HP Inc. today announced the HP Elite x2 -- a versatile tablet that offers the productivity of a full notebook with the convenience of a tablet designed for the mobile professional. The Elite x2 is crafted from milled CNC aluminum with a focus on aesthetics. At just 8.1 mm thin, the tablet weighs less than two pounds and has a built-in kickstand with 150 degrees of adjustability, allowing a user to set the device upright for viewing and keyboard typing or laying it back for on-screen typing. The device's 12-inch diagonal anti-glare HD diagonal display has a 3:2 aspect ratio and automatically adjusts to different lighting conditions.

The Elite x2 has long battery life, features Windows 10 and is built with a 6th generation Intel Core M vPro processor with and SSD technology. Audio is tuned by Bang & Olufsen and HP Noise Reduction Software to ensure high-quality sound during conference calls.

Like the rest of HP's Elite lineup, the Elite x2 is built to last and designed to pass MIL-STD testing. The device also features added durability with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 screen and two grades of aluminum alloy.

The Elite x2 also includes both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-A ports, an optional 4G LTE modem (Qualcomm Snapdragon X5 LTE modem) and the HP Active Pen with App Launch as a standard feature. Based on WACOM technology, the pen has integrated pressure sensors to help control the width of lines when writing or drawing onscreen. The pen also includes App Launch, a programmable Bluetooth application launch button to quickly launch OneNote or any other Windows application.

To address the spectrum of end-user needs, the Elite x2 provides a choice of two optional, full-sized, backlit keyboard. Both keyboards are leveraged from the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 and layered in an aluminum base. The HP Advanced Keyboard features an NFC sensor in the touchpad and a built-in smart card reader for log-in security. If the HP Advanced Keyboard is disconnected, the Elite x2 will automatically log off the domain to keep information secure. The HP Travel Keyboard offers users a thinner keyboard solution, adding only 395 grams in weight while still delivering a full 1.5mm keyboard travel and a clickpad.

The Elite x2 also includes three optional wired and wireless docking solutions. The Thunderbolt 3 port on the Elite x2 docks to the HP Elite USB-C Docking Station for dual 2K displays or the HP Elite Thunderbolt 65W Dock for dual 4K displays. The Elite X2 can also dock to the HP Advanced Wireless Docking Station through WiGig technology that enables fast wireless connectivity to the network, displays and devices. And the power pass-through feature in the USB-C port on the device allows users to stay charged for a full work day, while also recharging their smartphones and accessories.

The Elite x2 is the first tablet designed with the combination of BIOS-level security with integrated HP Sure Start, manageability featuring HP Touchpoint Manager and an optional Intel Core M vPro processor.

The Elite x2 comes with a host of built-in security capabilities, including HP Sure Start with Dynamic Protection, HP Client Security, TPM, and an optional fingerprint reader or smart card reader, all working together to protect the device, data and user identity. And with an optional Intel Core M vPro processor, IT can power on and remotely manage the Elite x2 over both wired and wireless networks.

The HP Elite x2 1012 is expected to start shipping in the United States in early January. It can be pre-ordered starting on Monday, November 23, 2015, which will have a starting price of $899 and include the HP Travel Keyboard and HP Active Pen with App Launch.