HP unveils transformable EliteBook Revolve, pitched at business buyers

HP has announced a new convertible tablet-cum-ultrabook aimed at business and government workers.

The convertible device was announced in Frankfurt on Wednesday and will be available to buy across Europe and the US from March.

The device can be specified with a third-generation Intel Core processor, and has an 11.6-inch HD display and the option of a stylus. There is also a forward-facing 720p HD video camera.

While it will come with Windows 8 Pro as standard, customers can specify for it to arrive with Windows 7 Pro instead if they prefer, HP said. Pricing for the device was not available at the time of writing.

Customers will also get "enterprise-class" docking capabilities for connecting to an external display, mouse, printer keyboard or additional ports.

The device follows a trend from HP and other manufacturers such as Asus and Lenova to produce hybrid devices that make the most of both laptop and tablet forms.

Given its enterprise aspirations, the hybrid EliteBook Revolve also comes with a selection of security features, such as HP Client Security or HP Absolute Data Protect, HP's e-print software, and integration services for easier deployment of customised corporate image files.

In addition to the device itself, HP announced the Mutli-Tablet Charging Module, which can store and charge up to 10 devices at a time, HP said. Pricing for the charging and docking station is around €499.