(http://www.kurawa.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/hp-slate.jpg)
While Apple’s iPad tablet is already out in stores, PC maker HP is busy trickling out videos every month about its iPad killer in a bid to drum up some buzz for the product.
Last month, HP released its first video introducing the HP Slate, a Windows 7 operating system based tablet that will support Adobe’s Flash technology.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeDalRBjyJo&feature=player_embedded
Now HP’s latest video gives us a few more details. The Slate is likely to have a built-in camera, video-recording capability, USB port and a SD card reader — all features pointedly aimed at the iPad, which lacks all three. The HP Slate will also include access to Skype, an iTunes-like music store, integration with Flickr and the Firefox browser.
The Slate will have a full capacitive touchscreen in a design that’s similar to the iPad and familiar gesture such as pinch-to-zoom to navigate.
Still no word on pricing or availability of the HP Slate, though it is likely that it will launch this year.
Meanwhile, a leak from what is supposed to be an internal HP Slate presentation suggest the Slate will have an 8.9-inch touchscreen, 1.6 GHz Atom processor, Wi-Fi capability, optional 3G access and a pen/digitizer support, says Engadget.
The Slate could cost $550 or $600 depending on storage chosen–32 GB or 64 GB. But here’s what looks like will be a huge problem for HP. The leaked specs suggest the HP Slate will have a battery life of about 5 hours, which is half of what Apple promises with the iPad.
For a device that’s all about media consumption and to an extent portability, battery life is likely to play a key role in a consumer’s decision on which tablet to buy.