HP upgraded its Compaq tc4400 Tablet PC with two Core 2 Duo configurations - HP Compaq tc4400 Tablet PC (EN356UT) and (EN357UT). Actually both models are built around the same T5600(1.83GHZ) CPU but differ in on-board Memory capacity - 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM and 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM. Starting price for the tc4400 EN356UT is $1,479.00 and for the tc4400 EN357UT - $1,749.00.

HP Compaq tc4400 (Core 2 Duo) Tablet PC quick specs:

* Genuine Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
* Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5600 (1.83-GHz, 667-MHz FSB, 2-MB L2 cache)
* Professional-grade tablet convertible design starting at 4.6 lb/2.08 kg
* 12.1-inch XGA Wide Viewing Angle Display with Digitizer and protective sparkle-free glass
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, with up to 224 MB of shared system* memory
* Enhanced Outdoor-viewable Display (select models) for 67% more contrast in bright sunlight with no loss of battery life
* Pressure sensitive digital eraser pen with tether and clip (application must support pressure sensitivity)
* Mobile Intel 945GM Express Chipset
* 512-MB (or 1GB) DDR2 SDRAM 533-MHz or 667-MHz, upgradeable to 4096-MB maximum, dual channel memory support
* Up to 100-GB 5400 rpm, user-removable hard drive
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
* Optional integrated 802.11 a/b/g or 802.11 b/g wireless LAN modules
* Support for optional Intel Centrinoâ„¢ mobile technology
* Optional integrated Bluetooth
* Integrated Secure Digital (SD) slot
* Security features include integrated HP Fingerprint Sensor, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Embedded Security Chip, and optional integrated Smart Card Reader
* Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit PCI Express Ethernet Controller
* Enhanced dual pointing devices (touchpad and pointstick) with scroll zone
* Protected by a three-year standard parts and labor warranty - certain restrictions and exclusions apply.

Reviews of the HP Compaq tc4400

CNET: Reviewing Compaq tc4400 - Tablet PC from HP, CNET gives it 6.6 out of 10 rating (good) rating and writes, “Common wisdom says that change comes from within, an axiom that HP has taken to heart with the tc4400 tablet PC. Physically identical to its predecessor, the tc4200, the tc4400’s updated model number indicates only a refresh of the components inside its case: brand-new Core 2 Duo processors, an updated chipset, room for more RAM, and larger hard drive capacities. Fortunately, the company also dropped the tablet’s price to $1,479 (our review unit included a few upgrades that brought the cost to a still-competitive $2,099). The updated components allow the tc4400 to keep pace with similar tablets on the market, such as the $1,933 Gateway M285-E and the $2,429 Fujitsu LifeBook T4215. On the eve of the Microsoft Vista launch, it’s worth noting that the tc4400 (like most other business laptops) is “Vista capable,” meaning it will be able to handle the new operating system, but at the likely cost of some key features of Vista’s redesigned user interface.

That said, the HP Compaq tc4400 makes sense for businesses that want to complement their existing fleet of HP laptops and businesses that have no Vista upgrade plans on the horizon. Everyone else would do best to wait until HP refreshes its business line later this year.

The good: Good battery life; responsive keyboard; three-year warranty; fingerprint reader; ambient light sensor automatically adjusts screen brightness.

The bad: A little heavy for holding in one arm; base configuration could use more RAM; lacks a FireWire port and a built-in optical drive.

The bottom line: The HP Compaq tc4400 convertible tablet offers decent performance and battery life, though we recommend adding more RAM. “

This entry was posted on September 15, 2006 and is filed under HP Tablet PCs.