A pleasant surprise. It is the feeling that we have been having in our hands for a few days the HP Pro Tablet 608 G1. Under this name one 8″ tablet hides equipped with Windows 10 and has a more than interesting specifications when compared with similar tablets on the Android field.
But go to parties. The HP Pro Tablet 608 G1 integrates a low-power processor Intel Atom of 2.24 GHz, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC internal storage (expandable via its slot for micro SD cards), 2 MP front camera and 8MP rear camera, USB-C port and docking connector. In addition it also has NFC and SIM card tray.
Convergent business
This results in a lightweight (350 grams) but directly connecting to a docking station or with USB cable-C (more peripherals connected via Bluetooth), make it a complete desktop in seconds.
But advantage in tablet mode, which is what we use most of the time, we find a device that is although clearly aimed at the business market, sufficiently attractive from the point of design as to find a niche for itself also in the domestic market. Without leaving the seriousness of a corporate tablet, there incorporates some details, like the metallic bezel or a back cover of a deep charcoal gray that convey a sense of premium equipment that justify the 650 euro that the device costs in its most basic version.
Its 7.9″ makes it the ideal equipment to attach with a single hand, while leaving enough space on the computer screen to be productive. Speaking of the screen offers a resolution of 2048px x 1536px on a Corning Gorilla Glass, ideal for display outdoor content, also having excellent viewing angles.
Performance and autonomy
As for the performance, Intel Atom processor of 2.24 GHz, and 4 GB of RAM put this device over the majority of tablets built on ARM architecture. Perfect for working with application Modern UI of Windows 10 and desktop applications in the field of office automation and productivity, we must also take into account the limitations of the equipment and while possible, it is still not the ideal device for work in resource-intensive tasks such as professional editing of images or videos.
However, for 99% of the tasks that we are going to demand this type of device, the performance is more than remarkable, demonstrating how a tablet more than a “big phone” can really become a personal computer that responds in any scenario of mobility and really on the few occasions we are going to miss that extra power that can provide us with an Intel Core i3 if necessary.
Another point that lately has improved Intel-based tablets is autonomy. In this case HP promises up to 9 hours of basic use. A more realistic option however, including tasks such as web browsing, video playback, office automation work, etc. it will offer as a result an average range of about six hours.
Perhaps a bet on the new line Intel Core M had stretched the autonomy of the device, although it is difficult to predict how it would have affected the overall performance thereof, in a time when the most advanced versions of Atom will still win in this area.
Conclusions
Like other tablets from HP, this Pro Tablet 608 G1 can add additional elements that expand its functionality, such as a smart cover which includes charging function via the docking station, a case with Bluetooth keyboard or even a dock solution “retail solution” that allows us to convert this small computer into the perfect partner for our business at street level.
HP ultimately presented with this Pro Tablet 608 G1 a balanced, designed to meet the real needs of professionals who travel frequently or have to work outdoors. We have in our hands a tablet really flexible, adaptable to a number of scenarios.
The only “but” that we find it is that its price, more like a laptop than a tablet, can become an obstacle in some situations and not always going to be easier to justify if the needs of use of the equipment do not exceed the basic. For all other scenarios, it is certainly a recommended purchase.