HP adds EliteBook 2540p and 2740p to the lineup, brings the power and the touch
By Joanna Stern 
posted March 1st 2010 12:01AM
posted March 1st 2010 12:01AM
Up next is the 2740p which packs much of the same internal spec options as the 2540p (sans the low-voltage CPUs), but puts them into a convertible tablet form factor. Starting at $1,599, its capacitive multitouch 12.1-inch display now supports both pen and finger input and thus pits it head-to-head with Lenovo's ThinkPad X201t, though from our hands-on we found the 3.8-pound 2740p to be much slimmer and lighter. A lot of that has to do with its flush battery, but if adding some juice (and thickness) is your thing, you can add a slate battery (or two!) to the bottom of the system. Both the 2540p and 2740p will be available later this month, but hit the hands-on gallery below to get a look at these magnesium puppies up close.
HP Unveils Ultra-thin, Touch-enabled Convertible Tablet and Notebook PCs for Small and Midsize Businesses
PALO ALTO, Calif., March 1, 2010 – HP today introduced the company's first multitouch-enabled tablet for business users as well as notebook PCs tailored for both enterprise and small and midsize businesses (SMBs).
The additions to the HP portfolio include:
- HP EliteBook 2740p – an ultra-thin, multitouch-enabled convertible tablet that provides an interactive experience for businesses in health care, education, sales and more;
- HP EliteBook 2540p – the company's lightest EliteBook notebook PC, starting at only 3.3 pounds, is ideal for global and large corporate enterprises, the public sector and other businesses in need of a rugged, high-performance notebook; and
- HP ProBook standard series (s-series) notebook PCs – four new models of the high-performing series provide a new design and sophisticated colors for everyday use.
"The HP business touch tablet is the latest addition to the broad mix of choices that HP offers business customers to best improve manageability, productivity and mobility," said Dan Forlenza, vice president, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP. "HP continues to implement the latest innovations to help large companies and SMBs exceed productivity expectations."
The notebook PCs are the latest in the company's series of launches providing businesses a wide selection of products to refresh their aging business technology.
Powerful and light notebook PCs for the road warrior
Now offering standard voltage Intel processors, the HP EliteBook 2740p tablet PC combines the power and reliability of an HP business notebook PC with the flexibility of a tablet, making it ideal for users on the go. The 2740p starts at 3.8 pounds and includes a 12.1-inch diagonal LED display or optional outdoor-view display with less reflection and a higher contrast for easier viewing in natural light.(1)
The touchscreen option allows users to get work done more intuitively and faster based on their choice of input methods. Multitouch gestures, finger taps and swipes across the screen allow users to navigate through applications and menus, as well provide access to information and websites.
The HP EliteBook 2740p offers a variety of battery solutions for lightweight configurations, including a six-cell li-ion prismatic battery, which provides up to 5 hours of uptime, and an optional HP 2700 Ultra-Slim Battery that provides up to 11 hours when combined with the standard battery.(1,2)
The optional HP 2740 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base(1) allows users to dock their notebook PCs to utilize peripherals without needing to constantly plug and unplug. This innovative expansion base includes a DVD+/-RW drive, fits neatly into a briefcase so the optical drive can easily travel, and supports DisplayPort so users can easily connect to an external monitor. The expansion base also has an eSATA port, allowing for connection to an external RAID array, HDD and to optical drives for fast and easy storage.
The HP EliteBook 2540p offers business users a choice of Intel® Core™ processors in either standard voltage for maximum performance – a first for HP ultra-portable notebooks – or low voltage for increased flexibility with the convenience of an optical drive or secondary hard drive.
As the lightest-weight offering in the HP EliteBook portfolio, the 2540p is equipped with a 12.1-inch diagonal LED display, optional 2-megapixel webcam with business card reader software and HP Fingerprint Sensor. (1)
Integrated HP Mobile Broadband powered by Gobi(3) allows users to conveniently access the internet, company intranet, email and mission-critical information in more places than ever before, while HP Connection Manager 3.0 simplifies and automates connecting users with their preferred networks.
The HP EliteBook 2540p includes multiple battery options for lightweight configurations or longer battery life, including a three-cell battery that provides up to 4 hours, a six-cell battery that provides up to 8 hours, and a nine-cell battery that provides up to 10.5 hours.(2)
Also available for select EliteBook models are three- and six-cell HP Long Life Batteries, providing a three-year life span(1,4) – up to twice as long as most li-ion notebook batteries. HP Long Life Batteries reduce overall battery waste by requiring fewer batteries to be used over the life of the PC.
Both the 2740p and 2540p are engineered to meet the tough MIL-STD 810G military-standard tests(5) for vibration, dust, humidity, altitude, and high and low temperatures. They also are EPEAT® registered in the United States and offer ENERGY STAR® qualifying configurations.
HP strives to use less material in products through improvements in product design and technological advances. In the company's efforts to reduce the amount of raw materials consumed and help protect natural resources, the HP EliteBook 2540p Notebook PC employs post-consumer recycled plastic resin in at least 12 percent of its total plastic content.
Additionally, the EliteBook 2740p and 2540p come preloaded with a trial version of HP SkyRoom,(6) an affordable, high-definition (HD) videoconferencing software(7) that offers live, real-time collaboration for face-to-face meetings.
Big performance for small businesses
For small businesses, the company announced a new design of the HP ProBook s-series, featuring a durable brushed-aluminum metal case with a matte surface that is available in caviar or bordeaux.
The HP ProBook s-series is available in four HD(7) LED-backlit display choices: HP ProBook 4320s (13.3-inch diagonal), HP ProBook 4420s (14-inch diagonal), HP ProBook 4520s (15.6-inch diagonal) and HP ProBook 4720s (17.3-inch diagonal).
Starting at $719,(8) the HP ProBook s-series provides an affordable combination of features in a full-function notebook PC, including all-new 2010 Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors,(9) a choice of Intel HD Graphics or discrete graphics for advanced multimedia support featuring the ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4350 and multiple wireless technologies.
Logging on to Windows® and other websites is fast and easy with HP Face Recognition for Protect tools, while an optional fingerprint reader adds another layer of security.
The HP ProBook s-series features new multimedia controls for video, and comes loaded with the new ArcSoft TotalMedia Suite to allow users to play, edit and create video and audio files. The suite includes the following features: MediaImpression, TotalMedia LabelMaker, TotalMedia ShowBiz, TotalMedia Studio, TotalMedia Theater and WebCam Companion. The latest ClickPad Gestures functionality taps into a more intuitive document navigation experience for HP ProBook users.
Innovations for the mobile professional
Available on all new HP ProBooks and the EliteBook p-series, the HP DayStarter(10) allows users to get a head start on the day's activities with access to key information even before Windows finishes booting up. A customized display includes a calendar (12-hour time period) and battery charge state, and a Windows loading indicator appears while Windows continues to load in the background.
The HP EliteBook and most HP ProBook notebook series also include HP QuickWeb, which allows users to access the web in seconds when the PC is shut down; HP Power Assistant, which provides total visibility over the notebook PC's reported power consumption, with tools allowing users to conserve power, stretch battery run time, and accurately monitor reported power needs;(11) and spill-resistant keyboards.
Central Management for HP ProtectTools provides IT personnel remote functionality to deploy and manage key security policies across the entire business. For example, IT can centrally define and deploy security policies based on users and user types, monitor and audit client activity, and recover access for remote users who have forgotten their passwords. Central Management is available on all HP
EliteBook and ProBook notebook PCs being introduced in 2010.
Financing options for SMBs in the United States and Canada
HP is offering businesses zero percent vendor-direct financing plans for these new EliteBook and ProBook lines through HP Financial Services, the company's leasing and life cycle asset management services subsidiary. There are two plans to choose from – a 12-month lease with a $1 purchase option or a 36-month lease with a fair market value purchase option. Qualifying transactions must be between $1,500 and $150,000 dollars in the United States and $5,000 and $150,000 dollars in Canada. More details on these financing options are available at www.hp.com/go/totalfinancing.
Pricing and availability (8)
- The HP EliteBook 2540p starts at $1099 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
- The HP EliteBook 2740p starts at $1599 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
- The HP ProBook s-series starts at $719 and are expected to be available in the United States this month.
- The HP 2740 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base starts at $299 and is expected to be available in the United States next month.
More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.
About HP
HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
I don't really get the whole swivel-screen-PC thing.
Laptop or tablet: decide.
@Johnny Rockets The swivel screen thing is what makes it a tablet...
@Acqua206
That's the point, you don't have to. You get both in one. Light enough to comfortably use as a Tablet. Yet, it still has a keyboard for the purpose of using as a Laptop.
@M3
and its even strong enough for a woman®
@Johnny Rockets The swivel-screen PC thing is for being able to have the full benefit of a regular laptop so you get a full sized comfortable keyboard for writing intensive programs yet for artists and heavy note takers, they need the freedom to write with their hand or draw their ideas. It's actually extremely useful once you get used to it. Also, since these computers have hefty processors they can handle 3d modeling programs and sculpting such as MudBox you almost require pen input to do anything effectively. Personally I'm stuck between getting one of these or waiting for the new Wacom Cintiq's to get updated with the CapPLUS technology. The Wacoms are expensive but offer unmatched precision and pressure sensitivity levels. Also, since the "swivel" version functions exactly the same as a real laptop when not in tablet mode I don't understand how you could not get it. You're just paying 500 dollars more for extend the functionality of your laptop and for people who need to write digitally it's almost priceless.
@mdm2010 But without accelerated graphics, 3D slows back down quite a bit. The article didn't mention if it has it or not.
@Johnny Rockets
How can you complain when you get the best of both world? For the PC, the most important thing is what's under the hood that counts.
@Johnny Rockets
You know what would be really cool?
If it swiveled around to transform into a piece of bacon. Most satisfying piece of technology, ever.
I can dream, can't I?
@Johnny Rockets yeah it reminds me of an overdone sidekick. a bit too fancy in my op
@M3 The HP Elite 2540p features a 12.1-inch LED display, an optional 2-megapixel webcam with business card reader software and HP Fingerprint Sensor, a spill-resistant keyboard. More: http://bit.ly/hp-elitebook-2540p-2740p-examined
This is good. Now where is the slate?
@PBB
This niche product has exist for a long time.
Why do you think Apple will change his mind now ?
@zetman
What? Did I even mention apple?
GOODNESS! I'm blown away!.....
I wish MY HANDWRITING was as NEAT as THAT
@questionexclamation If you're talking about the picture showing "Engadget" that's actually showing a handwriting font after it's been converted from handwriting to text.
I'm pretty sure that you're reading it wrong when you say you can add "two slate batteries". The 2740p, like the 2730p and 2710p has a built in battery, and then the option of a single "slice battery" or a "slice" dock. Both can be used at the same time (in the older models at least) but the latter doesn't have any battery in.
@jhoff80 Of course maybe they told you differently when you met with HP, I just find it hard to believe it'd be different with the third revision of the series.
I don't completely understand LCD tech. But I often wonder why my iPhone looks great indoors (while being pretty glossy) and yet I use it outside on sunny days and can still read the screen.
However, I have yet to see a laptop that offers a screen that looks wonderful inside and is visible out. When I read the press release I see that I can get the LED display screen or an "outdoor" screen.
What tech are the cell phone makers using in the current smartphones that allow easy viewing in both situations where laptop makers have trouble?
I still don't know why Apple didn't do this with the iPad.
So much more practical . . .
@wayno
Because it won't sell and it's ugly.
@zetman - if convertibles didn't sell, why do you think HP keeps introducing them?
@wayno
Look at the price, size and ugly factor of this thing.
More practical? lol
This tablet will fail, like all the tablets before it.
@NewL
Because they keep trying the same thing, over and over like morons. tablet PCs as a whole, have traditionally sold very poorly compared to laptops.
What consumers say they want and what they'll actually buy are two totally different things.
@Liquidmark
Because they keep trying the same thing, over and over like morons. Macs, as a whole, have traditionally sold very poorly compared to PC's that run Windows.
...
See how easy that was?
Tablets (like Macs) are niche products. They are not intended for every user. However, for people that have unique requirements, tablets simply cannot be beat. To call them a fail because you don't like them or because they haven't achieved a market share that you feel is appropriate is absurd.
@Atkins
"just need someone to really work on that handwriting recog software."
The handwriting recognition in Windows 7 is actually pretty impressive
@Atkins
This niche product has exist for a long time.
Why do you think Apple will change his mind now ?
...but are they still using 1.8" HDDs in these instead of 2.5" ones? That's the main thing I don't like about my 2730p. I can live without multitouch and the CPU in mine is reasonable - but the hard drive is just way too slow!
@Devhux just get an intel x18-m ssd. have put one in myself, it's absolutely awesome, and about perfect now.
i could use one or two more usb ports. i don't think the new one has a change there. anyone?
@davepermen actually, it has now 3, as i see from the press pics.
awesome! (i'd love 4, but .. well.. at least more than the 2 before)
@davepermen
There is such category of product doesn't mean it good
business to sell it.
I don't want to carry ugly product with stupid OS just for being able to take notes. (and most of time you do real work , you still have use keyboard and mouse on the god damn tablet).
@zetman no clue what your statement wants to say. the device is real pretty (i have both the 2730p and the 2710p, and sure will get the 2740p). i use it mainly as an ordinary laptop, but the added functionality to allow for tablet use is great.
added features:
- quickturn: when just wanting to show something, turning the screen is great
- quick notes/paints: planning something with friends? nothing beats a pen
- quick ereader: turn around, read the pdf while sitting relaxed, having it on a leg, with one hand. same for webpages.
have i said pretty?
it's my device for everything. i dj with it, sometimes on big events. i program with it. i browse the web. i use it for a lot of media stuff. etc etc.
but mostly, you just bash mindlessly out of some random hate. it's a pretty, a sturdy, a flexible, and a very functional device. bashing it makes no sense.
@davepermen Guess I should have mentioned that in my original post - I should have an X-18M later this morning.
As for the USB ports, I agree more would be nice.
Did anyone else misread the model number as the screen resolution at first, or am I the only one with selective reading? 2740p resolution would be the shit!
@engadgetcomexcludeengadget
Hahah, methinks 2740p would make it a bit difficult to read things on a 12" screen.
I was waiting for some sort of convertible MacBook Pro for too long. Now I'm going to buy HP TM2 or this EliteBook and I have to switch to Windows 7. I don't understand why these convertible laptops with digitizer are so unpopular - they're the best solutions for students - it's really amazing when you can type text and draw some formulas, graphics, etc. Moreover, latest touchscreen laptops with pen input are quite cheap, powerful, have great battery life. I do really love iPhone, MacBooks, but I just don't get how on Earth could this iPad didn't get some sort of stylus for taking notes. Just imagine using some sort of OneNote on iPad - that's what really this "Magical and revolutionary product" means.
Sorry for my poor English, I just feel good that I can express my opinion here because I live in a small town where I'm the only one who has both computer and laptop :-)
@rainbury The more expensive tm2 models have a radeon 4550, so you can slack a bit at college too ;)
I don't know about slimness, but the 2740p at 3.9lbs is actually a bit heavier than the X201t (4-cell battery fitted) at 3.6lbs. But then you guys had the 6-cell X201t for review, so the battery might not be comparable.
@YpoCaramel
Right, but the 4 cell on the X200t is pathetic and it's likely to be the same on the X201t. 2-3 hours isn't good enough for a Tablet. So most people get the 8 cell. Unfortunately this makes the x200t unbalanced and makes it feel heavier then it is. The 2730p and 2740p stay balanced with the addition of the slice battery and this leads to a feeling of less weight.
@Atkins
Apple could do a convertible notebook design, but the added costs come from the design of the form factor (which is patented) and the Wacom active digitizer screen technology (which is expensive). That's why, with other specifications being equal, tablet PCs cost maybe 50% to 100% more than non-tablet notebook PCs. AFAIK, Gateway is the only manufacturer that developed it's own active digitizer technology in order to avoid the high price of Wacom technology -- and look how well that's going for them.
Wacom has always been a relative obstacle in the adoption of tablet PCs. Just look at Wacom's Cintiq line of active digitizer displays and how much they cost.
I have the 2730p and it is great and meets rugged military specs for great durability, anyone looking for a go anywhere tablet/notebook pc won't be disappointed. Better cpus and touch are a great edition to this tablet. I was very impressed by the extended battery and docking solution. With exception to gaming and direct sunlight visibility, Its hard to beat.
Sadly, you can NOT add more than one slate battery to these. The connector seen on the bottom of the slate battery in the gallery pics is for the slim docking station. It's the same configuration as the last-gen 2730p battery-- I have one right here at my desk.
Note picture the dark connector (near the palm of the photographer's hand) on the slate battery in picture #22 of 29? There's no slot for that to be inserted on the bottom (exterior) side of the slate battery. It's a pity, as three slate batteries would make a 24-hour runtime manageable and still relatively portable.
The question I want to know is wether to wait for this or get a tm2. After hearing about this today my tm2 dream was crushed. So what is the better choice? I read on a forum that said the tm2 would have been better with intel i5 or i7 and this has it. So any opinions on what to choose between the two, because both are defintely the best tablet pcs IMO