Modularity has been defined as the degree to which a system’s components may be separated and recombined. And nowhere is this concept being applied more than the tech sector, where companies are introducing products that allow users to pick and choose what they need instead of cramming everything into a single device. The HP (NYSE:HPQ) Elite Slice and HP Elite Slice G1 Ultra Slim Form Factor computershave taken this concept and run with it, arguably delivering one of the most modular systems in the market.
If you are a small business looking to buy a business desktop, why should you have to pay for options you don’t need? Moreover, if the purchase is for the entire office, this can quickly add up, costing you thousands of dollars that can be better spent elsewhere. With the HP Elite Slice platform, you can get what you need now and add more features if it becomes necessary at a later time.
The HP Elite Slice
The Slice is a desktop built for the communications and collaboration needs for today’s work environment with a cable-less connectivity. The modularity of the computer begins with the base, a form factor that is just 6.5″ x 1.38″ x 6.5″ and weighs 2.31 lbs.
The base comes with an Intel Core i5-6500T and HD Graphics 530, 8 GB DDR4-2133 SDRAM, and 256 GB SATA SSD of storage.
The ports include, 1 USB 3.1 Type-C (charging); 1 USB 3.1 Type-C (alternate mode DP); 2 USB 3.1 Type-A (1 charging); 1 DisplayPort; 1 HDMI; 1 RJ-45; 1 headphone-out/microphone-in combo.
The security feature includes an optional touch fingerprint sensor and the HP Sure Start with Dynamic Protection, which according to the company, it is the industry’s first self-healing BIOS-level protection.
The unit is attached with a single USB 3.1 Type-CTM cable to a Type-CTM compatible display, which means no more power cord spaghetti. There are several different modules or “Covers” that expand the capability of Slice, and they are easily attached to the base by just stacking them on top of each other, all within the 6.5″ form factor.
HP Collaboration Cover
With this module, Slice becomes a conferencing and collaboration tool that uses Microsoft Skype for Business phone to manage calls with capacitive touch keys. It uses HP Audio Boost, HP Noise Cancellation, and a dual-microphone array with far-field 5-meter range to deliver high-quality audio.
HP Audio Module
The speaker in the module has a 360 degree speaker design tuned by Bang & Olufsen to deliver the best sound whether it is being used for a video conference or to watch your favorite show.
HP Wireless Charging Cover
With smartphones now an integral part of the overall computing needs for businesses and individuals alike, the Charging Cover is a welcomed addition. The module starts charging automatically without any cables by just placing your phone on the unit. The only downside is it won’t be available until the first half of 2017, and it has to be configured at the factory.
HP ODD Module
If you still like using CDs or DVDs to back up your content or need to access legacy information stored on them, the ODD module will make that possible with an optical drive.
HP Elite Slice for Meeting Rooms
This particular unit has been configured specifically to address the conferencing and collaboration experiences with integrated audio and full desktop functionality. According to HP, it is the first conferencing room PC with one-touch meeting start. It comes with HP Elite Slice, the HP Collaboration Cover, HP Audio Module and Intel Unite software to deliver a comprehensive platform for Microsoft Skype for Business conferencing solution.
The Meeting Rooms configuration can also be purchased with the new HP LD5511 55-inch Large Format.
HP Elite Slice G1 Ultra Slim Form Factor
This model has all the features of the Elite Slice, but it allows buyers many more configurations. This includes Intel processors starting with the Core i3 going all the way to the i7, RAM with up to 32 GB, and different storage options including regular and SSD of up to 512 GB.
Price and Availability
The new line of PCs comes with a few variations and some accessories all available as of September 2016. They include:
- The HP Elite Slice starting at $699,
- HP Elite Slice G1 Ultra Slim Form Factor starting at $1,235.00,
- The HP Audio Module at a cost of $109,
- HP ODD Module at a cost of $99,
- HP Elite Slice for Meeting Rooms starting at $949, and
- HP LD5511 55-inch Large Format Display starting at $999.
The way we use computers has changed since the days of the monotone plastic boxes that dominated our work space. Users now expect their experience to be front and center instead of the devices that make it possible. The HP Elite Slice has gone a long way to make it happen, let us hope the company will continue to add modules that will address the needs of different industries with innovative solutions that won’t require buying an entire system.
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