DailyTech - HP Steps Back into Tablet Game With Android-powered, $170 "Slate 7"

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Gadgets HP Steps Back into Tablet Game With Android-powered, $170 "Slate 7"
Brandon Hill (Blog) - February 24, 2013 12:16 PM

38 comment(s) - last by euler007.. on Feb 26 at 1:24 PM

HP's Slate 7 fails to impress

It looks as though the earlier reports were true: HP is getting back into the tablet game, and this time it's operating system of choice is Android. HP inherited the webOS operating system with its acquisition of Palm back in 2010, but did little to advance the platform in the face of stiff competition from Android and iOS.

Unfortunately, for those looking to once again give HP a chance in the tablet game, the specs for the new Slate 7 are very underwhelming -- even for its relatively low starting price of $169.

The Slate 7 comes with a dual-core, 1.6GHz Cortex A9 ARM processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage space (expandable via microSD), and a 1024x600 display. Other lackluster specs include Bluetooth 2.1, a front-facing VGA camera, and a 3MP shooter on the back. The device runs a stock version of Android 4.1.

The Slate 7 does include Beats Audio onboard and HP's ePrint functionality, but that's likely not enough to sway consumers from competitive offerings like the Google Nexus 7.

"To address the growing interest in tablets among consumers and businesses alike, HP will offer a range of form factors and leverage an array of operating systems," said Alberto Torres, senior vice president, Mobility Global Business Unit, HP. "Our new HP Slate on Android represents a compelling entry point for consumer tablets."

The Slate 7 will launch in the United States this April.

Source: HP

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Not bad if they are trying...

By anactoraaron on 2/24/2013 1:53:46 PM , Rating: 3

to compete with the new standard kindle fire (non-hd). Specs are similar and there's no kindle os skin here. You have to assume that's the only goal with this tablet. Assuming you can have more and fit more in a retail price of <$200 is idiotic.

This isn't the next 'iPad killer" or 'premium android tablet'. This is simply an alternative to the standard Kindle Fire - and it includes a micro sd slot. If I didn't already own a 1st gen Fire I would give this a serious look (hate the lack of a micro sd slot). Competition in the low end is a good thing, no?