

It always seems like whenever anyone throws around the concept of a Mac tablet they always think of the modbook style.

[Platinum_Skeet @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:29PM]

If you need OSX that bad you could just dual-boot it and run windows on the side...

[Wii60 @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:37PM]

I want apple to do it simply because of the touchscreen patents they have. Seriously, they could do this very well. A 10" Widescreen with an integrated stand and a separate bluetooth keyboard. Or if you use it on your lap, some sort of other keyboard solution. Could be either a UMPC or a Laptop. They need to get on this one.

[RadicalxEdward @ Oct 2nd 2008 8:51PM]

@Platinum_Skeet

Since when does OS X work 100% on a tablet pc? OS X doesn't run on ANY pc as well as is does on a comparable Mac.

[quiksilv3r @ Oct 2nd 2008 3:26PM]

A tablet without a matte screen and a digitizer would be HORRIBLE. Apple doesn't have the woreds matte and stylus in its vocabulary.

[diode3diode @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:01PM]

Between this and the x200 tablet, it's getting kind of hard deciding which one to get. Here's hoping for another stimulus package. After all, tablets PC's are good investments right?

[Elkin @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:14PM]

So, what are the differences between this one and the tx2500z? and is it worth it? (price wise)
I just got a tx2500z last week, but it was around 800$ after rebates! :)

[Chin-Poh @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:20PM]

The TX series is geared exclusively towards consumers and multimedia whereas this one is exclusively business oriented.

I like the TX series from HP, but really wish they had an Intel option.

[Rhino @ Oct 2nd 2008 1:06PM]

I just got a tx2500z also and it was really poor. The building is very poor that the screen and the keyboard does not fit. I have asked HP for an exchange. Hopefully the new one would be great otherwise I would rule HP out of my option and stick back to Toshi

[TareX @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:17PM]

whoa. This is the first Dream tablet to win me over.

Even though I have little use for a tablet in my life, I guess I can find multiple uses for that one. Next, price? (hopes it's in the sub-$900 category)

[MioTheGreat @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:09PM]

If you find an HP coupon (400 or 500 off), then you can get a fully spec'd out tx2500z for around $900.

[MioTheGreat @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:14PM]

If you find an HP coupon (400 or 500 off), then you can get a fully spec'd out tx2500z for around $900.

[strider_mt2k @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:18PM]

Interesting.
I wonder what movies look like on that thing.

[neodorian @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:24PM]

I miss having a tablet after I broke my Toshiba. I would love one of these but there is no way I can afford one. Convertible tablets are crucial in meetings and out and about. You get used to the added functionality and it is hard to give it up.

[qrius @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:38PM]

just get a used one from ebay. I got my m200 for $325. The surface is a bit banged up and has scratches, but works fine. I upgraded the regular 512mb to 1.5gb and it's smooth so far. I love the 1400 by 1050 resolution too.

[neodorian @ Oct 2nd 2008 2:52PM]

@qrius: That is the one I had. I got it for $350 a year or so ago and I love it. Then I broke it and I can't justify spending another $300-400 on a laptop at the moment (not in my current budget). I do love these used tablets though. They have the specs of a decent netbook (1.5ghz, 1gb ram, 64mb video card, etc) but add the tablet functionality.

[Jash Sayani @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:25PM]

Waiting for new MacBooks.........

[konshuss @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:25PM]

this is really cool... but i'd just end up watching movies on it.. or at least trying. what's cooler than being in that important meeting with your clipboard where you look busy but you're actually watching sfw porn?

[SixWinged @ Oct 2nd 2008 9:06PM]

Being in that important meeting with your clipboard where you look busy but you're actually watching NSFW porn. :)

[pekosROB @ Oct 2nd 2008 1:31PM]

@ SixWinged

What Porn isn't classified as NSFW? I mean shouldn't porn just be called "Porn" and not "NSFW Porn?" Please give me an example of porn that is safe for work? :-)

[Brett @ Oct 2nd 2008 2:15PM]

@SixWinged:

Your comment intriguingly implies that there exists safe-for-work porn?

[wickedpheonix @ Oct 2nd 2008 2:22PM]

yeah, if you work in the porn industry...

[konshuss @ Oct 2nd 2008 2:52PM]

sfw-porn.com. enjoy. (nsfw)

[Geoff @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:33PM]

And just like that, the site's database is busted and they're down. Engadget'd.

[muddyh2o @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:44PM]

engadget crushes another website

[Juice Daddy @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:54PM]

I'd be glad to trade my tx2000z for one of these :P

[Rhino @ Oct 2nd 2008 1:09PM]

3.7lbs!!! That's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to heavy for a tablet with 1.8inch HDD!! Even 2.7lbs is just okay

[konshuss @ Oct 3rd 2008 9:48AM]

what are your legs made of spaghetti, emo?

[Jason Litka @ Oct 2nd 2008 1:13PM]

Dead link.

[Joe H @ Oct 2nd 2008 1:31PM]

Apparently the site is currently down for the day. I assume Engadget killed it.

[MikeWard1701 @ Oct 2nd 2008 2:13PM]

Dammit HP! Stop putting intel C2D into business tablets and shove one in the tx2500 series!

Seriously though, this tablet is making me consider upping my budget.
Also giving the Lenovo x200t a look too.

[Brian @ Oct 2nd 2008 2:40PM]

Do these respond to finger touch, or stylus only? The specifications for tablets are very vague on the subject. I'd consider buying one if it could do both forms of input.

[Alareth @ Oct 2nd 2008 5:07PM]

Yes, you can finger touch.

[Warner Crocker @ Oct 2nd 2008 2:47PM]

(Sigh) We are down for the day at GBM. Site issues with our publishing software, DasBlog. Apologies. We'll be back soon.

[StalematE @ Oct 2nd 2008 3:25PM]

magna-doodle 10,000!

[Tokume @ Oct 2nd 2008 3:46PM]

Wow. Using BumpTop beta on this would be awesome...

[gangsta jesus @ Oct 2nd 2008 8:14PM]

They're using touchscreen tablets in my doctor's office now.
instead of the nurses walking around with big files, theyre using tablets.
Its pretty sweet.

[BitterNon-Boot @ Oct 2nd 2008 9:26PM]

I purchased the tx1200 unit (predecessor to this line) just last year and it recently just stopped booting, not even to bios. Ram is ok, but mainboard has some issue. OF course it is now out of warranty so i am left with a $1100 paperweight.

HOPE that the new design is better as my issue appears to be somewhat common if you do a google search and power through some forum posts on various boards.

I really enjoyed my unit, but this failure and now in hindsight other clearly apparent hardware issues have left me untrusting.

[Justin @ Oct 2nd 2008 10:42PM]

that looks helllaaa nice

[Dr.M.Bud @ Oct 3rd 2008 3:42PM]

I think that the HP 2730p computer is worth the money....but, I have been having the hardest time trying to buy one. I called HP and placed an order on wednesday and still getting the run around. Great product but crappy service.....if I can't order the computer by today then I am going to seriously reconsider buying from HP and maybe hold out for the Dell latitude XT2!???!!!!

[BehindYou @ Oct 6th 2008 2:22PM]

Echoing Rhino's comment 3.7lbs is dang heavy!