The HP 2710p Tablet PC
The HP Compaq 2710p tablet emphasizes many of the factors that are often disregarded from a tablet computer - super cool looks, very functional, easy-to-use, and extremely good battery life. A tablet is already flashy as is but HP took it to another level having it lavished in glowing lights, brushed metal magnesium, all sorts of switches and so forth. It is definitely a very cool computer that makes you feel like a child with the coolest toy on the block.
The Exterior Structure
Built on a 11.4" x 8.4" x 1.1" magnesium-alloy chassis with a brushed metal finish really adds a nice, sleek feel to the computer. Despite it's super small form factor (12.1" wide screen), the laptop has a very sturdy, reliable feel to it. It can definitely be taken down on a rough lifestyle and live through it. Although the computer is only a 12.1", its resolution goes up to a whopping 1280x800 pixels - that's amazing; and, if you do not like such a high resolution on a small screen, you do have the ability to turn it down to your preference. To add to the mobility of the tablet, it can weigh as little as 3.6 pounds! That's something I wouldn't mind carrying around with me on a day-to-day basis.
The Specs
Flaunting a Core 2 Duo Intel processor and 2048MB (2GB) of DDR2 SD RAM (max of 4GB RAM), this tablet isn't one to be taken lightly in the power department. Although it only has an Intel GMA X3100 Dynamic Video graphics processor, it can allocate up to 384 MB of RAM which is quite a handful of video processing power. Judging by how it runs, there isn't lag and runs very smooth. You can work at a quick speed without having to be impatient waiting on a program to load. Not to mention if you bring it on the go, you can have all this power for a good 4.5 hours before battery life is depleted.
The ports are limited but cover everything you'd need. There are 2 USB ports, 1 mini FireWire IEEE 1394 port, gigabit Ethernet, 56K modem, audio out, microphone in, VGA out, docking station port on the bottom, and a space for a cable lock. It's mainly everything you'd need from a tablet, too many ports can definitely be a downside in weighing it down and less battery life; however, if you still need more ports, the docking station is an appropriate upgrade. The 2710p has a docking station port located on the bottom of the tablet so you simply just place the tablet ontop of the dock and snap it in to connect the two.
This laptop has HP patented 3D DriveGuard™. HP 3D DriveGuard™ lowers the risk of hard drive failure by protecting against short drops, rough handling, excessive vibration and unforseen accidents that may cause harm to the hard drive. This helps give you reassurance when bringing this tablet with you on long business trips, vacation, or even just out of the house.
Functionality
The keys are large and very easy to press, surprisingly large for such a small tablet. HP definitely thought into this tablet quite a bit and it shows with all the little things they've done to it. IBM/Lenovo is known for that orange LED they put on the top of the screen to "illuminate" the keyboard; however, all of us who have used it know that the puny orange LED doesn't do much illuminating at all. HP has answered this call and added a nice button on the top of the screen that ejects a cylindrical frame for a bright white LED. The LED works so well that you can even see it illuminated in a well-lit room; although the LED is super white, it is not blinding at all and very easy on the eyes.
(Battery Meter)
Speaking of LEDs, HP threw in a battery meter located on the battery (bottom of the tablet) to always let you know whether the tablet is on or off how much battery life you have left. It is a lot nicer looking than Dell's green battery dot meter. It utilizes blue LEDs that light up in an array.
(Left: Bluetooth antenna; Right: Fingerprint reader)
To extend the Bluetooth connectivity range, HP built a very, very cool looking antenna on the top of the LCD. At the press of a button, the antenna slowly pops out in a very epic manner - definitely adds to the cool points. Another thing that HP decided to suavely put on the LCD is a fingerprint reader on the side. Unlike IBM/Lenovo who enjoy putting it on the palm rest below the keyboard, HP went abstract and put it on the side. Although it's different, it is very easy to use and very responsive - not to mention, also adds to the cool points.
The volume control is also designed in a very unique manner. They aren't buttons but basically like a mini touch panel (much like the old iPod scroll wheels). You can slide your finger along the volume controls to turn it up and down; as you do this, you'll see the "+" and "-" glow accordingly to whether you are increasing or decreasing the volume.
A fall-back to many tablet PCs is that the pen never gives you a secure feeling when you put it in the holster. You're always left wondering, "is it in there securely?" Not with this HP. The pen has a click button on top with a reassuring clicking sound when you insert it into the holster, you know that it isn't going anywhere and don't have to even consider that it might get lost.
The screen is one of the super strong points of the computer. It utilizes anti-glare and ambient light sensor technology. This means even if you are outside in the bright sun, the laptop will adapt and use proper backlight levels to make it easily visible and prevent glare. This technology gives the 2710p a very large viewing angle unlike many tablets and standard laptops in this time where you always have to get at the perfect angle to get the right, comfortable view. The touchscreen technology is also very accurate and easy to use - there is very little lag from the point you put your pen stylus on the screen until it puts that mark on the screen. This makes writing very smooth and easy to do - properly simulating real-life writing.
I'm sure we are all familiar with the term "ctrl+alt+del." Almost every person has needed it at one point and not only to close frozen programs. In Vista, you get a menu screen to lock the computer, switch users, log off, change password, or start task manager. HP knows that when the computer is in tablet form, the keyboard isn't available to hit these commonly used keys - therefore, HP made the ctrl+alt+del stylus button located on the side of the screen. You simply take the tip of your stylus and press it in.
Laptop Broker's Opinion
The HP 2710p Tablet PC comes with everything you need and much more. It is definitely a super cool and sleek computer with the ability to bring out the child in you. With it's exterior design being so flashy it can be an often misconception that it's lacking in other departments; however, with the 2710p this is not the case. It is a great looking tablet with great performance, reliability, and functionality. Perfect for the lifestyle on the go, a college student, an art designer, or just the simple at home lifestyle - there isn't much the 2710p isn't suited for. I cannot emphasize enough how great of a computer this is and not to mention, a factory 3-year warranty?! HP definitely makes a stand behind this tablet and I will vouch on their behalf that this is a computer you can depend on.
Pros:
- Great aesthetic appeal to turn heads
- Very functional
- Easy to use/manage even for computer novices
- Reliable enough to live pracitcally any lifestyle
- Powerful to handle web design
- Small and light making it easy to bring it on the go
- Affordable for the average salary
- Long warranty coverage
- Long lasting battery
- Great max resolution for a 12.1" LCD
Cons:
- With less I/O ports it helps the manageability and long lasting battery
- With only two USB ports, the docking station port helps compromise by adding more ports
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Overall Rating: (4.9/5)