We finally have a price on the much-anticipated HP Slate. It will run you $799 and is being positioned for business and enterprise. For your $800 hard earned cash, you get the device in addition to the dock and the case.
While the first videos released by HP may have made it seem like it would be for consumers, HP’s tactfully changed its tune (don’t forget it’s got Palm / WebOS tablets on the way) and is now aiming the Slate at the enterprise and business market. Still, it will be available on HP’s site for $799 to anyone who wishes to purchase one.
The HP Slate is powered by a 1.86GHz Intel Atom Z540 processor, has 2GB of RAM, 64GB SSD, and handles 1080p video using the Crystal HD accelerator from Broadcom. The dock includes an HDMI port so that you can hook your slate up to your TV. It’s running Windows 7 and has a 8.9-inch capacitive touch screen. What sets it apart from other Windows slates is the Wacom active digitizer, which is primarily used for taking notes. You also get dual cameras: a front facing VGA cam and a 3 megapixel camera on the back. The device is the same weight as the iPad, but not as thin. This makes room for more space around the edges, which allows you to hold the device in one hand without touching the screen. The back panel is covered with an array of angular triangles which make the Slate 500 easy to grip.
HP is taking great pains to avoid comparisons with the iPad. They’re focusing on the fact that the Slate runs software that corporate types might already be using. The simple fact that it’s running Windows 7 will be of interest to those in a business environment because they are likely already running Windows on a desktop or laptop. The price range probably puts it outside of what your average consumer might be willing to shell out.
What do you think about the HP Slate 500? Check out the full review over at Slashgear with photos and video.