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What About the HP Slate? Exactly. What About It?

Apr. 6, 2010 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

I've gotten a lot of email about HP's upcoming Slate PC. Supposedly in development for over five years--my guess is it was really jumpstarted around the time that Apple tablet rumors cropped up--the Slate features an 8.9-inch touch screen running at 1024 x 600, a 1.6 GHz Atom processor, 1 GB of RAM (upgradeable), 32 or 64 GB of flash storage (upgradeable, and has SD), integrated graphics (but capable of running 1080p video), and so on. (Read more at Engadget.)

So what do I think?

The screen is about right. I've found that the iPad screen is simply too big: It makes reaching for the upper corners of the screen, often required for software "back" buttons in many, many apps, ponderous. So a smaller screen, with the right widescreen aspect ratio, is the right decision. This is, I think, the HP's biggest (only?) advantage over the iPad, the latter of which has proven itself awkward and heavy to hold, and hard to use as a result.

Beyond that, I'm not impressed by this device.

The Atom processor is barely acceptable, and if my experience running sub-HD video on the Acer AspireRevo is any indication, those wishing to run 1080p video off of this thing will be disappointed. The iPad, for all its faults, can in fact run HD video, purchased from the iTunes Store, without a hitch (on its own screen, which is not HD). In fact, iPad performance, overall, is unbelievable. So is the battery life.

The Slate runs Windows 7, which is nice, but not ideal at low resolutions. An argument can be made for Media Center on such a device, I guess. And of course, because it's a full PC, you get Flash, Office, etc. But let's not get crazy, this is a tablet. It's meant to be something less than a PC. Say what you will about the iPad, but Apple was right, I think, to go with its PDA OS (iPhone OS), and not the full Mac OS X. One can only imagine how nice future tablets and other devices will be if they run the Windows Phone OS; it's a natural because the panoramic UI would work great on bigger screens. But that's just speculation. The iPad is here now, as is Windows 7. My vote is for the simpler OS on such a device (i.e. the iPad) because that's the decision here: You're making a trade-off because the good outweighs the bad.

Pricing is in HP's favor, and by a wide margin, given the capabilities of each device: HP will charge $550 to $600 for the Slate, compared to $500 to $850 for the iPad. But that's not how people make buying decisions. Many will choose the iPad because it is simpler and works seamlessly with the iTunes ecosystem. Yes, you can run iTunes on the Slate. Can you run iPad or iPhone apps? No. Can you put a price on this compatibility? I guess you can. Advantage iPad.

The things that HP gets right then, are the screen (mentioned above), the integrated dual cameras (a silly and obvious omission on the iPad), expandability, and, if such a thing is important to you, PC/Flash compatibility.

The iPad has the support ecosystem (iTunes, App Store, etc.), which I think is almost the only reason to even consider the device. It's simpler and more elegant, and is well designed. The battery life is incredible.

I guess you can pick one based on your wants. But not your needs. No one--no one--needs either of these things. They are luxury items, pure and simple, accessories that do not replace something else you're already using. Let's at least all be honest about that, please.

Long story short. Based on what I've seen so far about the HP Slate, I'm not hugely interested (in part because I have experience with UMPCs, unlike many) and not hugely impressed. And even with the limitations of the iPad, I'd be hard pressed to recommend a Slate over an iPad, again, based on what I know so far.

We'll see if things change over time, and as I learn more. They often do.

Discuss this Article 25

Dr. Daniel Jackson
on Apr 6, 2010
Anyone know what graphics they are putting in this thing? with ION, maybe HD playback wont suck too bad. My Aspire One can barley play 720p video. Without help the Atom is just to weak, it in current offerings. I disagree about the mobile os on a device like this, I personally would have rather seen OS X on the iPad, and Windows 7 on the Slate will be great.
DRWAM
on Apr 6, 2010
If I had a need for such a device, I would have to decide if I wanted it for work related needs or entertainment and leisure needs. If the iTunes ecosystem were more important, the iPad MGHT be the choice. But if I need to use it more for work, I would definitely need a device that could use our VPN [PPTP] as well as Citrix and Thin Clients. ActiveX support would also be needed for my use for PACS. That may be a short or a tall order depending upon if Win 7 [starter I guess] or WinMobile was used. But as a consumer, that would be my personal needs. However, I'm sure that others have very different needs, but would decide in a similar manner.
FalKirk
on Apr 6, 2010
"I disagree about the mobile os on a device like this, I personally would have rather seen OS X on the iPad, and Windows 7 on the Slate will be great." - Dr. Daniel Jackson I think this is where Paul has it right and most people are missing the boat. People look at a slate and they say: "Oh, wouldn't it be great to have everything I have on my computer on that form factor!" It's like trying to put a miniature version of everything you have in a motor home into a sports car - It's just not going to work. Motor homes are extremely useful. But a sports cars - like slate computers - have their own dynamic. They're smaller, they're maneuverable, they're peppy and fun to drive. Can you cook and sleep in them? No way. But they serve a purpose and they serve it well. A desktop interface on a slate is inevitably going to be too much stuff with too little power. This has been the history of the slate for the past ten years and this is why, with the exception of vertical markets, it's had minimal commercial success.
maati
on Apr 6, 2010
Once again, Paul, you're TOTALLY missing the point. There's a reason for Windows 7 on the HP Slate: Productivity. The iPad may be an awesome device for consuming media, but what it totally fails at is productivity. It simply doesn't make anyonw more productive. The only Office suite that runs on the iPad is useless for working on the go (see: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=7935). Without a useful Office suite and pen/onking support, the iPad is completely useless as a productivity device. That's where the HP Slate comes in. According to the leaked spec sheet, it supports pen/inking, and of course the real Microsoft Office. Along with Microsoft Office comes OneNote. If you've ever used Microsoft OneNote on a Tablet PC, you know why Windows 7 and inking support on the HP Slate are HUGE. OneNote is THE application for increasing your productivity and along with the rest of the Microsoft Office suite, the HP Slate is THE device for any mobile worker, who can't carry around a big, fat laptop all the time. What you don't understand, Paul, is that the HP Slate is simply aimed at a different market. While it's certainly useful for media consuption, of course it can't compete with the iPad in that regard. But it comes in where the iPad fails miserably, which is productivity. Our life is not only about gaming and media consumption, it's also, if not mostly, about work and media creation. Apart from the non-replaceable battery, which is a no-go for a productivity device, the HP Slate is THE device for the "other" part of our live, that the iPad can't enhance. If you ever write an article about the HP Slate or any other Windows 7 slate/tablet, please look at it from the right angle. Otherwise, you'll make a fool of yourself (again).
MrDiSante
on Apr 6, 2010
Compatibility. That's funny one. Honestly Paul, usually i agree 95% with the content of your articles, but this one is waaay off-base. Windows loses the compatibility battle when hell freezes over. As for HD video - it's not going to be run using the Atom processor, which although far more powerful than the Apple A4, still can't do it - it's going to be run using the graphics chip. Just like you know, every mobile solution out there and most desktops. Regarding the speed issue: this thing isn't going to win any prizes for running Visual Studio, but then it's not the intended use. For video playback, internet browsing, editing a few documents and note-taking it''ll do just fine (except if you try to do all four of the above, it will probably slow down a bit then). How do I know? Because I have a Dell Mini 10 with 1GB RAM and Win Home Premium and it does it.
maati
on Apr 6, 2010
@FalKirk You're also missing the point. Just like a motor home can't replace a sports car, the sports car can't replace the motor home. Maybe, one day, we'll have ultra fast motor homes. But until then, both the iPad and the HP Slate have their own places and they're both equally important, but for different people.
chipwinter
on Apr 6, 2010
The video that HP released this week was very slick. However, the cover flow looked choppy, not smooth, as did the scrolling. Anyone know if this might be the video or the actual Slate?
FalKirk
on Apr 6, 2010
"Just like a motor home can't replace a sports car, the sports car can't replace the motor home." - maati maati, that's my point. You're trying to give the slate the full functionality of a desktop/notebook computer (trying to substitute a sports car for a motor home) and it's just not up to the task. Better to have the slate (sports car) serve it's purpose and serve it well than to have it do a terrible job of pretending to be a full functioning computer (motor home).
FalKirk
on Apr 6, 2010
Nuts! My last post was published while I was still in the middle of drafting/editing it. It's probably even less coherent than my normal posts. :) My apologies.
DigDug
on Apr 6, 2010
Does the Slate support or come with a stylus? Win7 has built in handwriting recognition too, right (is it any good Paul)? I think HP would be better to say, "We're not competing with the iPad, This is a device you can do actual factual work on." And then show people writing documents with they stylus in Word or annotating a PDF in OneNote. I hate OneNote, but I think I would make it work if it would give me a really nice electronic notepad. Instead they'll try to go head to head though, and pretend that they do everything the iPad does, except better. And lets face it, that's not going to happen. The battery life will be less. The OS, which is a full OS instead of PDA one, won't run as well. Video playback will lag. Video/Music/Book sources will be plentiful, cheaper, and have more features with less DRM, but not as nicely integrated.
Dipsh t Admin
on Apr 6, 2010
While the specs portend a slow experience, I think we should wait till it is released before talking about the performance. My guess is that the time being taken now is being used to optimize the experience with those limited specs. If they weren't they would have already released this thing, since it basically is a netbook. I think the GPU will make the biggest difference here in terms of performance, though. At least for my personal use, I need a full laptop, that's why I use a Lenovo X series as my couch surfer and carry around device when I need it. The Slate or iPad would be way too limiting to make the purchase price worth it. Paul, I don't understand the compatibility complaint. Since this will run Windows 7, it will of course have a wide compatibly with apps that people are already using.
maati
on Apr 6, 2010
@FalKirk No, the point that you missed is, there must be two kinds of slates. The HP Slate will of course not replace the desktop PC or laptop. But also the iPad can not replace the HP Slate. It's lighter, smaller, more portable than a netbook, but still much more useful for productivity tasks than the iPad. This is EXACTLY what the HP Slate should be, and what Tablet PCs should have been from the beginning, though I understand that the hardware simply wasn't there. My Dell Latitude XT2 is way overpowered and much too heavy. The iPad, however, can not replace it, cause the Latitude is a productivity tool, the iPad is not, since it doesn't run Office and OneNote and doesn't support inking. Thus, my Latitude will be replaced by the HP Slate. Assuming the HP Slate really supports inking, it's THE thing I've been waiting for. It's not designed to replace the PC (which is impossible without a keyboard, anyway) and it does not replace the iPad. But neither the PC nor the iPad are useful for me. The HP Slate is exactly the right size, with exactly the right functionality. It doesn't have to be as smooth and easy to use as an iPad, but it has to be as portable and provide the productivity features that the iPad lacks.
DRWAM
on Apr 6, 2010
The actual battle is between the ideal use and needs/desires of the consumer vs intended use by the manufacturer, as well as it's actual practical use. The Slate and the iPad have similarities in some function, but seem to have taken different paths for the intended use. It's the consumer who will choose what needs it would like to fill. NO device seems to perfectly meet the needs of each consumer, but versatility can prevail... unless you are looked in to one ecosystem. And yes, I apologize for borrowing your logic Dr. Jackson.
maati
on Apr 6, 2010
@BladRnr You're missing the point as well. While iPad OS is the right thing for a media consumtion device, it's utter useless for a productivity tool. Lacking every single feature that a productivity tool needs, the iPad just fails there. There's no compatibility with Office documents, not even iWork documents (see: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=7935), no storage access, no inking support, no multitasking, no exchangeable storage. The iPad simply can't replace any productivity tool. Windows 7 is currently the only OS that can provide the necessary functionality. (though it should be possible to create a Linux flavor designed for slate devices) They're not competing with the iPad, since the iPad simply can't compete at the tasks the HP Slate is made for. They may be trying to take advantage of the iPad hype, but they're nevertheless aiming at a different market. There's some overlap, but the HP Slate isn't too good at what the iPad is made for and the iPad totally fails at what the HP Slate is made for. The HP Slate has it's own place and Windows 7 is the right OS for it. It's not going to compete with the iPad, it's going to do things that the iPad can't, while of course not claiming to be as good as the iPad at the tasks the iPad was made for.
RobertC
on Apr 6, 2010
I'm actually surprised by Paul's comment about the HP Slate. The iPad OS is ridiculously limited and the fact that it has 150,000 applications is neither here nor there given that Windows 7 has millions of applications and many of them are free. That's the one thing people are forgetting. For all the hoo-ha over the iTunes ecosystem, it's locked down and it's expensive. iPad applications are up to four times more expensive than their iPhone equivalents and since media outlets think the iPad is their saviour, they've all decided to charge ridiculous prices for subscriptions. Sure, there are downsides to using a desktop class OS on a tablet, but Windows 7 improves the touch functionality substantially. And for most people it will be excellent for browsing, movies and photos, with expandability to match.
Dipsh t Admin
on Apr 6, 2010
"And by the time it ships, iPhone OS 4.0 will be out, probably with an iPhone running the A4 chip. This is a game of catchup MS will never win." Not exactly. While I have no doubts that the next gen iPhone will be on some variant of their A4 chip, you have to remember that the base chassis spec for WinPho 7, as well as the announced handsets, are all shipping with a Snapdragon processor or equivalent. The mobile world is quickly changing right now. The HD2, Evo, Incredible, and Nexus One all run with Snapdragon. Two of these ship right now, and two will be out most likely, based on history, before the next iPhone drops this summer. The world is already there with fast processors. One thing I haven't seen reported widely or thought of is the Chrome OS. Google has the resources and pull to get some top notch hardware out there. Just like the iPad, the Slate will probably need till the second generation to get going and meet most expectations. Newer generation chips combined with a hybrid dual boot WinPho 7/Windows 7 combo would work well for such a device. Once again, we really need to wait for the Slate to come out before we can comment about that performance. The specs show one thing, but from what I understand, HP is working closely with MS, so I expect to see some optimizations that are just not prevalent right now, and maybe even a new Windows 7 touch pack or something to complement this when it arrives. This is all my best guess right now.
rr0de74@live.com
on Apr 6, 2010
@DRWAM "The actual battle is between the ideal use and needs/desires of the consumer vs intended use by the manufacturer, as well as it's actual practical use." Smartest thing said yet about this device class. I never wanted a netbook. Why? Its simply too small (the original ones) and weak to replace a laptop and they keyboard is not needed for most of what I would use one for surfing the web, video game, watching a movie. Break off the keyboard on a netbook and give me a slightly bigger screen......and you have iPad/Slate device. Apple is clearly focusing 95% of the iPad at....consumers and media/game consumption. It will excel at that because they are focused. They simply dont care if they lose out the productivity contest, on this device. Focus is good. What is HP AND Microsoft, two companies, targeting the HP slate for? Productivity as Falkirk says??? If we follow Microsoft's track record, they will try to make it one shot to fit all. I could see my self using the VPN client and RDP on both devices to remote control a server at work for something simple. I could see my self using it for light email or maybe to read a word or excel document. However on either device if those tasks got more involved I would move to a laptop.
Mum
on Apr 6, 2010
Widescreen sucks. It might be nice for movies, but it sucks for photos, it sucks for working, it sucks for surfing - it sucks for everything else. Especially landscape typing, as it takes more than half of "the smaller wide angle screen". "I guess you can pick one based on your wants. But not your needs. No one--no one--needs either of these things. They are luxury items, pure and simple, accessories that do not replace something else you're already using. Let's at least all be honest about that, please." Let's think for ten seconds, please. No one really needs tv's. No one needs music players. Or music, for that matter. No one needs black pepper on their steak, no one needs beer or flowers. And I won't be needing my morning paper anymore if I ever get the iPad. iPad is something I can read and surf on as I have breakfast. Laptop, netbook, no way.
lotsamystuff
on Apr 6, 2010
No one "needs" the one-trick-pony Kindle which, in its upper configuration, is only slightly less expensive than the iPad. But that doesn't stop Paul from praising it to the high heavens. There's a weird disconnect in Paul's brain when it comes to products from Apple Inc.
Waethorn
on Apr 6, 2010
There are some people that want massive amounts of functionality in a small form factor. I know I do - that's why I like Windows Mobile. I like the idea of having (almost) the capabilities of a PC in my pocket, not some limited device that makes the limited number of things it does look pretty. The same goes for a slate or tablet PC: there are those people looking for (almost) the functionality of a full PC with that form factor, and are willing to compromise somewhat on performance in order to get it at a reasonable price. HP already said their slate PC will do 1080p video. The GMA 500 can *iff* software is designed for it natively. Also, since HP's supposedly "leaked" specs are neither official, nor confirmed, there is no reason to believe that it does or doesn't have some other video acceleration coprocessor. Also, the slate PC is rumoured to have stylus input support. If this is true, it could work for us, where we need to keep notes on our sales floor for inventory adjustments, and it's certainly easier to jot some notes on a tablet PC than to use paper and scan it in for auditing and record keeping (another reason why Pocket PC's are good at stylus input, and why we use them as electronic notepads in some cases). What I'd like to see is one of those elasticized hand straps on the back to make it easy to carry and write on the go without the risk of dropping it. " iPad is something I can read and surf on as I have breakfast. Laptop, netbook, no way." Are you going to keep your dock on your kitchen table so you can read while you choke down your Lucky Charms? You don't need one for a laptop or netbook.
DRWAM
on Apr 6, 2010
Yep rr0de74, that was the meaning of my post. Each company seems to take a different consumer path. I too have little or no use for a netbook. The rest of the family would never want to use the small screen and limited speed, but it really seems intended for productivity. The iPad seems to focus more on entertainment and leisure, but I have yet to try one. I may never as I use my portables for productivity. My iPhone doesn't even have any music. I downloaded a few games that were free and will play then on occasion just to see if and how they work. Dealnews.com and dealmac.com has a daily list of free apps that are free for a few days. I tend to download a few. Some are pretty good, while others are not. Still, that iPhone works pretty well as a gamer.
lehenbauer
on Apr 6, 2010
We'll see what price the Slate really comes in at. Paul is saying $550 - $600, which puts it more expensive than the base iPad. Just sayin'. Of course any price on it is a guess right now. I think Microsoft is blinkered by their windows-on-everything plan to always leverage and/or extend their monopoly. Nobody will run antivirus on their iPad. If the Slate runs full Windows 7, it will require antivirus for regular jackoffs. Yes, I know if you are extremely careful you don't have to run AV but most people don't understand all the nuances of what is actually safe or unsafe to click, especially kids and old people, etc.
Waethorn
on Apr 6, 2010
" Paul is saying $550 - $600, which puts it more expensive than the base iPad." Actually, it isn't, considering that the base price for the HP Slate comes in with 32GB of storage. At worst, it's competitive with the iPad ($599 for the 32GB model), at best, it's even cheaper (less $50 if the $549 starter price sticks). "I too have little or no use for a netbook. The rest of the family would never want to use the small screen and limited speed, but it really seems intended for productivity." If you want something that's netbook-sized without compromising as much on performance as a netbook, try the ThinkPad x100e. It's a good balance between cost, performance, and form factor. With a netbook, the cost can be just as much (based on styling or certain minor feature additions), but the performance just isn't there. I'm using the big daddy of the x100e, the ThinkPad Edge 13" using almost the same performance (plus an extra processor core). I've boosted the RAM up to 4GB mind you, since I like to test virtual machine deployments on the go, to which the AMD processors handle in strides. The x100e would make a good work PC though. PS: Lenovo had extended warranty coverage for many business systems on sale. For business systems that ship with a standard 1 year warranty, they offered 3-year *on-site* warranty service for less than $100 extra. Unfortunately, that sale is over. Now it's about $132CDN, but that's still much cheaper than a consumer extended warranty, and you wouldn't even have the on-site service as an option. ADP is still fairly expensive, but whatever. For anyone that wants peace of mind with their system, my advice is to buy a business-grade machine in a more consumer-friendly configuration (most ship with options for Win 7 Home Premium) and get an extended warranty with one of those. Not only do you have a system that is going to be more durable and more likely to survive day-to-day mobile user uses and abuses, but you'll get the option of having your own personal concierge repair service. I've seen too many systems fail with something major between the 1 to 3 year period to fully justify an extended warranty on any name brand system (that includes Macs). If there's one thing for certain, is that electronics will certainly fail, but you can't be certain when. That said, warranties aren't some guess work that the manufacturer makes up - warranties are based around the average lifespan of the product, whether that be components or the fully-assembled product. Let me put it this way: if a manufacturer figures it will be too costly to fix something and keep that customer happy, they won't do it. If that means losing a customer, so be it. With electronics made on a mass assembly line in China somewhere, and labour rates being too high to test any more than 1 in 10,000 units, manufacturers don't really care much beyond the time that it leaves their manufacturing floor....unless you're willing to pay extra for the service anyway. A warranty covers "manufacturer defects", not wear and tear. Remember that. Just because something fails within warranty, doesn't necessarily mean a manufacturer will cover it if you don't do necessary maintenance (just like with a car).
Waethorn
on Apr 6, 2010
Using any portable tablet with only your finger seems archaic to me, and using it with your thumbs to type on the go like it's a phone just makes you look like a stupid douche. The most natural method for text input on the go is to hold the tablet stable in one hand and to use your other. Using your finger to point is still childish (and don't get me started on what people look like when they start using multi-touch). The more natural method is to use a writing implementation, since typing with an onscreen keyboard isn't feasible with one hand. That means stylus input. Yes, it looks like an electronic clipboard, but it's natural, and this method has existed for thousands of years because it's so natural.
Mum
on Apr 6, 2010
"The more natural method is to use a writing implementation, since typing with an onscreen keyboard isn't feasible with one hand. That means stylus input. Yes, it looks like an electronic clipboard, but it's natural, and this method has existed for thousands of years because it's so natural." Even one-handed typing on an onscreen keyboard is faster than writing with a pen on paper.

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