American multinational information technology corporation Hewlett-Packard (HP) has revealed plans to expand its tablet portfolio by introducing its next-generation of convertible tablet, the HP EliteBook Revolve, into the African market by the first quarter of 2013. Other releases will be available across Europe and the Middle East.

The new EliteBook Revolve will be the company’s first Windows 8 touchscreen laptop that can also double up as a tablet. It is designed for customers who require both an ultra-thin notebook and a touch-enabled tablet. The Revolve offers a full-power notebook alongside the flexibility to quickly switch to a tablet with a touch-enabled high-definition display.

The HP EliteBook Revolve which represents the ninth generation of HP’s line of convertible tablets is targeted at business and government customers.

Although the price of the new gadget has not been made available, the device will have both Windows 7 and Windows 8pro editions. It also has connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to enable wireless sharing of content.

Fueled by a third-generation Intel Core processor to facilitate smooth functioning; the HP EliteBook Revolve has an 11.6-inch diagonal HD display packed into a 3.04 lb/1.4 kg design; an automatic adjustments to screen orientation, a full-sized, backlit keyboard and optional pen as well as a A 720p HD4 camera, dual-microphone array, DTS Studio Sound including CyberLink YouCam software that enables easy face-to-face communication and the creation of HD Web videos.

Also present in the device are premium materials- including durable, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 2 and an all-magnesium chassis. An enterprise-class docking capabilities for simple connectivity to a display, keyboard, mouse, additional ports or printer and a 3G WWAN, USB 3.0, DisplayPort as well as 256GB of SSD storage, a backlit keyboard and an optional pen are other highlights of the EliteBook Revolve.

Meanwhile, the company will also release its Multi-Tablet Charging Module that allows for quick charges of up to 10 tablet PCs with just one power outlet. This is expected to be available by March 2013 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $499.

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