HP Launches Slate 500 Tablet for Corporate Users

Following months of speculation and backhanded marketing ploys, Hewlett Packard on Friday launched the HP Slate 500, a touchscreen tablet PC device that runs on Microsoft's (News - Alert) Windows 7 operating system.

While the Slate has a similar look and feel of an iPad, it is a much different device. HP's tablet PC is specifically designed for business users, not your everyday consumer. It is equipped with high-resolution front- and rear-facing cameras, one on the back for photos and one on the front for video conferencing.

 The Slate is set up to incorporate any number of custom business applications, and has a built-in USB port that enables users to plug-in a variety of electronic accessories.

Positioning the Slate 500 as a workplace device may be a smart move by HP, as the tablet PC falls short of the iPad in a few areas that consumers tend to care about. First off, the Slate costs $800, nearly double the cost of the entry-level $499 iPad.

Furthermore, there is no 3G radio option, meaning users must have access to Wi-Fi in order to get online. The Slate is also equipped with a Lithium Ion battery that has half the life of an iPad.

"The new HP Slate 500 Tablet PC is designed specifically for business, enterprise and vertical customers looking for the mobility of a tablet, the familiarity of Microsoft Windows 7 and the ability to run custom or corporate applications," HP noted in a release.

It will be interesting to see how the market responds to HP's new tablet device. While the Slate offers the benefit of familiarity with Windows 7, it's difficult to imagine a tablet that runs on an operating system that wasn't designed for touch. Using Microsoft Windows applications like Excel without a keyboard and mouse sounds like a frustrating proposition.

The 8.9-inch Slate weighs approximately 1.5 pounds and is equipped with high-definition audio and integrated stereo speakers. It is currently available for purchase on HP's website.

Beecher Tuttle is a TMCnet contributor. He has extensive experience writing and editing for print publications and online news websites. He has specialized in a variety of industries, including health care technology, politics and education. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Erin Harrison