HP's 2710p Tablet PC gets FCC approval, includes mobile broadband
It's still no tc1100 replacement, but HP Compaq's latest Tablet PC is likely to win some hearts nevertheless going from its reception after appearing on the FCC site. We first heard of it at the beginning of the year, and even saw pre-production versions a few months ago, but with FCC approval it can't be far from sale. Rocking WiFi in a/b/n flavours, Bluetooth and an optional HSDPA or EV-DO cellular broadband module (hence the dinky aerial poking out of the top), it promises seamless connectivity which is always a plus when coupled with a mobile design.
As for the rest of the guts, expect an Intel Core 2 Duo ULV processor to keep things churning, backed up with between 1 and 4GB of RAM. A slight let-down are the integrated Intel graphics; purists will recall that the tc1100 had a dedicated graphics card, which added to the model's longevity (they still sell well on eBay, long after being discontinued).
Weighing 3.6lb this isn't exactly an ultra-portable, but should compete strongly against rivals like Lenovo's X61t and Gateway and ASUS' growing range of convertible tablets. Kevin Tofel laments the 4,200rpm hard-drive – which I agree might be a weak link – and the absence of a touchpad on the FCC model. Unlike him, however, I think I prefer the trackpoint stick.
Extended Specs:
FCC Filing [via jkontherun]