With a full complement of features and a Sonoma-calibre processor, the HP Compaq tc4200 has the potential to lead its class of convertible notebooks.Building on the processing-speed boost promised by Intel's new Sonoma platform, HP has unleashed four different series of business notebooks featuring the technology. Most notably, the company brings out its first-ever convertible-style tablet, the HP Compaq tc4200.
Upside: Frankly, we're still a little freaked out by keyboard-less slate-style tablets, so we're glad to see a convertible -- keyboard included -- from HP. In addition to selecting a Sonoma-grade Intel Pentium M processor running from 1.6GHz to 2.13GHz, you can configure the tc4200 tablet with some mighty powerful components for a tablet.
The tc4200 will accommodate up to 2,048MB of DDR SDRAM; hard drive capacities run from 40GB to 80GB and spin at a quick 5,400rpm; and of course, there's the swivelling 12.1-inch XGA display.
You also get a modem, Gigabit PCI Express Ethernet, optional Bluetooth, and Windows XP Tablet Edition. Connections-wise, you're looking at three USB 2.0 ports, as well as those for VGA, audio, S-Video, one Type II PC Card; one secure digital slot; and a bevy of optional security features, including an integrated smart-card reader, a Trusted Computing Group (TCG)-compliant security chip and DriveLock hard drive protection. Not bad.
Downside: At 2.04kg, the HP Compaq tc4200 isn't exactly featherweight. Otherwise, our beefs aren't specific to the tc4200 but rather are universal for tablets: there's no built-in optical drive and no option for an integrated graphics card, and -- it's a small thing -- we found the tc4200's pointing stick a little slippery. Overall, however, the tablet is solidly built.
Outlook: The tablet universe is still a relatively small one; they account for just 3 percent of the notebook market. Though it's not revolutionary enough to win any converts to the tablet form, the HP Compaq tc4200, starting at AU$3,995, is sure to get a look from current tablet users.
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