A new HP tablet/hybrid device will feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processor, and a follow-up version in 2018 will feature the newer Snapdragon 845 chip. HP is expected to release a folding stand, magnetic keyboard, and a pen for the device.
Competing indirectly with the Microsoft Surface, the new tablet-hybrid could be known as the HP Elite or HP eFolio. Offering much of the same features as the Surface, but at a lower price, it is anticipated to come in two models:
an entry-level model with 4 GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and
a performance model with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB GB of storage
Both models will share the same screen size, pen and ink, camera, Snapdragon processor, LTE modem, Wifi, bluetooth, battery life, SD card slot, pen, and keyboard, with the tablet stand built in to the case rather than the back of the screen. Expansion will be via USB-C. The tablet is not expected to sport a USB-A port, but may ship with a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
Both models will run Windows 10 S out of the box, and be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro until September 2018, after which an upgrade can be purchased on the Windows Store.
HP is to be one of the first manufacturers to release a Snapdragon powered tablet.
HP, Microsoft, and Qualcomm are expected to put their collective marketing might behind the Snapdragon series devices under the 'Always Connected PC' nomenclature.
Until next time,
Xavier Zymantas
XYZtech
XYZ Media Group