hewlett plackard

hewlett plackard

hewlett plackard

Following hard on the heels of the Apple iPad is Hewlett-Packard, with their own version of ‘a PC in a tablet’- the Slate 500. This ‘must have’ market continues to explode with new products, and since this particular one is aimed at the business community, what is the Slate 500 and what are the benefits can you expect to receive from Hewlett-Packard’s tablet in your business?
Appealing to the more business minded user compared to iPad’s amusement junkie, (aiming to give the same service as a standard PC), HP’s Slate comes pre-loaded with touch aware Microsoft Windows 7, built-in WiFi and 3G HP wireless Broadband. The rear panel contains a 3 megapixel camera and the front panel a webcam. Five hours of power is supplied by a 2 cell, 30WHr battery.
Originally intended as an e-reader, HP recognised the value of providing a much broader experience for the user, and then included other activities to enable browsing, and all-round media use including the ability to listen to music and watch videos. Prepped for stylus pen or digitizer use, the Slate will allow freehand drawing and writing on the screen.
The tablet weighs 1.5 pounds, is nearly 9 inches long, has 64GB of storage and has a price tag of $799. The one thing separating it from rivals iPad, Streak and Galaxy is it’s inability to perform high speed connection with cell phone networks.
So, how would you benefit from Hewlett-Packard’s Slate tablet in your business?
It’s difficult to generalise, since needs differ in a home based business compared to corporate. In a home based business, I would go for a lap-top or notebook first. Those items have a stronger physical presence and would be a more substantial asset.
However, if I were a business person hopping between meetings or countries, the tablet would be more preferable than a lap-top. They are lighter, more portable and not so bulky to carry with other baggage. However, I could also imagine that several hours use could leave you a little bog-eyed because of the size.
I would definitely desire one as a home business owner. Having deliberately chosen a portable business to allow me to work anywhere in the world, if I take the kids skiing for half-term and have spare time before picking them up from the slopes, it would easier to sit with a coffee and Slate to catch up on correspondence without feeling too conspicuous. The kids could also benefit from the leisure capabilities, but at the current price tag, I am not sure I would let it out of my possession.
Technology continues to free people up and offer choices never dreamed of in previous generations.