HP's enterprise tablet PC 'Slate 500' launched

Bangalore: The wait is finally over! And here is a new addition to the ever increasing list of tablet PCs. HP has announced the launch of its first tablet PC called the Slate 500. There is also one first attached with the Slate 500 that it's the world's first tablet PC to run on a Microsoft operating system, Windows 7. The tablet PC is aimed mainly at corporate users, which would mean the Slate 500 will face competition from RIM's PlayBook. Sporting an 8.9 inch multi-touch display screen, the Slate 500 is powered by Intel's Atom processor Z540. The tablet further packs in 2GB RAM and allow a storage capacity of up to 64GB with the help of solid state drives. The Slate 500 has an integrated 3MP camera and a front facing 0.3MP camera for video conferencing. Connectivity wise, the tablet offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB connections. The battery used in the tablet Slate 500 is a 2-cell (30 WHr) polymer that has a running time of up to five plus hours. Among the softwares incorporated in the tablet include HP Support Assistant, EVERNOTE, Adobe Reader and Adobe PDF. The Slate 500 also has integrated microphone and stereo speakers. Selling at $799, the HP tablet can be purchased directly from HP or can be ordered online. It will initially be available in the U.S. subsequently increasing its market area. The launch of the tablet comes just in time for the holiday season. Thus making HP hope for a good sales figure for the Slate 500. However seeing the damp reactions that the tablet has faced on its launch we can only hope the Slate 500 finds a respectable market.