HP Pro Slate 12 A Comprehensive Overview of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The HP Pro Slate 12 boasts a robust and sleek design, exuding a sense of professionalism and durability. Its dimensions are 300.3 x 222 x 8 mm, and it weighs approximately 850 grams. Although on the heavier side compared to other tablets, it's understandable given its large screen size of 12.3 inches. The build includes a premium Corning Concore Glass front for protection and a sturdy back, providing a reassuringly solid feel. The silver finish adds a touch of elegance to its appearance.

Display

The device features a 12.3-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels, offering clear and crisp visuals due to its pixel density of 163 ppi. The 4:3 aspect ratio is particularly beneficial for reading and productivity tasks, providing a comfortable viewing experience. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 70.3% allows for a more immersive viewing experience. The Corning Concore Glass not only provides durability but also enhances touch sensitivity, making interactions smooth and responsive.

Performance

Under the hood, the HP Pro Slate 12 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU. This setup ensures that the device can handle most tasks efficiently, including multitasking, video playback, and gaming with decent graphics. Its 2GB RAM, while modest by today's standards, was adequate for the operating system and applications available during its release period.

Storage

The tablet comes with 32GB of internal storage, which might feel limiting for users with extensive media libraries or numerous applications. However, the storage can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing users to increase storage capacity as per their needs.

Battery Life

The HP Pro Slate 12 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po battery with a capacity of 21 Wh. This battery allows for up to 10 hours of multimedia usage, which is sufficient for a full day of moderate use. Its battery performance is commendable given the size and resolution of the display, offering ample power for daily tasks and entertainment on the go.

Camera

The device features an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and HDR capabilities, which can record videos at 1080p@30fps. The camera performance is decent for document capture and occasional photography. The front camera is a 2 MP sensor capable of recording 1080p videos, suitable for video calls and basic selfies. While camera quality may not be the highlight of this device, it suffices for users who prioritize productivity over photography.

Networking and Connectivity

In terms of network technology, the HP Pro Slate 12 supports GSM and HSPA, with 2G and 3G bands allowing connectivity across various regions. Although the device does not support newer technologies like 4G or 5G, its connectivity for calls and basic internet usage is reliable in supported areas.

The tablet is equipped with a comprehensive set of connectivity features, including dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for fast and stable internet connection, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE for connecting peripherals, and GPS for location services. NFC is also available, enabling convenient data transfer and payments. For physical connections, it supports microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort).

Sound and Multimedia

This device includes stereo speakers that provide rich and clear sound, making it ideal for media consumption. A standard 3.5mm headphone jack is included, allowing connection with various audio accessories without the need for adapters.

Operating System and Software

The HP Pro Slate 12 runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat, which was a popular version during its release, featuring a clean user interface and a wide range of applications available on the Google Play Store. Despite being discontinued, the device can still serve well for basic productivity tasks and applications that do not require the latest software updates.

Sensors and Additional Features

The tablet is packed with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. These sensors enhance user interaction and enable applications that rely on motion and environmental data.

Price and Availability

Initially released in January 2015, the HP Pro Slate 12 was priced at approximately 490 EUR. Although considered expensive at the time, the price reflected its premium features and large display. Today, being discontinued, it might be available at a reduced price through secondary markets for those seeking an affordable yet robust large-screen Android tablet.

Conclusion

The HP Pro Slate 12 is a remarkable device, with its large IPS display and sturdy design catering to professionals and tech enthusiasts alike. While it may not compete with today's top-tier tablets, it remains a viable option for those needing an economical device for productivity and basic media consumption. With expandable storage and solid performance for its time, it holds its charm for users appreciating a classic Android tablet experience.