HP Slate 500: Win7 Tablet PC Available Friday

When it launched a few weeks ago, the CTL 2goPAD -- a Windows 7-powered tablet PC -- received an incredible response, with anxious buyers grabbing up all available stock in less than a week. For those who couldn't get their hands on the 2goPAD, take note: the first prime-time PC maker is ready to release its own Win7 tablet, and will do so later this week.

HP Slate 500 to be Released Tomorrow

Hewlett-Packard, or HP, is the world's largest PC maker and will on Friday, October 29th release its Tablet PC Slate 500, arguably the most-anticipated tablet computer since the Apple iPad was first shipped back in the spring.

The Slate 500 features specifications similar to those found in the iPad, but of course boasts one big advantage (depending on how you look at it): Windows 7.

Comparable Specs to iPad, but Not Price

The 1.5-pound HP Slate 500 uses an Intel Atom 1.86 GHz Z540 processor and 2GB of RAM.

For storage, it includes a 64GB solid state drive (SSD), making for speedy access to files and applications. On the multimedia side, the Slate 500 uses an 8.9-inch multi-touch 1024 x 600 screen and ships with an HP Slate Digital Pen, which allows users to take hand-written notes. (Source: techweek.org)

There's also a 0.3 megapixel web camera for chatting with friends, family and colleagues. The Slate 500 can take standard snapshots with a 3 megapixel camera. Both WiFi and Bluetooth are supported. All of the regular ports are found here, too, with a nice addition being HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) support.

Surprisingly, the device is a little expensive for what we've come to expect from HP. The company, which got to its place as #1 PC maker by producing economy-class laptops and desktops, is asking $699 for the Slate 500 running the home version of Windows 7. For those who want Windows 7 Professional installed, the cost is $799.

Both price points are significantly higher than the $499 demanded by Apple for its iPad, even though specifications are fairly similar.

Business and On-The-Go Users Targeted

As a result, it seems HP is targeting a different audience with its Slate 500: the busy, frequently mobile business user who wants full integration with his or her home and office PCs.

"You can probably imagine a thousand applications of the device in business scenarios," said HP executive Phil McKinney. (Source: mcpmag.com)

"Wouldn't it be great if after a car accident, your insurance agent could take your statement, photograph and video the scene, and send all the information to the claims office on the spot? That's the direction we're heading for our business customers."