HP has debuted a new modular PC that lets users stack different add-ons to customise its functionality.
The new Elite Slice is similar in size to a Mac Mini, with a base unit which is only 2 inches tall and contains an Intel Core i7 processor.
But the device’s real standout feature is the ability to stack various modules on top of the base unit, in order to add extra features such as disk drives and speakers.
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The Audio module comes with dual microphones and Bang & Olufsen-tuned speakers, while the HP Collaboration Cover adds capacitive touch keys for Skype Business calls.
There’s also the Wireless Charging Cover, which is launching next year and will allow the Slice to charge your smartphone, and the ODD module which adds a disk drive to the PC.
And finally, HP gives you the option of adding a fingerprint sensor to the base unit to provide an extra level of security.
The idea is that businesses can order just the parts they need to build a custom PC for their needs – such as powering a video conferencing.
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UK pricing is yet to be confirmed but the HP Elite Slice goes on sale this September in the US for $429 to $999, depending on the modules used. That’s about £330 to £754.
Alongside the new Elite Slice, HP debuted another desktop PC in the form of the Pavilion Wave.
The new 10-inch tall Wave comes with a sixth-generation Intel chip, 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB internal storage (or up to 1TB solid state drive).
But
As such, the device looks more like a portable speaker than a desktop PC.
The speaker has also been tuned by none other than Bang & Olufsen, so you can expect decent sound quality from the Wave.
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There’s also three USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C connection, HDMI, DisplayPort, Gigabit ethernet, and a microphone and headphone port.
And if you want to run two 4K displays, the Wave should be able to handle such a demand with ease.
The Pavilion Wave will be available for £680 in the UK, while the Elite Wave will start at £500.
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What do you think of HP’s new PCs? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
