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Tired of waiting for a new Surface Pro? Check out HP’s tough new 2-in-1

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During the Mobile World Congress 2017 show in Barcelona, HP showcased a new 2-in-1 device and a family of new accessories. Called the HP Pro x2 612 G2, the new mobile gadget targets professionals wanting a secure, enterprise-class solution that can be used in the office or on the road. It arrives with an optional detachable “collaboration” keyboard and HP’s Active Wacom Pen for taking notes directly on the screen.

For starters, here are the hardware components that will be used across various pre-built configurations:

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Operating system (64-bit): Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Home Single Language
Screen size: 12 inches with Touch
Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,280
Processor: Intel Core i7-7Y75
Intel Core i5-7Y54
Intel Core i5-7Y57
Intel Core m3-7Y30
Intel Pentium 4410Y
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 (integrated)
System memory: 8GB LPDDR3 @ 1,866MHz (fixed)
Storage: 128GB M.2 SATA SSD
256GB M.2 SATA SSD
256GB to 512GB M.2 PCIe NvMe SED SSD
256GB to 512GB M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 SSD
256GB M.2 SATA FIPS 140-2 SSD
512 GB M.2 SATA FIPS 140-2 SSD
Connectivity: Wireless AC (2×2)
Bluetooth 4.2
4G LTE
NFC
Cameras: 5MP 1080p (front)
8MP 1080p (back)
Ports: 1x Micro SD card reader
1x Smart Card reader
1x USB 3.1 Type-C
1x USB 3.0
1x SIM card slot
1x Microphone/headphone combo
Sensors: Accelerometer
Magnetometer
Gyro
Proximity
Ambient light
Battery: 41 Watt hour
Keyboard: Backlighting is optionaL
Size: 11.81 x 8.42 x 0.36 inches (tablet only)
11.81 x 8.65 x 0.57 inches (with keyboard)
Weight: 1.87 pounds (tablet only)
2.65 pounds (with keyboard)
Availability: Now
Starting price: $979

For added protection, HP’s new 2-in-1 includes HP Sure Start Gen3 protecting the smart card reader and the system BIOS. It’s also designed to pass MIL-STD 810G tests, meaning it’s highly durable and can take a beating when out on the road. Naturally HP suggests Windows 10 Pro for the Pro x2 612 G2 given the platform’s focus on security and corporate-facing features.

“Explore your creative potential with the extended 165-degree kickstand opening and the optional HP Active Pen with App Launch for a natural inking experience,” the company states. “Share your creations with the touch of a button using the optional HP Pro x2 Collaboration Keyboard.”

HP Pro x2 612 G2 Collaboration Keyboard

Image used with permission by copyright holder

According to the company, its new HP Pro x2 612 G2 Collaboration Keyboard is a full-sized, aluminum-accented peripheral sporting backlit keys and a touchpad. It includes dedicated keys for handling video and audio calling functions including volume control, hanging up, placing a call, and more. The keys feature a special coating so that the peripheral can serve as a cover when the HP Pro x2 612 G2 is “closed.”

Here are the specs:

Model number: 1FV38AA
Dimensions: 11.83 x 9.05 x 0.20 inches
Weight: 0.78 pounds
Operating humidity: 10 percent to 90 percent
Operating temperature: -15 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius
Outer material: Black PU
Inner material: Black PU and Plastic
Option kit contents: Keyboard
Documentation
Compatibility: HP Pro x2 612 G2

HP Active Pen with App Launch

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The HP Active Pen with App Launch peripheral is compatible with the new 2-in-1 device, and it enables users to launch a specific app with just the touch of a button. The pen includes Bluetooth connectivity so that users can assign their favorite app to the built-in button. It also comes packed with three replacement tips, a replacement tip tool, and an AAAA battery.

“Once in range, your tablet detects the pen and cues you where to place it onscreen,” the company says. “Erase, highlight, and click on your content with the two convenient side buttons. Integrated pressure sensors help you control the width of your drawn lines.

HP Pro x2 612 Rugged Case

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In addition to the optional keyboard, customers can purchase a rugged case to protect the device in any scenario. It’s designed to be thin and protective at the same time, while passing military-grade roughhousing. It comes with special plugs so that HP Pro x2 612 G2 owners can block and protect unused ports. There’s even a built-in holder for the HP Active Pen.

What’s convenient about this case are the included straps for various transportation options. And when at rest, users can take advantage of the built-in kickstand that enables the tablet to angle back up to 60 degrees. This would be ideal when using the combined tablet and keyboard in a desktop-style work scenario.

Here are the specs:

Model number: 27T26AA
Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.0 x 0.75 inches
Weight: 0.93 pounds
Materials: PC, TPU
Kit contents: Rugged case
Padded shoulder strap
TPU hand strap
Elastic hand strap
Port plugs
Documentation
Compatibility: HP Pro x2 612 G2 Tablet with Collaboration Keyboard
Availability: Now
Starting price: $49

HP Elite USB-C Dock

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Outside the HP Pro x2 612 G2 and its peripherals and accessories, HP also introduced two USB-based gadgets for extending the connectivity of any device sporting a USB 3.1 Type-C port. The HP Elite USB-C Dock is the beefier of the two, providing a huge number of additional ports like HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort, and so on. It supports up to three additional displays, making it ideal for expanding the HP Pro x2 612 G2’s desktop across multiple monitors.

Here are the specs:

Model number: Z9R42AA
Dimensions: 7.79 x 2.71 x 0.87 inches
Ports (front): 1x USB 3.0
1x USB 3.1 Type-C (connects to other devices)
1x Microphone/headphone combo
1x Hi-Resolution button
Ports (side, rear): 1x USB 3.0 (charges)
2x USB 2.0
1x Gigabit Ethernet
1x HDMI
2x DisplayPort
1x USB 3.1 Type-C (connects to PC)
1x Kensington lock slot
Supported resolutions: 1x display – 4,096 x 2,160 @ 60Hz
2x display – 2.560 x 1,600 @ 60Hz
3x display – 1,920 x 1,200 @ 60Hz
Maximum operating power: 100 watts
Compatible systems: Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Mobile
Options kit contents: Dock
USB Type-C cable
Documentation
AC power cable
90 watt A/C adapter
Availability: March
Starting price: $149

HP USB-C Travel Hub

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Finally, we have HP’s little travel hub, just in case the “elite” model is too bulky for business trips. It has a built-in USB 3.1 Type-C cable and an additional USB Type-C port serving as a pass-through power port. Thus, devices that rely on a USB Type-C port as a power input will receive a charge if the travel hub is connected and the power adapter is plugged into the travel hub’s USB Type-C port.

As the specs show below, the new travel hub adds HDMI and VGA video outputs, and two USB 2.0 ports. That said, for $49, customers can turn their mobile device into a makeshift desktop when on the road. It’s small size and built-in USB 3.1 Type-C cable makes it easy to pack alongside a mobile device too.

Model: Z9G82AA
Dimensions: 4.38 x 1.74 x 0.67 inches
Weight: 0.176 pounds
Ports: 1x HDMI
1x VGA
2x USB 2.0
1x USB Type-C for power (10 to 65 watts)
Power requirements: 5 volts minimum
20 volts maximum
Supported Operating systems: Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Mobile
Option kit contents: Hub and documentation
Availability: Now
Starting price: $49
Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
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