HP Introduces New Low-Cost Windows Tablets to Rival Android

By Sarah Price - 30 Sep '14 11:08AM

HP is trying to steal some limelight from low-cost Android tablets by expanding its tablet range with two new devices starting at just $99.

Hewlett Packard, the renowned PC brand, is exploring all available options to take a lead in the Android-dominated world. HP has partnered with Microsoft to bring two new Stream tablets in different sizes with attractive offers.

The two new tablets, 7-inch Stream and 8-inch Stream, run Microsoft's Windows 8.1 OS and draw power from an Intel Atom quad-core processor. HP did not share many details on the new slates but Engadget reviewed the products at a media event in NYC and reported that the tablets feature 32GB onboard storage, 1GB Ram and sharing via Bluetooth 4.0.

In addition to the new tablets, HP also added two new Windows-based laptops in the Stream series. The laptops, much like the tablets, bring an affordable alternative to premium products in the markets. The Stream laptops and tablets are primarily targeted toward Google's Chromebooks and Android-powered tablets, which have gained remarkable traction in the market with their competitive pricing.

"Today's consumers demand mobile products that fit their personal style and allow them to work and play where ever they are," Mike Nash, vice president of Product Management at HP, said in a press statement, Monday. "The HP Stream products announced today hit the mark with sleek design, portability, access to free cloud storage, and the familiarity of Windows and Office 365."

Microsoft is offering some attractive deals with the purchase of Stream tablets. The Stream 8 tablet comes with optional 200MB of free 4G data each month for as long as the device runs without any contract. The software company also offers one year of Office 365 Personal subscription along with 60 minutes of Skype each month and 1TB of OneDrive storage for one year.

The HP Stream 7 and Stream 8 will available alongside Stream laptops in November. The latter will take a slightly higher price tag of $149.99 while the former will be available at $99.99.