HP used MWC to jump into the tablet market with its first Android-powered tablet. Unlike other manufacturers like Asus that are targeting the high-end market with their tablets, HP is going after the discount buyer.
The Slate 7 has mid-range specs with 1.6GHz dual-core Cortex A9 processor, 7-inch display with resolution of 1024 x 600, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, which is expandable via microSD. It runs stock Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It has some add-on features like Beats audio and native support for HP printing, that are bolster the value of the $169 tablet.
The Slate 7 is slightly heavier than other tablets of similar size, but it still ie easy to hold one-handed. It has a soft-touch back that’s available in silver or red color. The top of the device includes a headphone jack and microSD slot, while the bottom houses the charge/sync port. It does have a low resolution screen when compared to the Nexus 7 and the large black bezel on the front is ungainly.
Performance-wise, the Slate 7 keep up the pace when browsing the web, posting to social networks and checking email — the most common tasks performed on the tablets. HP;s biggest challenge may be the Nexus 7, which is only $20 more and offer more robust hardware. Check out the hands-on photos below and let us know what you think about the Slate 7 in the comments below.
