HP Slate PC
Encyclopedia
The HP Slate 500 is a multi-touch
capable Windows 7 slate PC that was announced at CES 2010 and launched on 22 October 2010.
concept, but after further study of the uses for such devices, HP realigned their goal to deliver a product that provided a "rich user experience; to browse, listen to music, watch videos and enjoy media".
HP Chief Technology Officer, Phil McKinney, stated that "2010 is the optimal year...there is now this convergence of low cost, low power processors, with an Operating System - Windows 7 that is touch aware."
on the front panel, a 8.9" capacitive multi-touch screen supporting 1024×600 pixel resolution with digitizer and pen support. The Slate is powered by a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom Z540 processor with 2GB DDR2 of RAM, 64GB of onboard solid state flash storage and one standard USB 2.0 port. The device supports 1080p
playback powered by the Intel GMA 500 integrated graphics chipset in addition to a Broadcom Crystal HD media accelerator card for hardware assisted video playback. Wireless capabilities include the built-in WiFi
and Bluetooth support. Power is supplied by a 2-cell 30WHr Lithium-Ion battery with an average runtime of 5 hours.
The Slate 500 also has support for a stylus pen/digitizer, to enable on-screen freehand drawing and writing.
and HP confirmed that the "full web" experience will be available on the Slate 500, including full hardware accelerated Adobe Flash
content and Adobe AIR applications.
claimed that a source said that HP had planned to build only 5,000 Slates, but received orders for 9,000, forcing the delay.
Initial reviews have not met a general consensus yet. CNET
said the device was a "lightweight, sturdy device, with...a slick industrial design and several hardware advantages over the iPad
." Its only criticism was the lack of a specialized interface for touchscreen use; rather, the Slate has no additional software beyond what is included with Windows 7 Professional, and the CNET review considered this a limitation for productivity uses.
Multi-touch
In computing, multi-touch refers to a touch sensing surface's ability to recognize the presence of two or more points of contact with the surface...
capable Windows 7 slate PC that was announced at CES 2010 and launched on 22 October 2010.
History
The Slate 500 began as an e-readerE-reader
E-reader may refer to:* Nintendo e-Reader, a device made by Nintendo for its Game Boy Advance portable video game system* E-book reader, a device or computer program used for reading electronic books...
concept, but after further study of the uses for such devices, HP realigned their goal to deliver a product that provided a "rich user experience; to browse, listen to music, watch videos and enjoy media".
HP Chief Technology Officer, Phil McKinney, stated that "2010 is the optimal year...there is now this convergence of low cost, low power processors, with an Operating System - Windows 7 that is touch aware."
Hardware
The Slate 500 has a three-megapixel camera on its back panel and a VGA resolution webcamWebcam
A webcam is a video camera that feeds its images in real time to a computer or computer network, often via USB, ethernet, or Wi-Fi.Their most popular use is the establishment of video links, permitting computers to act as videophones or videoconference stations. This common use as a video camera...
on the front panel, a 8.9" capacitive multi-touch screen supporting 1024×600 pixel resolution with digitizer and pen support. The Slate is powered by a 1.86 GHz Intel Atom Z540 processor with 2GB DDR2 of RAM, 64GB of onboard solid state flash storage and one standard USB 2.0 port. The device supports 1080p
1080p
1080p is the shorthand identification for a set of HDTV high-definition video modes that are characterized by 1080 horizontal lines of resolution and progressive scan, meaning the image is not interlaced as is the case with the 1080i display standard....
playback powered by the Intel GMA 500 integrated graphics chipset in addition to a Broadcom Crystal HD media accelerator card for hardware assisted video playback. Wireless capabilities include the built-in WiFi
WIFI
WIFI is a radio station broadcasting a brokered format. Licensed to Florence, New Jersey, USA, the station is currently operated by Florence Broadcasting Partners, LLC.This station was previously owned by Real Life Broadcasting...
and Bluetooth support. Power is supplied by a 2-cell 30WHr Lithium-Ion battery with an average runtime of 5 hours.
The Slate 500 also has support for a stylus pen/digitizer, to enable on-screen freehand drawing and writing.
Software
The Slate 500 runs Windows 7, which includes native touch technology. Adobe SystemsAdobe Systems
Adobe Systems Incorporated is an American computer software company founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Jose, California, United States...
and HP confirmed that the "full web" experience will be available on the Slate 500, including full hardware accelerated Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to web pages. Flash is frequently used for advertisements, games and flash animations for broadcast...
content and Adobe AIR applications.
Release
HP announced that the device was available for purchase on 22 October 2010, initially with a cost of US$799. A month after launch, HP announced that the device was back ordered for six weeks due to "extraordinary demand," though EngadgetEngadget
Engadget is a multilingual technology blog network with daily coverage of gadgets and consumer electronics. Though on appearance Engadget functions much like a blog and may be defined as such, much of its editorial content takes the form of an online magazine...
claimed that a source said that HP had planned to build only 5,000 Slates, but received orders for 9,000, forcing the delay.
Reception
The Slate 500 (at the time known simply as the Slate) received a positive reception when it was shown at CES 2010. CNBC said "HP's Slate has been the big buzz".Initial reviews have not met a general consensus yet. CNET
CNET
CNET is a tech media website that publishes news articles, blogs, and podcasts on technology and consumer electronics. Originally founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition...
said the device was a "lightweight, sturdy device, with...a slick industrial design and several hardware advantages over the iPad
IPad
The iPad is a line of tablet computers designed, developed and marketed by Apple Inc., primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, and web content. The iPad was introduced on January 27, 2010 by Apple's then-CEO Steve Jobs. Its size and...
." Its only criticism was the lack of a specialized interface for touchscreen use; rather, the Slate has no additional software beyond what is included with Windows 7 Professional, and the CNET review considered this a limitation for productivity uses.