HP Steps Back Into Tablet Game With Android-Powered $ 170 ‘Slate 7’

HP’s Slate 7 fails to impress

It looks as though the earlier reports were true: HP is getting back into the tablet game, and this time it’s operating system of choice is Android. HP inherited the webOS operating system with its acquisition of palm back in 2010, but  did little to advance the platform in the face of stiff competition from Android and iOS.

Unfortunately, for those looking to once again give HP a chance in the tablet game, the specs for the new Slate 7 are very underwhelming — even for its relatively low starting price of $169.

The Slate 7 comes with a dual-core, 1.6GHz Cortex A9 ARM processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage space (expandable via microSD), and a 1024×600 display. Other lackluster specs include Bluetooth 2.1, a front-facing VGA camera, and a 3MP shooter on the back. The device runs a stock version of Android 4.1.

The Slate 7 does include Beats Audio onboard and HP’ eprint functionality, but that’s likely not enough to sway consumers from competitive offerings like the Google Nexus 7.

“To address the growing interest in tablets among consumers and businesses alike, HP will offer a range of form factors and leverage an array of operating systems,” said Alberto Torres, senior vice president, Mobility Global Business Unit, HP. “Our new HP Slate on Android represents a compelling entry point for consumer tablets.”

The Slate 7 will launch in the United States this April.

Source:www.dailytech.com