Business-oriented Windows tablet adds security features

Asus announced a Windows tablet designed for business users, featuring a TPM (trusted platform module), Computrace LoJack readiness, and the Windows 7 Professional operating system. The Eee Slate BP121 includes a 1.33GHz Core i5 processor, a 12.1-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution, a Wacom digitizer, solid-state storage, and a Bluetooth-interfaced keyboard, the company says.

Many vendors of Windows 7 tablets leave it up to the buyer’s imagination as to whether the devices would be suitable for the enterprise. Asus, on the other hand, emphasizes the BP121’s business credentials, citing a TPM, the inclusion of Windows 7 Professional (with domain join functionality), and the ability to work with Absolute Software’s LoJack solution.

According to Asus, the subscription-based LoJack service helps safeguard valuable data by locating stolen tablets, and locking and remotely deleting data in the event a user’s device is stolen. When a PC is stolen or lost, a dedicated Theft Recovery team works with local law enforcement to track and recover it, the company adds.

The BP121 is otherwise pretty much like the EP121 announced by Asus earlier this year. It once again features a dual-core, 1.33GHz Core i5-470um (with 1.86GHz TurboBoost frequency), plus a 12.1-inch display sporting 1280 x 800 pixels.

As before, Asus cites both a 178-degree viewing angle and capacitive technology. Like the EP121 — and other devices such as HP’s enterprise-focused Slate 500 — the BP121 also offers a Wacom digitizer, allowing it to be operated with a pen.

According to Asus, the BP121 runs for up to 4.5 hours via a 34Wh battery (1.5 more than was cited for the EP121). It includes 4GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD (solid state disk), plus a mini-HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, an SD/MMC card reader, and a two megapixel webcam, the company adds.

The BP121 comes with 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, but does not appear to be offered with a cellular modem. Bluetooth 3.0 is included, however, and Asus includes a Bluetooth keyboard with the tablet.

Features and specifications released by Asus for the BP121 include:

• Processor — Intel Core i5-470um clocked at 1.33GHz
• Memory — 4GB of DDR3 RAM (apparently non-expandable)
• Display — 12.1-inch screen with capacitive touch and Wacom digitizer
• Camera — 2.0 megapixel
• Keyboard — Bluetooth keyboard bundled with tablet
• Storage — 64GB SSD
• Expansion — MMC/SD/SDHC/SDXC card reader
• Networking:
  WLAN — 802.11b/g/n
  • PAN — Bluetooth 3.0
• Other I/O:
  • 2 x USB 2.0
  • mini-HDMI
  • audio — mic in and headphone/line out
• Power — four-cell battery lasts up to three hours
• Dimensions — 12.28 x 8.16 x 0.67 inches
• Weight — 2.53 pounds