In the wake of Apple’s iPad launch on Saturday, new details are emerging about what could be the first major competitor — Hewlett-Packard’s Slate. On Monday, the computer giant released a video featuring the upcoming product, and more specs are emerging.
p
The device was first seen in prototype form during Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. It will sell for about $550 for the 32GB/Wi-Fi model, and $599 for the 64GB. This compares to the iPad’s $499 price for the 16GB/Wi-Fi, $599 for the 32GB, and $699 for the 64GB. Both devices have optional 3G, which costs about $130 more on the iPad. There is no word yet on pricing for the Slate 3G models.
p
subhead
Two Cameras, Multi-Tasking, Flash
/subhead
p
By comparison with the iPad, the Slate’s screen will be somewhat smaller with lower resolution — an 8.9-inch display versus the iPad’s 9.7 inches, and 1024×600 compared to 1024×768. However, the Slate can run high-definition videos at a full 1080p, while the iPad’s top display is 720p.
p
The Slate has two cameras to iPad’s none — one in the front for such uses as video phone calls, and a higher-res, three-megapixel camera on the back. On the downside for HP, the battery life at five hours is half that of the iPad. Like the iPad, the Slate’s battery cannot be replaced by the user.
p
There’s also a SD card reader that holds up to 128GB, a USB 2.0 port (versus none on the iPad), and audio and HDMI out. The Slate runs on a 1.6-GHz Atom microprocessor, compared to the iPad’s one-GHz A4.
p
HP is not being secretive about the multitasking abilities on its Slate, or its use of Adobe’s Flash, both of which are missing from the iPad.
p
subhead
HP Can ‘Leverage Its Strength’
/subhead
p
Perhaps the biggest unknown, aside from the actual…