HP launches Android, Tegra 4-based all-in-one desktop for businesses

Hewlett-Packard is launching its first Android-based all-in-one desktop computer for small businesses.

The machine is a commercial version of a consumer Android all-in-one that HP launched last year, and it shows that Microsoft’s grip on enterprise desktop computers is weakening. The company is unveiling the machine at the 2014 International CES, the huge tech tradeshow in Las Vegas this week.

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The HP Slate 21 Pro All-in-One has a 21.5-inch full high-definition IPS touchscreen and applications that are built for business. The all-in-one category is booming as consumers and consumers get rid of space-hogging desktop computers in favor of the all-in-ones, which combine a computer and a monitor in one system.

The Android-based system is stocked with business apps, manageability tools, and security enhancements. HP argues that you won’t lose any productivity, even though the PC isn’t running familiar productivity apps like Microsoft Office. It has local and cloud-based apps like Kingsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, Google Drive, and 50GB of Box cloud storage at no additional cost. You can do a “save as” click on a document, and it will save straight to the cloud.

It is Citrix ready and HDX verified. It can support Windows applications through Citrix Receiver. That enables users to toggle between Android and Windows PC content. It has built-in Skype for video conferencing and Citrix Go To Meeting.

The machine runs Android 4.3 and has an Nvidia Tegra 4 quad-core processor with Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless networking, and an integrated HD webcam. It has 2GB of main memory and 16GB of flash memory storage.

One of the appealing features is that it seamlessly integrates with Android smartphones and tablets through auto-synchronization and Google cloud services. You can get access to a million apps through the Google Play app store, or system administrators can limit access to certain kinds of apps. The device comes installed with Citrix XenMobile, which enables companies to manage apps and provide a secure environment. When you download apps, HP lets you work with Android apps in portrait mode, instead of just in landscape mode.

The screen has a 178-degree viewing angle, and its stand enables for 70 degrees of adjustable recline. You can see it clearly straight on or from an angle. You can opt to mount it on a wall. It has an option for a Kensington lock for physical security.

HP is aiming the machine at hotels, small businesses, schools, health care, and retail kiosks.

Enrique Lores, the senior vice president and general manager of commercial PCs at HP, said, “HP’s multi-OS approach showcases our innovation and allows us to deliver the right product for our customers’ needs, giving them all the flexibility and ease of use they need
from a business PC. The HP AiO PCs announced today highlight how businesses of any size can increase employee productivity by leveraging the growing Android ecosystem, all while being budget friendly.”

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HP is selling the all-in-one in the U.S. now for $400, including a keyboard and mouse.

HP is also launching Microsoft’s Windows 8.1-based all-in-one computers as well. Those machines are more expensive than the Android machine.