Edible Apple

Eek, fewer features and a higher pricepoint probably isn’t the best way to take on the iPad, but that’s the route HP appears to be taking until it gets around to releasing a WebOS based tablet sometime in the future. But until then, you’l have to make do with HP’s Windows 7 based tablet.

PC Mag reports:

The tablet runs Windows 7 Professional, so it’s focused more on productivity than entertainment. HP is pushing it as, well, a blank slate for customizable business applications for various vertical markets like education, hospitality, and insurance and real estate industries.

Smaller than the iPad (9.2 by 5.9 by 0.6 inches—HWD), the HP Slate 500 weighs the same 1.5 pounds, but feels bulkier despite its slightly more petite 8.9-inch capacitive touch screen. The 1,024-by-768-pixel display, which sometimes requires a stylus, is surrounded by a brushed-aluminum frame. The back of the device is covered with textured rubber that helps make the tablet feel sturdier, and less likely to slip out of your hand. A Home button is situated on the right top panel, rather than at the bottom of the screen where you might expect it to be.

There’s no 3G connectivity; the Slate 500 integrates 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. HP reps explained that in many business settings like schools, hospitals, or hotels, for example, always-on connectivity wouldn’t be necessary since Wi-Fi would be likely be available. Typing on the on-screen keyboard was fine, but integrated Bluetooth means you can attach a wireless keyboard and/or a mouse. Other features include two cameras—one is front-facing and captures VGA-quality video, and there’s a 3-megapixel still and video camera on the back panel.