The HP Elite Slice is one of the first modular PC's
Everyone's betting big on modularity this year. From the LG G5, the Motorola Moto Z and maybe even the LG V20, 2016 is shaping up to be the year of modularity. That trend is only continuing on, but this time in a different market, the PC industry. And the latest device to fall into the modular trap is the HP Elite Slice, which was announced at IFA 2016.
This isn't the first attempt at a modular PC, Lenovo actually came out with the ThinkPad Stack last year, but it was a system that attached modules magnetically for your laptop, and was not a standalone unit. This is where the Elite Slice differentiates itself, as it is a complete standalone PC unit.
The Elite Slice can be used for both business and personal use, and the specs for the base model reflect on that, as the base price is around the $700 price range. The base unit can also be powered up to an Intel 6th-Generation Core i7 processor, and it is running Windows 10 Pro as the Operating System of choice. Business users will be pleased to hear that the Elite Splice also comes with HP's enterprise-level software that includes HP BIOSphere and HP Sure Start, which will help detect and manage threats. As far as connections are concerned, you have two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, two USB 2.0 ports, as well as DisplayPort and HDMI connections. Also on board is ethernet and combo headphone/microphone jacks, as well as dual onboard mics and an optional fingerprint sensor.
As mentioned above, the HP Slice is modular, and they connect in an interesting way. Every module, including the PC Piece/Base, has a USB-C like port that is called the HP Slice Connector that is found on the bottom of the unit. Like most modular designs, this lets you add more accessories onto the device. For starters, there is a Bang & Olufsen audio module for better sound performance, an optical drive, and something HP is calling a Collaboration Cover; which turns the desktop into a Skype-ready machine or business phone call machine (If you have a subscription) All you do is just place it on top of the base, and to initiate a call, just press a capacitive button. Interestingly, each Slice with the Collaboration module on has it's own Skype number, which comes in handy if you don't want to go through the hassle of setting up a network phone through actual phone lines.
And coming sometime in 2017, HP will be offering a wireless charger that will let users recharge compatible devices just by simply dropping them on top of the base of the Slice. Like with most modular devices on the market, there aren't a lot of devices out and ready, and compatibility is low, but that should all change once it is closer to being released and ready for the masses. Speaking of which, those details have not been announced yet. But stay tuned as we will let you know when they are, and stay tuned to TechDependent for more IFA 2016 coverage!
Via: | Engadget |
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Source: | No source was given |
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Image Credit: | Engadget |
