HP TC4200 first looks roundup

HP TC4200 news:

CNet: Though it’s not revolutionary enough to win any converts to the tablet form, the HP Compaq tc4200, starting at $1,999, is sure to get a look from current tablet users.

CNet Asia: “Clark said the tc4200’s US$1,599 price aims to bring in more traditional notebook owners who might want to use a tablet from time to time. It will ship at the end of March…”

EChannel: “NC4200 (a lighter, non-Tablet version of the TC4200) and the TC4200, and decide that for a small additional fee, they can do so much more.”

VuNet: “UK companies will be unable to buy HP’s tc4200 tablet PC, due out in the US in April. Wright explained that, while certain global customers in Europe could make special orders, low demand meant that HP’s existing tablet, the tc1100, will be the company’s only European model until the second half of 2006.”

InternetNews: “Clark (VP of Mobility) also said Tablet PCs would continue to play a part of HP’s strategy and is pricing its tc4200 at $1,599 to encourage more companies to adopt the platform.”

And from the blogosphere:

TabletPCBuzz.

Rob Bushway: Is HP still testing the Tablet waters?

Me: “Sounds like a terrific machine for a great number of Tableteers–business or “consumer.””

Engadget: Link to Buzz story.

ABCNews: “If you’ve been wavering between notebook and tablet, waver no more: The HP Compaq tc4200 is a gem of a convertible.”

JKOnTheRun: “…happy to say they (HP) have finally introduced a convertible Tablet PC to their thin line.”

TabletPCTalk: “…it doesn’t feel too heavy in the hands when used in
slate form. Though we wouldn’t suggest anyone holds the 2kg tc4000 in the crook of their arm for more than a few minutes at a time…” (Source: Tim Danton, PC Pro)

TabletPC2: Product overview reprint.

Robert Scoble: “The HP has the best reading controls I’ve seen. Is the fastest one on the market. But certainly won’t win any awards for being pretty.”

HP has gotten some pretty good mainstream press on this product, with some accounts that indicate people have actually touched and held a TC4200. I haven’t, though, seem much in the Tablet world’s news sites. Maybe I’ve missed it, but it seems like HP marketing is going directly to the mainstream market on this one and not focusing on the Tablet community to drive its news distribution.

I hope HP brings along a TC4200 sample to the Windows Anywhere Conference next week.