Finally, the long-awaited HP tablet has arrived
HP Slate 500: A New Tablet PC for Business and Beyond
HP has entered the tablet PC market with the release of the Slate 500, a device aimed at the business sector but versatile enough for personal use. Here's what you need to know about this new device.
Design and Specifications
The Slate 500 boasts an 8.9-inch multitouch display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. It has a sleek design, with dimensions of 5.91 x 9.21 x 0.58 inches, and a weight of 1.5 lbs, including its 2-cell, 30WHr battery. The device features a rubberized back with a familiar triangle design, making it easy to hold without slipping off.
The Slate 500 is equipped with a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom Z540 processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of SSD Flash storage. It also comes with a VGA webcam on the front and a 3MP camera on the back for stills and video.
Connectivity and Accessories
The Slate 500 supports WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth for internet connection, and includes USB 2.0, an SD card reader, and a combined audio in/out port. It comes with a cradle that includes two USB 2.0, an audio in/out, and an HDMI out.
Input and Operating System
The Slate 500 is receptive to finger and stylus inputs, making it versatile for various tasks. It runs on Windows 7 Professional (32bits) operating system. The device also includes several convenient buttons such as one that launches the keyboard, a home button to get back to the desktop, and the CTRL + ALT + DEL button for easy access to the task manager.
Business Applications
The Slate 500 is marketed as a business tool, offering opportunities for new apps focused on productivity, mobility, and specialized enterprise needs. It supports core business functions like email, document editing, presentations, and communication, enabling workers to be productive outside traditional office environments.
Because it is a Windows-based tablet, it can run many legacy or enterprise-specific software applications that businesses rely on. Its multi-touch and pen/stylus input allow for annotation, electronic signatures, design markups, and other tasks important for certain industries.
Developers can create or tailor apps leveraging its Windows environment and touch features, supporting functions like real-time data entry, mobile CRM, or workflow management apps.
Pricing and Availability
The Slate 500 is currently available for sale in the US for $799.
In summary, the HP Slate 500 offers a portable, flexible computing solution for professional workflows that need Windows compatibility and advanced input capability. It's a device with strong potential for new enterprise apps tailored to mobile workforces and specialized industry needs. This aligns with broader trends in business technology to increase mobility, efficiency, and customer interaction in various sectors.
This new device, the HP Slate 500, is not just a tablet for business use but can also function as a personal gadget due to its versatility. Alongside other e-reader devices, the Slate 500 can be an excellent choice for those seeking a technology companion for professional and personal tasks.
