Will the HP Slate Prove to be a Worthy Opponent for the Apple iPad?

April 8, 2010 - By Justin E. Gehrke

Hewlett-Packard has posted a fresh video of its latest but yet-to-be released offering, the HP Slate. Complete with eye-popping displays of its computing power and a definite dramatic flair, the video appears to be designed to highlight the tablet’s presumed advantages over the newly released iPad from Apple. While many naysayers have written off the iPad as a tool for the business professional, they may not be able to do so, as quickly, with the Slate.

So what exactly does HP’s latest creation offer that the iPad doesn’t? The short laundry list below seems to include some key functionality that many say Apple’s tablet desperately needs to avoid being virtually stereo-typed as a tool for entertainment only.

• Expandable Memory: While the Slate provides USB storage device support (see below), it also has the advantage of accepting an SD memory card.
• USB Device Support: The title says it it all. Users have the option to plug in USB devices designed for storage, as well as other standard USB devices.
• A Traditional OS: The HP Slate is Windows 7-based, which means software installation by users is limited only by the combined capacity of the internal hard disc, SD memory card, and, in some instances, USB storage devices.
• Adobe Flash: Like it or not, Adobe Flash is the current standard for streaming video. Many of those who decried the iPad’s lack of Flash support will likely cite this supported capability as one of their main reasons for choosing the Slate over the iPad.
• Integrated Still & Video Camera: Though future generations of the Apple iPad are likely to add this seemingly standard feature, the first generation doesn’t. This discounts it as a viable option for many home and business users, who need the ability to video chat with friends or conduct video conferences with partners. The video shows Skype installed and in use. This may ultimately be a huge selling point, especially considering the Slate will have both a front and rear-facing camera.

Ultimately, people from both the HP and Apple camps could argue endlessly about the advantages and disadvantages of both devices. Clearly, though, HP has kept the business user in mind in its design of the Slate’s functions and specifications. This doesn’t mean they completely disregarded the average consumer, though, since the attractive design and presence of familiar software and functions will likely attract their attention, as well.

While the official release date and actual pricing for the tablet has yet to be published, the generally-accepted internet rumor says that it may hit stores as early as June 2010 and be priced around $550.00. Based on the short amount of time between now and then, as well as the price, which seems to offer more bang for the buck than Apple’s iPad, it will be interesting to see if the iPad’s sales numbers continue to climb, at the impressive rate we’ve seen so far.

Those interested in learning more about the product as the information is released can register for updates on the HP Slate by registering at the official HP website.