HP tried several devices with WebOS before. But they couldn’t become popular and that is nothing to be surprised of. WebOS is no match compared to major competitors like Android and iOS.
But HP is a huge company and they never give up. They have come back to mobile device market with a brand new device, HP Slate 7 powered with Android OS. This device gives me signs that it could be a path breaking tablet in Android roadmap. Let’s go and take a look.
Insight for HP Slate 7
Design
Dimensions: 197.1 x 116.1 x 10.7 mm
Weight: 372 g
This is not the lightest or thinnest compared to other 7 inch tablets. But the numbers are pretty decent. Built is plastic with soft touch feeling. The volume rocker placed on right edge and power button, headphone jack and microSD slot on the top.
Display
Size: 7 inches
Protection: n/a
Technology: LCD
Resolution: 600×1024 px
Sharpness: 170 ppi
Compared to Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7 this display is far behind. You will definitely miss the sharpness and higher contrast levels.
Processor and Storage
Platform: Unknown
CPU: 1.6 GHz // Dual Core // Cortex A9
GPU: Unknown
RAM: 1 GB
Internal Storage: 8 GB
Expandable Storage: Yes, microSD
The platform and GPU is unknown till the moment I started writing this. However it’s suppose to be sitting between Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7. So we can expect a decent level of performance.
Internal storage is pretty low for a tablet but you can always expand it via microSD.
Software
OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
UI: Original
Other: Beats Audio
Great news! This device comes with stock Android. There are no manufacturer installed apps or themes other than beats audio enhancement. And there is a high chance to get early update from HP as well.
Camera
Primary: 3.15 MP // 720p@30fps
Front Facing: VGA
The spec is low, no wow factor there. But Nexus 7 doesn’t have a rear facing camera at all. So even with this spec it will definitely be a competitive advantage.
Connectivity
Mobile Network: n/a
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
GPS: n/a
NFC: n/a
Bluetooth: 2.1
USB: microUSB 2.0
HP slate only has a Wi-Fi version. So you will need a Mi-Fi router to go online when you are away from Wi-Fi zones. Other connectivity features are below average. But I think this is good enough for most of the general users.
Battery Life
Type: Li-Ion
Capacity: unknown
Battery Life: 5h of active usage
The biggest question! Size of the battery is unknown yet. But HP says that it will be enough to survive 5 hours of active usage. This is not so good compared to 9 hours of usage in Nexus 7.
Wrapping Up
After going through the spec you might be thinking that there is no single WOW factor to justify purchasing a HP Slate 7. I agree with you but there is one more thing to add. The price tag of this device is $169. It’s even lesser that Nexus 7. With that this whole package could turn in to a WOW device.
It has a rear facing camera, basic connectivity features, decent build and stock Android. Would be an awesome combination for 7 inch tablet and good value for your money.
Tags: #Android #HP #Tablet #WebOS