HP Slate 500: the future of tablet computing is here

The newest tablet PC from Hewlett Packard has finally arrived!  This new innovative product from HP may resemble the Apple iPad but instead of a closed application based environment, this PC carries with it, a fully functioning copy of Windows 7 Professional and is is therefore capable of running all of the productivity software that you are used to on your home computer - On the Go.  The new Slate features a 8.9 inch WSVGA screen with a hybrid capacitive multitouch display that accepts input from both the user's fingers as well as the supplied HP "Digital Pen".  The face of the Slate features a VGA camera perfect for video conferencing and a 3MP camera on its back for taking pictures while out and about.

This bundle of functionality will make for the perfect on the go computing companion.  The HP Slate is available from HP.com for $799.00 and while it is listed as a business product it most certainly could make do for any couch browser or connected citizen.

I have listed the full Slate specs and a video of the Slate in use after the jump.

Source: HP Slate 500 product page

System features
Operating system	Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 32
Processor	Intel® Atom™ Processor Z540 (1.86 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
Chipset	Intel® System Controller Hub (SCH) US15W

Dimensions and weight
Weight	Starting at 1.5 lb (Starting at 0.68 kg)
Dimensions (w x d x h)	9.21 x 0.58 x 5.91 in (23.40 x 1.47 x 15.00 cm)

Memory
Memory, maximum	2 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (Memory is on the board and not customer accessible or upgradeable; memory operates at the maximum system supported speed of 533 MHz.)

Storage
Internal drive	Solid State Flash Module Up to: 64 GB
Optical drive	External USB 2.0 CD/DVD R/RW (select models)

Graphics
Display	8.9" diagonal WSVGA wide-viewing angle touchscreen
Graphics	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 Broadcom Crystal HD Enhanced Video Accelerator

Expansion features
Ports	1 USB 2.0 1 combo stereo headphone/mic jack 1 integrated microphone 1 power connector/HP Slate Cradle connector
Slots	1 Secure Digital
Audio	High Definition audio; Integrated stereo speakers; Integrated microphone; Combo stereo headphone/mic jack
Integrated camera	Integrated 3 MP camera; Integrated VGA webcam
Input devices	HP Slate Digital Pen

Communications
Wireless	Integrated 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 3.0 + HS combo

Power and operating requirements
Energy efficiency	ENERGY STAR® qualified configurations available
Power supply	30W AC adapter
Battery  type	2-cell (30 WHr) polymer
Battery life	up to 5+ hours