HP Touches the 2740 Tablet PC

By James Kendrick Feb. 28, 2010, 11:01pm CST
HP has refreshed one of my favorite Tablet PCs, and while the 2740p is much the same as the 2730p, a new touch option has been added. The dual digitizer rounds out the original pen input with full Windows 7 touch control. HP is still offering the slice battery and the ultra-slim docking station options, which are both the best in class for extending the 2740p for extended use scenarios.

The 12.1-inch screen only displays 1280×800 resolution; it’s a shame they don’t offer a higher resolution option for those who prefer one.  The touch screen is an outdoor viewable screen.

There are high-performance CPU options available for the first time in this product line — either a Core i5 or a Core i7 processor can be configured in place of the low voltage CPU that is standard. Up to 8 GB of memory and 320 GB of hard drive storage can be configured.
 
HP is also unveiling the HP Day Starter utility on the 2740p and all ProBook and EliteBook notebooks. Day Starter is a Linux application that comes on within 5 seconds of hitting the Power button and provides a look at the day’s schedule, along with battery status. The system continues to boot in the background while Day Starter is displayed, allowing the user to see Outlook (only) schedule information without affecting system boot time. HP Day Starter if for information only, no interaction with the status displayed is possible.

The 2740p will be available in early April at a starting price of $1,599 through normal HP channels.
If you are thinking that the 2740p looks the same as the 2730p, you are correct. My video review of the 2730p gives a comprehensive overview of the 2730p, along with a comparison of the older 2710p. Have a look if you’re wondering what the new 2740p will look like in action.





Thanks James for the article, but even though it is a fine computer. I think it is over priced by $1000. IMHO of course, we are going to have so many lower priced tablets coming out this year that I think this is going to have a hard time in the current market, - Andy.