CES 2007: HP Pavilion tx1000 Notebook to Tablet PC Convertible

[Andrew Baxter]

HP released the Pavilion tx1000 Windows Vista notebook at CES 2007 and it's sure turning some heads. With a stylish finish, touch screen display, AMD Turion dual core processor and unique "golf ball" touchpad all at a starting price of around $1,299 this is a machine to look out for.

HP tx1000 (view large image)

The HP tx1000 specs are as follows:

• AMD Turion X2 dual core 64-bit processor
• 12.1" BrightView glossy screen display
• Integrated optical drive that is removable for lighter weight when on the go (3.9lbs travel weight with optical drive removed)
• Fingerprint reader for biometric security
• Graphics: Nvidia 6150
• Unique touchpad with golfball type design that doesn't wear out with use
• HP imprint wave design
• ExpressCard slot
• Remote Control with consumer level IR (control from up to 20 feet) that fits into the ExpressCard slot
• Integrated EVDO to be offered later on
• Two headphone jacks
• Multi-card reader slot
• 4-cell or 6-cell battery
• Price starting at $1299

(view large image)

We used the tx1000 for a little bit while at CES 2007 and, while it doesn't feel completely rock solid, the build overall is pretty good and the look is quite excellent. The imprint finish, unique dimpled touchpad and blue LED lighting give it a nice finish. The touchpad is especially cool because it's integrated into the design and isn't a typical touchpad, it's hard plastic so that it won't wear out like regular touchpad material does overtime. The touchpad can also be turned off easily via a hardware button right above it.

Checkout the dimpled touchpad finish on the tx1000! (view large image)

Left side view of tx1000 where you can see the optical drive, power jack, multi-card slot and ExpressCard slot with remote control in (view large image)

The processor is an AMD Turion X64, with no plans for an Intel version on the horizon, and the good news is that the base amount of RAM will be 1GB so that the tx1000 can run the Aero graphics features of Windows Vista. Windows Vista Premium comes loaded with the tx1000 and as such has all of the Tablet OS capabilities built in. While the tx1000 is touch screen and a Tablet PC, it does not use Wacom tablet technology (it is not penabled), you get a simple stylus with it.

Right side view of tx1000 (view large image)

In terms of wireless, the tx1000 will offer 802.11 a/b/g but no 802.11n for now. It will also offer integrated EVDO later on, but not initially.

HP tx1000 top view, notice this device picks up fingerprints like a magnet (view large image)

HP is planning to release the tx1000 sometime in February of 2007, likely towards the end. It will be available in the base configuration at a starting price of $1,299. We figure that's well in the range of some students budgets and could be a good option for those heading to college.

HP tx1000 in notebook mode (view large image)

HP tx1000 in tablet mode (view large image)

 

[cy007]

I'm not buying an expensive laptop ever again. Straight after I buy my new W3jp and what do I get? One interesting laptop announcement after another. Like yeah, when I was doing research on my laptop purchase nothing comes up. Son of a..

Getting on topic here, should we expect ot see dedicated graphics on these tablets? How about the dull poor viewing-angle screens on <15.4" Pavilion laptops as of late? I sure hope they'd choose another panel this time around.

[MGS2392]

Well, 6150 is pretty good for a 12." These things are small, don't expect to squeeze any good graphics in...

But lookin good HP, lookin good.

And perhaps they made the dimply touchpad due to the "touch pad is too glossy to use" complaints.

[Rahul]

Nice, nice. But the touchpad itself is actually smooth right? I don't want to feel those little dimples, still a cool and unique touchpad design.

Will this be available with Intel processors?

[MGS2392]

Those look like real, bumped up dimples from what I can see in the pic. Hopefully they won't be too big. Then your skin would have trouble gliding smoothly.

[Lure9]

I honestly think that this new hp tablet is sexy. Anyways, have you guys heard about the new apple tablet showcased tomorrow?

[MGS2392]

All of the recent notebooks from HP are sexy. HP is kinda acting like apple now. Win with style. Except these are a bit more affordable and powerful.

[Redline]

Yes, I like this one, I think that I will buy one if the prices are good. I can live with the Turion X2, it seems to run Vista fine. I like the use of nvidia integrated graphics, much better than intel. weight is a bit much, but at least the optical drive is removable. I like the added multimedia controls. Glossy vs matte and penabled vs touch screen are two issues that have pluses and minuses, so I guess I dont have a problem with either.
Overall, seems pretty good. This is the first affordable 'small' tablet, the only other one this cheap is the massive 14" gateway.

[chrisyano]

I think this looks to be a contender for a lot of buyers in the future. Great flexibility and portability in one.

I'm intrigued by it, definitely.

[Metamorphical]

I like that one, it looks pretty. The artist in me has always been a little intruged by tablet PC. I look forward to the day I see this one on display at the local Bestbuy.

Look at all the fingerprints on that lid! Not that its suprising.