HP’s Elite Slice computer is a desktop PC that crams an Intel Skylake processor, up to 8GB of RAM and up to 500GB of storage into a a case that’s just 6 inches across and 1.5 inches deep.

Worried that there’s no room for things like an optical disc drive? The HP Slice is a modular PC system: you add features by purchasing additional modules and snapping them into place.

hp-slice_04

HP recently started taking orders for the Elite Slice computer, and I got a chance to check out the modular PC at an event in New York this week.

The Slice is basically a full-fledged PC in its own right, with everything you need to get started stuffed into a compact case, complete with a USB 3.1 Type-C port, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, DisplayPort and HDMI and an Ethernet jack.

There are also vents near the top of the computer to help keep things cool. Powered by a 35 watt Intel Skylake-T processor, there’s no way Intel could have made a system this small fanless, so there is a fan to blow hot air out through those vents.

On the bottom of the Slice there’s a port that you can line up with any of the Slice modules. Just snap the optical disc drive, Bang & Olufsen speakers, or other modules into place and they’ll be held firm by a latch while drawing power and sending data through that port.

hp-slice_01

You can remove any modules you’re not currently using by sliding a latch on the bottom of the stack and simply pulling modules apart.

Sure… you could probably buy a USB disc drive or speaker set for a lot less than the price of these official Slice modules. But they won’t be as compact or neat… and they’ll require you to run more cables all over your desk.

hp-slice_03

There’s also an optional “Collaboration Cover” that includes touch-sensitive buttons for use with Skype or other conference calling software.

hp-slice_06

HP isn’t the first company to unveil a proprietary, modular desktop system. Acer’s Aspire Revo Build is designed around a similar idea. But while Acer’s systems have a starting price of just $180 for a model with an Intel Celeron N3050 processor, HP is positioning the Elite Slice as a business-class computer with more powerful hardware (and higher price tags).

An entry-level HP Elite Slice is expected to sell for $699 and feature an Intel Core i3-6100T processor, 4GB of RAM, and 500GB of hard drive storage.

Higher-priced models feature up to a Core i7-6700T processor, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of solid state storage.

hp-slice_05

 

Support Liliputing

Liliputing's primary sources of revenue are advertising and affiliate links (if you click the "Shop" button at the top of the page and buy something on Amazon, for example, we'll get a small commission).

But there are several ways you can support the site directly even if you're using an ad blocker* and hate online shopping.

Contribute to our Patreon campaign

or...

Contribute via PayPal

* If you are using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin and seeing a pop-up message at the bottom of the screen, we have a guide that may help you disable it.

Subscribe to Liliputing via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 9,543 other subscribers