In the wake of Apple's iPad launch on Saturday, new details are emerging about what could be the first major competitor -- Hewlett-Packard's Slate. On Monday, the computer giant released a video featuring the upcoming product, and more specs are emerging.
The device was first seen in prototype form during Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. It will sell for about $550 for the 32GB/Wi-Fi model, and $599 for the 64GB. This compares to the iPad's $499 price for the 16GB/Wi-Fi, $599 for the 32GB, and $699 for the 64GB. Both devices have optional 3G  , which costs about $130 more on the iPad. There is no word yet on pricing for the Slate 3G models.
Two Cameras, Multi-Tasking, Flash
By comparison with the iPad, the Slate's screen will be somewhat smaller with lower resolution -- an 8.9-inch display versus the iPad's 9.7 inches, and 1024x600 compared to 1024x768. However, the Slate can run high-definition videos at a full 1080p, while the iPad's top display is 720p.
The Slate has two cameras to iPad's none -- one in the front for such uses as video phone calls, and a higher-res, three-megapixel camera on the back. On the downside for HP , the battery life at five hours is half that of the iPad. Like the iPad, the Slate's battery cannot be replaced by the user.
There's also a SD card reader that holds up to 128GB, a USB 2.0 port (versus none on the iPad), and audio and HDMI out. The Slate runs on a 1.6-GHz Atom microprocessor, compared to the iPad's one-GHz A4.
HP is not being secretive about the multitasking abilities on its Slate, or its use of Adobe's Flash, both of which are missing from the iPad.
HP Can 'Leverage Its Strength'
Perhaps the biggest unknown, aside from the actual launch date, is the use of a HP-developed touchscreen user interface on top of Windows 7 Home Premium. The iPad uses the iPhone OS, which was touch-based from the beginning. The HP videos show some rather slick touch interaction -- sliding an icon across the screen to the sidebar using a finger, for instance, or flipping though images, as on Apple's device.
But some industry analysts are suggesting that the actual device is only half the story. Apple certainly has a loyal fan base, of course, but more important is the iPhone/iPod touch infrastructure that the iPad immediately plugs into.
This includes the 150,000-plus apps and an active third-party developer community. Apple has also been working to create new alliances with the publishing industry. As a result, e-book versions of best sellers and classics priced and available for Apple's tablet, iPad versions of popular magazines, and apps for such tablet-worthy publications as Marvel comics are emerging.
Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for consumer technology at NPD Group, said HP could "leverage its strength in the desktop and laptop market for a new tablet" in ways that few companies can, such as using its retailer sales channel.
Rubin also pointed out that HP has used a touch interface on top of previous Windows versions, as with its TouchSmart PC, and that experience is obviously being brought to bear on the new product. And, of course, Windows has its own massive infrastructure and a touchscreen API that the new tablet can draw upon.
Anonymous:
Posted: 2010-04-18 @ 2:12pm PT
CDMA is not 4G, I assume you meant WiMax or LTE? Anyway, 4G is not really relevant for another 2 years as operators move to LTE and WiMax coverage slowly extends and by then the Slate will be obsolete. It is far more important that the battery life is improved and that the 3G support is better than the iPhone/iPad in terms of bandwidth efficiency.
Anonymous:
Posted: 2010-04-07 @ 5:44am PT
I agree with the bottom point, and it must have Wi-Fi, but will it have CDMA, i.e., 4G?
Anonymous:
Posted: 2010-04-06 @ 12:20pm PT
RE: "However, the Slate can run high-definition videos at a full 1080p." Since 1080p requires 1920x1080 pixels, how does that work on a 1024x600 device? It would be great if it did, but somebody didn't do the simple math.
Anonymous:
Posted: 2010-04-06 @ 12:08pm PT
Uh, what about the Windows infrastructure ... it's much bigger than the iPhone ecosystem.
Anonymous:
Posted: 2010-04-06 @ 10:37am PT
You cannot display 1080 HD modes on a 600-line screen withouth significant scaling reduction -- so it is misleading to say that the Slate can display 1080 HD modes. Even on 720 mode, both tablets require some scaling (the offical width is 1268).
Anonymous:
Posted: 2010-04-06 @ 10:04am PT
For updates, you can subscribe to Newsfactor's newsletters at http://www.newsfactor.com/members.xhtml
Anonymous:
Posted: 2010-04-06 @ 10:00am PT
I think that this is awesome, as I have a HP and love it. I just hope that they release it soon. What is the projected time frame for release? I hope that it is this year for sure. I really want this right now. Is there a way that i can get regular updates?
|
