HP Launching The Slate 500 at $799

Holiday seasons coming. I'm sure other will be released and prices will fall.
 
Well that's just STUPID! If any part of this device was actually "made in America" then that might be an acceptable excuse (a lame one but still acceptable). But this thing is going to be made in China, and probably in the same factory as the iPads. So we know HP is just being greedy!

My conclusion is that HP needs to eliminate their "Harvard educated economists" and replace them with someone who will be more practical. At least get someone who has a clearer understanding of Macro-Economic principles. Because this device is going to be a failure... It's priced way too high.
 
Cannydog said:
Well that's just STUPID! If any part of this device was actually "made in America" then that might be an acceptable excuse (a lame one but still acceptable). But this thing is going to be made in China, and probably in the same factory as the iPads. So we know HP is just being greedy!

My conclusion is that HP needs to eliminate their "Harvard educated economists" and replace them with someone who will be more practical. At least get someone who has a clearer understanding of Macro-Economic principles. Because this device is going to be a failure... It's priced way too high.
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Find me another active pen based pure slate for less than $800 and I would agree.
 
heatlesssun said:
How is this a bad value for people who want a digital pen with top line handwritting recognition in a thin and light device when there's NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT?:confused:
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It's a poor value considering you're getting netbook-class hardware, a touch screen and only a fair amount of flash storage for a Windows-powered device (of which about 15-20% will be consumed by Windows itself). Granted, it's a favorably lightweight device in comparison to netbooks, and probably better-constructed, but $800?

I just don't understand the economics of it. The base tm2 seems like a significantly better value and performs exactly the same function as the Slate (with a larger, higher-resolution display, a better processor and more RAM and a dedicated keyboard). The base tm2 has a 3G radio built in as well, correct? So what role does this device at $799 adequately fill that the tm2 at $829 does not?
 
phide said:
It's a poor value considering you're getting netbook-class hardware, a touch screen and only a fair amount of flash storage for a Windows-powered device (of which about 15-20% will be consumed by Windows itself). Granted, it's a favorably lightweight device in comparison to netbooks, and probably better-constructed, but $800?

I just don't understand the economics of it. The base tm2 seems like a significantly better value and performs exactly the same function as the Slate (with a larger, higher-resolution display, a better processor and more RAM and a dedicated keyboard). The base tm2 has a 3G radio built in as well, correct? So what role does this device at $799 adequately fill that the tm2 at $829 does not?
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This pretty much sums up my opinion as well.

Everyone here understands that this isn't really a consumer device. However, the hardware is woefully underpowered for the price.

The base tm2 is a better value, bottom line. I guess portability is the only real gain here. However, despite that, considering the netbook like hardware, I would've expected @ maximum $599.
 
Could be a nice competitor to the iPad and RIM's device. If/when we see Fusion based Tablets, I'll consider picking one up.
 
Lolz @ maximizing the x-ray, so fluid. Also at using powerpoint with it on a stand, because that's gotta be more comfortable than a laptop.
 
lathode said:
Lolz @ maximizing the x-ray, so fluid. Also at using powerpoint with it on a stand, because that's gotta be more comfortable than a laptop.
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Actually I know people with convertible Tablet PCs that like to use the pen while in laptop mode.
 
lathode said:
Lolz @ maximizing the x-ray, so fluid. Also at using powerpoint with it on a stand, because that's gotta be more comfortable than a laptop.
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Fluid no, runs the software however probably because its Windows based.
 
phide said:
It's a poor value considering you're getting netbook-class hardware, a touch screen and only a fair amount of flash storage for a Windows-powered device (of which about 15-20% will be consumed by Windows itself). Granted, it's a favorably lightweight device in comparison to netbooks, and probably better-constructed, but $800?

I just don't understand the economics of it. The base tm2 seems like a significantly better value and performs exactly the same function as the Slate (with a larger, higher-resolution display, a better processor and more RAM and a dedicated keyboard). The base tm2 has a 3G radio built in as well, correct? So what role does this device at $799 adequately fill that the tm2 at $829 does not?
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crackbone said:
This pretty much sums up my opinion as well.

Everyone here understands that this isn't really a consumer device. However, the hardware is woefully underpowered for the price.

The base tm2 is a better value, bottom line. I guess portability is the only real gain here. However, despite that, considering the netbook like hardware, I would've expected @ maximum $599.
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Once again, show me a 1.5 lbs x86 device that has an dual mode screen digtizer for less and I'll agree.

16GB iPad $500
HP Slate 500 $800

HP Slate - x86 based, dual cameras, dual mode digitizer, runs Windows, Ubuntu, Android, Chrome, dare I say OS X? Comes with a dock and a case. Has 4x the storage.

It's $300 for a VERY GOOD REASON. Why do some of you insist that this is expensive simply isn't logical. You guys keep talking about netbooks, this weighs a lot less, has more SSD and there's not ONE netbook on the market that has a dual-mode digitizer.
 
heatlesssun said:
Once again, show me a 1.5 lbs x86 device that has an dual mode screen digtizer for less and I'll agree.

16GB iPad $500
HP Slate 500 $800

HP Slate - x86 based, dual cameras, dual mode digitizer, runs Windows, Ubuntu, Android, Chrome, dare I say OS X? Comes with a dock and a case. Has 4x the storage.

It's $300 for a VERY GOOD REASON. Why do some of you insist that this is expensive simply isn't logical. You guys keep talking about netbooks, this weighs a lot less, has more SSD and there's not ONE netbook on the market that has a dual-mode digitizer.
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You can't have it both ways. When we compare the prices, we get "you can't compare them" now we are, so which is it?

The digitizer is cool, it's not worth the $300 price premium period.
 
crackbone said:
You can't have it both ways. When we compare the prices, we get "you can't compare them" now we are, so which is it?

The digitizer is cool, it's not worth the $300 price premium period.
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There's MORE than the digitizer for the $300, I just listed them. I wasn't the one comparing prices of this to the iPad, others were. I said that what you SHOULD compare the price of the HP Slate is to OTHER Windows slates. It's by FAR the cheapest one out there with an active pen at the moment.
 
heatlesssun said:
...
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You're notorious for dodging direct questions. I'll ask again: What role does this device at $799 adequately fill that the tm2 at $829 does not? Leave the iPad out of it for one second, if you can manage.
 
phide said:
You're notorious for dodging direct questions. I'll ask again: What role does this device at $799 adequately fill that the tm2 at $829 does not? Leave the iPad out of it for one second, if you can manage.
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I ALWAYS answer your questions.

The tm2 is obvisouly more powerful but I remember having this debate with a lot of iPad folks when it came out and I think even you made a point of 4.5 lbs vs. 1.5 lbs. That's the difference, it's easy to carry while using. I only mention the iPad because it's was the argument people made for it over the tm2 and since the iPad and HP Slate weigh the same logically the same argument can be made for the Slate over the tm2.

The Slate isn't going to replace my tm2 or W100. All three devices have strenghts. The device that I will carry with me will still be the W100 most of the time because its so freeking portable and the integrate 4G radio, just awesome for on the go web.
 
I was able to play with an early demo of the device and it is not an ipad.

It is a touch screen computer that has expansion slots for USB and flash cards.

I am surprised it is coming out so early as I was under the impression that it was going to be driven by a new OS (they aquired Palm a while back)

And comparing prices to the ipad:

64gb ipad 699.00 with 3g it is 829.00
 
this thread is giving me reasons to stop surfing the web.

Not sure why everyone acts like little spoiled kids..

agree with what heatlesssun said
 
heatlesssun said:
It's $300 for a VERY GOOD REASON. Why do some of you insist that this is expensive simply isn't logical. You guys keep talking about netbooks, this weighs a lot less, has more SSD and there's not ONE netbook on the market that has a dual-mode digitizer.
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Potential buyers don't care if it has a dual-mode digitizer.
 
Blown 89 said:
Potential buyers don't care if it has a dual-mode digitizer.
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Say you. Yes, they do. I'm not buying a tablet without a pen/dual mode digitizer.

I'm not running out to replace my HP TX2 at this price point, but it's a very nice gadget. The price is a little high - I think $700 would be much better - but maybe we'll get there in a few months.

And remember that this is built for businesses. That's why they've got the Crystal accelerator instead of a more-power-sucking and expensive Ion 2 or something.

I think the TM2 is a lot better buy at this price point, but it does weigh a ton more.

At this price point, an Intel ULV would have been welcome. And a place to stick the pen, which it apparently lacks?

But hey, it does have a 64GB SSD (not cheap).
 
I love when he's pinch-zooming on that xray and it's super laggy. wth HP!?! At least make it look like your product isn't some slow piece of crap.

Plus, using apps made for mouses w/ a stylus (Office)... yuck.

Just because you can make a slate, doesn't mean you should.
 
colinstu said:
I love when he's pinch-zooming on that xray and it's super laggy. wth HP!?! At least make it look like your product isn't some slow piece of crap.

Plus, using apps made for mouses w/ a stylus (Office)... yuck.

Just because you can make a slate, doesn't mean you should.
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A stylus works just as well as a mouse for Office. Personally, I prefer the stylus to the touchpad on my TX2 - it's much faster. Screen wiggles around a little too much when it's not in tablet mode though.
 
iPad = consuming media & Slate = business applications

They're barely even on the same planet as far as their target market is concerned. Consumers who only watch videos, listen to music, and play with apps and games need an iPad. That's what it's built for.

While many aspects of the Slate hardware are better (storage, cameras, pen, removable storage, etc...) it is definately not going to be as smooth as an iPad.

Here's the real benefit for businesses - it runs Windows 7 Pro. Yeah, we all hate that because it's not as touch-friendly as other mobile OS's, and it's probably more laggy. BUT, a business like an insurance company can just load up their proprietary software and they are up and running. Boom. The whole workforce can use it. No training. No need to write a new PalmOS app. Now add to that the ability to take notes with a pen. And not just regular typed notes - real notes with doodles, arrows, circles. Again, no special training needed. Plus it fits in a typical portfolio. Throw in web browsings, media, video calls, photo-taking, video recording, etc... and you can see why businesses will like this.

This will be even more interesting as it matures and faster hardware eliminates the lag that will probably plague the Slate.

Regarding the Slate vs tm2 - the main difference is the size and weight (duh). I would gladly take the smaller/less powerful Slate since it would fit nicely into my normal folio. It's less intrusive during client meetings. Now I'll just pray that the Slate isn't so laggy that it's unusable and wait for some discounts. The lack of 3G isn't a problem because I'll just tether off my rooted droid :D
 
bloodhawke83 said:
i wouldn't buy this POS even if i got a discount on it.
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While you're opinion might be in the majority HP seems to be off to a good start for a device they barely would acknowledge. Just pinged the guy that sold me mine over the phone this morning and guess what he's been selling all day? He might be just yanking my chain but so far he's saying that they are selling extremely well.

This device won't be a failure, HP was smart to not sell this as a consumer device, it clearly isn't an iPad but it does tons of things that work for business and higher-end consumers that have been wanting a <$1000 for a long time now. HP has sold pen tablets for 8 years, it's a niche customer base but its very much a repeat buyer market.

One things for sure, never has a Windows tablet captured this much attention and HP barely lifted a finger, thanks Apple! Without the iPad this wouldn't have gotten nearly the attention it has, its nothing new honestly. And before the Apple faithful gang up on me, didn't Jobs make a point about the iPad brining attention to the competition earlier this week?
 
heatlesssun said:
The tm2 is obvisouly more powerful but I remember having this debate with a lot of iPad folks when it came out and I think even you made a point of 4.5 lbs vs. 1.5 lbs. That's the difference, it's easy to carry while using.
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And there is value to that, the same as there is value to having a lighter laptop versus one that is heavier. And you make some sacrifices to achieve that, either in performance or in terms of the price you pay for that (or in some tolerable combination of both). But the value of the Slate is just terribly poor when you consider the price you pay and the hardware that you're given — you're not just sacrificing on performance but you're also paying a healthy premium for the lighter weight. The hardware specs are simply not in line with the price of the device, even when you factor in its weight.

Like I said, it if weren't so anemic in the performance department, its price tag would be more stomachable. But this is purely netbook-grade hardware priced significantly higher than what ordinary users would expect to pay for that hardware and quite a great deal more than HP said this device would cost when it was first revealed.

Now, you can keep saying "show me a device that does the same thing cheaper", but that's a non-argument: It has nothing to do with the value equation. If you were particularly irrational, you could say the same of the iPad, purely as a means to justify its high price. Nothing else does what it does quite the way that it does it, right? So, hypothetically, any price — even $7,999 — is a good price for that device because there's nothing else that does what it does cheaper. See how that works?

mjz_5 said:
Not sure why everyone acts like little spoiled kids..
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Expecting a good value for one's dollar doesn't make one "spoiled". Would you be saying the same thing if HP had priced the Slate twice as high? Four times as high?
 
Virtus said:
iPad = consuming media & Slate = business applications

They're barely even on the same planet as far as their target market is concerned. Consumers who only watch videos, listen to music, and play with apps and games need an iPad. That's what it's built for.

While many aspects of the Slate hardware are better (storage, cameras, pen, removable storage, etc...) it is definately not going to be as smooth as an iPad.

Here's the real benefit for businesses - it runs Windows 7 Pro. Yeah, we all hate that because it's not as touch-friendly as other mobile OS's, and it's probably more laggy. BUT, a business like an insurance company can just load up their proprietary software and they are up and running. Boom. The whole workforce can use it. No training. No need to write a new PalmOS app. Now add to that the ability to take notes with a pen. And not just regular typed notes - real notes with doodles, arrows, circles. Again, no special training needed. Plus it fits in a typical portfolio. Throw in web browsings, media, video calls, photo-taking, video recording, etc... and you can see why businesses will like this.

This will be even more interesting as it matures and faster hardware eliminates the lag that will probably plague the Slate.

Regarding the Slate vs tm2 - the main difference is the size and weight (duh). I would gladly take the smaller/less powerful Slate since it would fit nicely into my normal folio. It's less intrusive during client meetings. Now I'll just pray that the Slate isn't so laggy that it's unusable and wait for some discounts. The lack of 3G isn't a problem because I'll just tether off my rooted droid :D
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ITAWTP. You sir nailed it on the head. I think the Apple faithful have become so enamored with success of phones and iPads they forget that OS X is far from market leading but has a strong following for various reasons. A Windows slate obviously appeals to far fewer folks but there's a market for this device, not everything useful OR profitable has to be #1 in market share. Sure that's great but if everything had to be #1 to be viable, guess how many choices consumers would have?

If it were up to Apple, active pens wouldn't even exist.
 
it seems that many of you assume the $500 16gb ipad is a good value. then you compare it to this obviously more capable slate and say " $300 is much to ask for all of the features it offers over the ipad." well the 16gb ipad is overpriced! it really should be around $300 and then this slate would be $600 and everyone would be happy.
 
phide said:
And there is value to that, the same as there is value to having a lighter laptop versus one that is heavier. And you make some sacrifices to achieve that, either in performance or in terms of the price you pay for that (or in some tolerable combination of both). But the value of the Slate is just terribly poor when you consider the price you pay and the hardware that you're given — you're not just sacrificing on performance but you're also paying a healthy premium for the lighter weight. The hardware specs are simply not in line with the price of the device, even when you factor in its weight.

Like I said, it if weren't so anemic in the performance department, its price tag would be more stomachable. But this is purely netbook-grade hardware priced significantly higher than what ordinary users would expect to pay for that hardware and quite a great deal more than HP said this device would cost when it was first revealed.?
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If you'd don't need the pen and light weight, no this isn't the device for you. But if you do, there's nothing to compete with it. It's really that simple and in looking at the comments made the value of the pen is how people are percieing this device. Those who like active pens think is a good value and those don't like pens don't think its a good value.

As for performance, how do you know? Plenty of people say that Windows 7 runs great on netbooks for them. Sure this isn't a speed demon but if it runs a web browser decently, Office, custom apps, and the inking is good the performance should be just fine.

phide said:
Now, you can keep saying "show me a device that does the same thing cheaper", but that's a non-argument: It has nothing to do with the value equation. If you were particularly irrational, you could say the same of the iPad, purely as a means to justify its high price. Nothing else does what it does quite the way that it does it, right? So, hypothetically, any price — even $7,999 — is a good price for that device because there's nothing else that does what it does cheaper. See how that works?
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Your logic is flawed in that there are already devices like the HP Slate and the Slate is considerably cheaper than any I know of. If people are willing to buy $2500 J3500s then why wouldn't they take a look at the $800 Slate assuming that they found value in the higher priced J3500? If you're buying $2500+ devices you probably have a good reason don't you think? The Slate might be just what they need at a significantly lower price point. See how that works?
 
Phatal said:
LOL @ the waiter taking drink orders with a tablet.
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Makes things go quicker, imagine going in and them taking your order from the tablet, it immediately gets piped back to the kitchen so your food starts cooking quicker, and you get your meal quicker, also helps reduce mistakes on your order. It's the wave of the future.
 
heatlesssun said:
If you'd don't need the pen and light weight, no this isn't the device for you. But if you do, there's nothing to compete with it. It's really that simple and in looking at the comments made the value of the pen is how people are percieing this device. Those who like active pens think is a good value and those don't like pens don't think its a good value.

As for performance, how do you know? Plenty of people say that Windows 7 runs great on netbooks for them. Sure this isn't a speed demon but if it runs a web browser decently, Office, custom apps, and the inking is good the performance should be just fine.



Your logic is flawed in that there are already devices like the HP Slate and the Slate is considerably cheaper than any I know of. If people are willing to buy $2500 J3500s then why wouldn't they take a look at the $800 Slate assuming that they found value in the higher priced J3500? If you're buying $2500+ devices you probably have a good reason don't you think? The Slate might be just what they need at a significantly lower price point. See how that works?
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+1, especially the last part. 2 years ago, a Big Pharma purchased 600 or so Fujitsu slates with the final price coming out to approximately $3200 per unit for use. Assuming this slate is of the same quality as HP's business line, which would the Big Pharma would have likely chosen had the option been available (ok, the Big Pharma example isn't the best since they have money to burn through), the $800 unit or $3100 unit where both perform the intended necessary functions? That's a savings of ~ $1.5 million going with the cheaper option.
 
heatlesssun said:
As for performance, how do you know? Plenty of people say that Windows 7 runs great on netbooks for them.
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I have an Atom-based nettop. Though it lacks solid state storage, its performance in Windows is just terrible and doesn't fare much better in Ubuntu to be totally honest. I used to be a pretty big fan of Atom until I actually got my hands on one. I don't feel like it truly meets the 'minimum' CPU requirement for good performance in Windows, even though it technically does. The thing was $200, though, so I can't complain too much (and the fact that it has a better GPU than the Slate doesn't hurt).

heatlesssun said:
Your logic is flawed in that there are already devices like the HP Slate and the Slate is considerably cheaper than any I know of.
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A product cheaper than its competitors' products is not necessarily a good value. Like I said, that doesn't genuinely factor in to the value equation. As a 'for instance', I don't buy $5 t-shirts, because $5 t-shirts are awful: I spend a bit more and get a significantly better product. The more expensive t-shirts have much greater value-per-dollar.

heatlesssun said:
The Slate might be just what they need at a significantly lower price point.
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I'm not debating that, but that doesn't mean it's underwhelming hardware for the price and performance does matter for a Windows-powered device. The lack of power would be acceptable, however, if the price were lower.

Brent_Justice said:
Wish it were at least one of the newer dual-core Atom processors.
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Yeah, that would be a good improvement. I really have no quarrel with the thing apart from its price, as far as Windows tablets go: It's just too much money for what you get.
 
I see this as a great first step. Just imagine how useful it will be in a couple years with more horsepower. Hopefully, it works well enough for early-adopters to buy it and encourage HP to continue development. I might even give it a spin if performance is decent.
 
Methadras said:
Fuck. $800 of fail.
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But a 64GB iPad with no dock or case costs $700(the wifi only version), has no ability for SD cards or USB, or Pen support. You're looking at a very similar price for both items.

I've been dieing for a pen based windows tablet. Mine is already ordered!
 
i'm happier with the extra $219 i spent for the hp tm2t convertible tablet. i5 cpu, 6gb ram, 500gb drive. ati 5450 and intel graphics. sometimes i need a keyboard. although the laptop is alot heavier than this, i think its a much more well rounded device :). if i was going to get something like this hp slate though, i'd go with the archos 101 :)

my tablet laptop also has a wacom digitizer, not that ntrig thing in the hp slate ;)
 
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