Report: HP Confirms Android Convertible Selling Now

Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) confirmed it is selling the SlateBook 10 x2—an Android-based hybrid tablet that functions as both a laptop computer and a tablet device—at its sales website, in advance of when the unit was expected to be offered sometime later this month.

The vendor first announced the SlateBook x2 in mid-May. The unit, which is equipped with a Nvidia Tegra 4 quad core ARM-based mobile processor and runs Jelly Bean 4.2.2, features a magnetic hinge that allows users to toggle between a tablet form factor and a notebook PC. The convertible also houses two batteries—one in the base and another in the tablet.

CNET first uncovered that HP already is selling the SlateBook 10 x2, and the vendor subsequently confirmed it is now available and shipping to customers. The unit also is available in Japan, HP said.

According to HP’s specification sheet, the SlateBook 10 x2 features a 10.1-inch, 1920×1200 WUXGA LED-backlit touchscreen display; a 16GB SATA solid-state drive; 2GB of on board memory; a full-size keyboard; and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. The unit, which weighs slightly more than 3 pounds, sells for $480.

When HP introduced the SlateBook x2 in May, it also debuted a 13.3-inch convertible tablet PC running Microsoft’s (MSFT) Windows 8, powered by an Intel (INTC) third generation Core processor. That model, the HP Split x2, also was slated to begin selling this month, and is now available at HP’s sales website for $750. It initially was priced some $50 higher.

The SlateBook x2 and the Split x2 bring to three the total number of hybrid notebook/tablets in HP’s arsenal to compete in the growing convertible segment with key rivals Acer, Lenovo and Samsung. Last August, HP rolled out the Windows 8-based Envy x2 to address the convertible segment. The vendor climbed back into the tablet business in February with the HP Slate 7, a 7-inch consumer-targeted unit running Android 4.1.