HP Slate 500 Tablet PC Launched, a Windows 7 Tablet for Business

HP Slate 500 Specs

Powered by an Intel Atom Z540 1.86GHz processor, the HP Slate 500 Tablet PC runs Windows 7 Professional (32 bit) and sports an 8.9-inch multi-touch WSVGA screen with active pen input (yes, it has a digitizer and Evernote software). The Slate 500 caries 2GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD.

It weighs 1.5 pounds and ships with the pen, a folio, and charging dock that includes two USB 2.0 ports, mic/headphone jack, and an HDMI connector.

The tablet supports 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It has both a VGA webcam on the front 3MP camera on the back for stills and video. HP claims its Slate 500's 2-cell (30WHr) polymer battery is good for up to five hours of life, and the docking station will charge the tablet PC whenever the device is locked in.

Buttons and ports on the device include a USB 2.0 port, headphone/mic jack, internal microphone, SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, and the dock/power connector. It has quick-access keyboard, desktop, and CTRL+ALT+DEL button for easy access to the task manager. Being a Windows 7 tablet, the Slate 500 most certainly supports multitasking.

A Tablet for Business

HP is not selling this device at traditional outlets like Best Buy. Instead, HP is offering it to enterprises through HP channels, specifically to those in the healthcare, retail, insurance, hospitality and education space, among others. SMB customers -- and enterprising consumers -- can also purchase the device on HP's website.

The tablet features the same grip back as seen in the YouTube video and a squared design, which is in stark contrast to the thin Apple iPad. As HP reps explained, this, and the Slate 500's chemically strengthened glass screen, is meant to increase the tablets durability in the field.

Hands-on Impressions Coming

I spent time with the HP Slate 500 at an invite-only press event in New York. Check back on Monday for my initial thoughts on this business tablet along with a preview video of the Slate 500 in action.

Price and Availability

The HP Slate 500 is now available in the US market and will run $799. Depending on the reception, HP may roll it out to additional markets in the near future.

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