HP ElitePad 900 Review

HP ElitePad 900 Review: Business Tablet with a Professional Edge

The HP ElitePad 900, released in 2013, was a tablet designed for business professionals, combining enterprise-level security, solid build quality, and a range of accessories to enhance productivity. While it wasn’t aimed at consumers looking for a multimedia powerhouse, it catered to those in need of a portable device with the functionality of a Windows PC.

Design & Build

The HP ElitePad 900 had a sleek, professional design with a machined aluminum body, giving it a premium feel. Its thin profile (9.2mm) and lightweight design (680 grams) made it easy to carry and handle for extended periods. The 10.1-inch display was surrounded by relatively thick bezels, but it contributed to its robust and durable design.

The tablet was built to meet MIL-STD 810G standards, meaning it could handle drops, vibrations, and environmental extremes, making it a good choice for users who needed a rugged device for fieldwork or travel.

Display

The ElitePad 900 featured a 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a 1280×800 resolution. While the display was sharp enough for most business tasks like browsing, reading documents, and presentations, the resolution lagged behind higher-end consumer tablets with Full HD or higher displays. The screen performed well indoors, but it wasn’t as bright as some competitors, which could make it harder to use in direct sunlight.

The wide viewing angles offered by the IPS panel were a plus, making it easy to share content during meetings or presentations.

Performance

Powered by an Intel Atom Z2760 dual-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz with 2GB of RAM, the ElitePad 900 was built for basic productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing. It ran Windows 8 Pro, providing the full functionality of a Windows PC, including access to legacy desktop apps.

However, the Atom processor limited its performance when it came to multitasking or running more demanding applications. It struggled with resource-heavy tasks like video editing or running multiple apps simultaneously, making it more suitable for lighter workloads.

For storage, the ElitePad 900 offered 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a microSD card slot. The storage capacity was adequate for business users storing documents, presentations, and basic software, but heavy users might find the limited space a drawback.

Battery Life

The ElitePad 900 had a 25Wh battery, offering up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, depending on usage. This made it a good choice for professionals who needed a device that could last a full workday without frequent recharging. The battery life was one of the tablet’s strong points, especially for mobile workers or those frequently on the go.

Enterprise Features

The HP ElitePad 900 was built with business users in mind, and this was reflected in its enterprise-grade security features:

  • HP Client Security: Tools like Device Access Manager, HP BIOS Protection, and Absolute Data Protect ensured that corporate data was safe, even in the event of loss or theft.
  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Offered hardware-based encryption to keep sensitive data secure.
  • Docking and Expansion Options: HP provided a range of accessories like the HP ElitePad Productivity Jacket (adding ports, a keyboard, and extra battery life) and the HP ElitePad Docking Station, which turned the tablet into a more functional desktop setup.

These accessories added versatility to the tablet, transforming it into a productive tool for different work environments.

Camera

The ElitePad 900 featured an 8MP rear camera and a 1080p front-facing camera. The rear camera produced decent images for a business tablet, though it wasn’t meant for high-quality photography. The front camera was more suited for video conferencing and performed well in good lighting, making it a useful tool for virtual meetings or remote work.

Connectivity

The tablet came with the following connectivity options:

  • Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • NFC
  • Optional 3G/4G LTE for mobile data on the go (with certain models)

While it lacked USB and HDMI ports directly on the device, these could be added through accessories like the HP Expansion Jacket. This accessory limitation might frustrate users who needed these ports for peripherals but preferred not to rely on additional accessories.

Software

Running Windows 8 Pro, the ElitePad 900 offered the full functionality of the Windows operating system, including support for both traditional desktop apps and newer touch-based Windows Store apps. This made it highly versatile for professionals who needed to run specific software or work within a Windows-based enterprise environment.

However, Windows 8 wasn’t the most user-friendly OS for tablets due to its dual interface (desktop and modern UI), which could sometimes be confusing for users who preferred a purely touch-based experience. The OS worked better with accessories like a keyboard and mouse, making the ElitePad 900 more of a hybrid device rather than a pure tablet experience.

Audio

The stereo speakers on the ElitePad 900 were decent for a business device, providing clear audio for video calls, presentations, and media playback. While they weren’t designed for immersive multimedia experiences, they were more than adequate for professional use.

Conclusion

The HP ElitePad 900 was a solid choice for business professionals who needed a durable, secure, and portable Windows tablet. Its enterprise features, rugged design, and range of accessories made it versatile for corporate environments, fieldwork, and mobile professionals. However, the Atom processor and limited ports (without accessories) meant it was better suited for lighter tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing.

Pros:

  • Sleek and durable design
  • Long battery life
  • Enterprise-level security
  • Versatile accessories for expanding functionality
  • Windows 8 Pro for desktop apps

Cons:

  • Underpowered for heavy multitasking or demanding apps
  • Limited display resolution
  • Few ports without accessories
  • Atom processor limits performance for more intensive tasks

Overall, the HP ElitePad 900 was a good option for business users looking for a reliable Windows tablet with a focus on security and productivity, but it lacked the power and features of more consumer-oriented tablets.