HP Slate 2 / HP Slate 500

Hewlett-Packard may have dropped the underselling HP TouchPad like a hot rock, but its Windows tablet, the HP Slate 500 (now simply the HP Slate), stayed strong with healthy interest from business and vertical markets. This year, HP updates its Windows tablet with the HP Slate 2.

Like its predecessor, the HP Slate 2 will target the enterprise as well as markets like education, healthcare, and retail environments where freedom from a stationary desk is important. The Slate 2 has been updated with new processing hardware and expanded mobile connectivity.

The Slate 2 features an 8-inch screen with 1024-by-600 resolution, similar in size and shape to the one found on the previous model. The capacitive touch screen works with input from either fingers or a compatible stylus, and is multitouch capable. Ditching Windows' awkward on-screen keyboard, the Slate 2 uses the same Swype technology seen in other touch devices, like smartphones and Android tablets, letting you enter text and data with a single gliding motion, entering multiple letters without lifting your finger or stylus. The optional stylus can also be used to write on screen, utilizing Windows' hand-writing recognition or in conjunction with Evernote.


The Slate 2 measures 0.61 by 9.21 by 5.9 inches (HWD), and weighs 1.5 pounds. The dimensions may be similar to the previous Slate, but the appearance is quite different. Instead of the distinctive textured triangle pattern found on the back of the previous Slate, the Slate 2 has a smooth back with a semi-matte finish. On the back you'll also see the rear-facing 3-megapixel camera. On the front is a simple VGA Web camera set into the bezel.

The Slate 2 also benefits from new hardware, with a single-core 1.5-GHz Intel Atom Z670 processor, the same processor found in the Motion Computing CL900 and the Fujitsu Stylistic Q550. Designed specifically for tablets, the Atom Z670 is ideal for small spaces, like the chassis of a slim handheld tablet, and tailor-made to run the 32-bit version of Windows 7. The HP Slate 2 comes standard with the 32-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium, but Windows 7 Embedded is also available.

The Slate 2 will also be packing a number of business-friendly features to make it easy to integrate into an existing IT structure. The Slate 2 supports corporate images, and includes a number of security options, such as a TPM embedded security chip, HP Protect Tools, and Computrace Pro. Also, in a step up from the previous HP Slate , the Slate 2 will also be available with Gobi 3000 mobile broadband and HP Connection Manager, providing on-the-go connectivity in addition to 802.11n Wi-Fi. A Bluetooth 4.0 connection lets you wirelessly pair with peripherals like headsets, keyboards, and printers.

On the left edge of the tablet (when held in landscape orientation) you'll find an SD card slot, a button to toggle the on-screen keyboard, and a built-in microphone. On the right you've got a sliding power switch and a headset jack. On the top edge you'll find volume controls, a USB 2.0 port, a home button, and another button to toggle through open windows. On the bottom edge of the tablet is a dock connector that doubles as the power input.

The HP Slate 2 is equipped with an internal 2-cell 30Wh polymer battery, which HP claims will provide six hours of run-time on a single charge. Like any performance claim, we'll refrain from commenting until we've had a chance to test it in our labs.

Accessories available for the Slate 2 include a leather folio case with Bluetooth keyboard, a dock and stylus, and a case. The leather case features a compact Bluetooth chiclet keyboard, which should provide much of the desktop functionality that is so often missed when working with Windows on a tablet. This adjustable case can also be used to prop up the Slate 2 into something akin to traditional desktop or notebook, with the screen on edge, like a monitor. Another case, which we didn't get a chance to see, is made for retailers, and includes an integrated magnetic stripe reader and barcode scanner.

The HP Slate 2 starts at $699, and is expected to be available later this month.