HP announces an update of the EliteBook and ProBook laptop series-- the EliteBook 700 and ProBook 600 series, offering Ryzen PRO-based processors and, in the case of the EliteBook 700, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.

The 5th generation EliteBook notebooks are aimed at professional and enterprise customers wanting premium features such as advanced security, remote management and (optional) smart card readers. The addition of the AMD Ryzen PRO Mobile platform brings a number of AMD silicon-level security technologies, such as the Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) feature protecting data in DRAM via dedicated AES-128 engine.

According to IDC, a new entrant brings "welcome change" to an otherwise ailing tablet market-- Chrome OS-powered detachable tablets, bringing a more tightly controlled software option to the growing niche.

The analyst points out detachables as the one bright spot in tablets, since global Q1 2018 shipments of devices such as the Microsoft Surface and iPad Pro are up by 2.9% Y-o-Y, making 15.3% share of the tablet market. In contrast, overall tablet shipments are down by -11.7% Y-o-Y to 31.7 million, while traditional slate shipments total 26.8m in Q1 2018, a -13.9% Y-o-Y decline.

Last year Sony announced the DPT-RP1, a 13.3-inch tablet with an ePaper display users could write or draw on with a stylus. Now the company presents the DPT-CP1, a smaller 10.3-inch version.

A prime example of "Sony weird," the DPT-CP1 allows one to create documents and annotate PDF documents, with 16GB of storage customers can share with iOS, Android, Windows and Mac devices via companion app. The ePaper displays offers 1404 x 1872 resolution and 16 greyscale levels, and Sony says the device lasts around 1 month on a single charge.

HP is the second company to launch a ChromeOS-powered tablet-- the Chromebook x2 is a 12.3-inch notebook with a detachable keyboard allowing for tablet-style touchscreen use.

The Chromebook x2 is a somewhat high-end device. It runs on a 7th generation Intel Core-Y processor together with 4/8GB RAM, 32GB internal storage (expandable via microSD slot) and battery promising up to 10.5 hours of use ona  single charge. The display is a Gorilla Glass 4-clad IPS WLED number able to handle 2400x1600 resolution together with stylus support. Connectivity comes through x2 USB-C ports and headphone jack.

Samsung launches a pair of notebooks aimed at customers wanting to indulge in "everyday premium computing-- the Notebook 3 and Notebook 5, both running on a choice of Intel and Nvidia hardware.

The Notebook 3 comes in either 14- or 15-inch sizes in a choice of four colours (misty gray, night charcoal, deep peach and pure white), while the Notebook 5 is a 15.6-inch device complete with a metal body in a "light titan" colour. Customers can configure the notebooks with a choice of 8th Generation Intel KBL-RU quad-core or 7th Generation Intel KBL U processors, although Samsung has to actually specify the processors in question.

The launch of the Intel 8th generation Core laptop processor range brings about a Dell refresh-- including the most powerful Dell XPS and Alienware 17 models, the XPS 15 2-in-1 and the G3 laptop series.

The updated XPS 15 carries the latest Intel 8th gen Core processors, with the entry-level model featuring the Core i5-8300H CPU and integrated graphics. The most advanced models scale up to a Core i9 CPU, GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD. All feature a 15.6-inch 4K resolution display within a 14-inch chassis, a battery promising up to 12.5 hours of life on a single charge and construction in "premium materials" in several finishes.

The March 2018 Apple event was all about education, as seen with the launch of a new 9.7-inch iPad with Apple Pencil support and a lower price tag, as well as a classroom management app dubbed Schoolwork.

The education-focused iPad is very similar to the regular iPad, even if the addition of Pencil support does merit some attention-- after all, the stylus was previously limited to the iPad Pro. Further iPad features include the A10 Fusion chip (the iPad Pro has the A10X), 32GB storage, 8MP rear-facing camera, HD FaceTime camera, compass, GPS and 10 hour battery life. For customers wanting to connect to the internet on the go an LTE version will also be available.

Acer sets to take on Apple in education as it announces the Chromebook Tab 10-- a first tablet running on Chrome OS, with touch and stylus support replacing keyboard control.

Aimed primarily at the "education and commercial" customers, the Chromebook Tab 10 features a 9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 IPS LCD, OP1 processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage (expandable via microSD slot), 5MP rear-/2MP front-facing cameras and a 34Wh battery. Connectivity comes through USB-C, 3.5mm jack, 802.11ac wifi and Bluetooth 4.1.