HP Slate7 Extreme Comprehensive Review and Pricing Insights

Overview of HP Slate7 Extreme

The HP Slate7 Extreme, launched in December 2013, is a tablet designed for users who appreciate the power of gaming and multimedia on the go. It was discontinued not long after its release, but during its time, it was favored for its unique combination of Nvidia processing power and portable form factor. This article delves into the specifications and features that made the HP Slate7 Extreme stand out, alongside its advantages and limitations.

Design and Build

The HP Slate7 Extreme sports a compact design, measuring 200 x 120 x 9.4 mm and weighing about 319.8 grams. This sleek build made it highly portable and easy to carry around, which was a crucial feature for tablet users in 2013. The device is wrapped in a combination of black and silver, presenting a professional aesthetic that appeals to a wide array of users, from casual consumers to business professionals. The absence of a SIM slot marks it as a strictly Wi-Fi-only device, underscoring its purpose as a portable media and gaming companion rather than a mobile communication device.

Display Quality

The device features a 7.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. This resolution, paired with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 59.2% and a pixel density of about 216 ppi, provided a satisfactory visual experience for standard multimedia viewing. However, compared to modern standards, the resolution may seem outdated, but during its period, it offered vibrant colors and wide viewing angles as expected from IPS panel technology.

Powerful Processing Capabilities

Under the hood, the HP Slate7 Extreme is driven by the Nvidia Tegra 4 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A15 CPU. This processing unit was celebrated for its gaming and multimedia prowess, capable of handling graphic-intensive Android games and 720p video playback smoothly. The 1GB RAM, although modest by today's standards, was adequate for basic multitasking and managing several apps concurrently without significant lag.

Storage Options

The HP Slate7 Extreme comes with an internal storage capacity of 16GB, which was quite average at the time of its release. However, it also supports storage expansion through a dedicated microSDHC slot, allowing users to enhance their storage capabilities for multimedia libraries, applications, and games.

Camera Features

Equipped with a 5MP rear camera, the tablet provides users with standard-quality photos and 720p video recording capabilities. While this might not meet the standards of professional photography, it suffices for basic photo capturing needs and everyday uses. The front-facing VGA camera, primarily intended for video calls, ensures users can engage in face-to-face communication without demanding high-definition visuals.

Audio Performance

The HP Slate7 Extreme is fitted with stereo speakers, providing decent sound quality typical of tablets in its range during that era. The presence of a 3.5mm audio jack allows users to connect headphones or external speakers, enhancing the audio experience for personal listening or group presentations.

Connectivity Options

Users have access to Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for internet connectivity, which was widely supported in most environments during its release. Bluetooth 3.0 support facilitates wireless data transfer and devices pairing, although the absence of modern features like NFC or radio might seem restrictive today. The inclusion of GPS support means users can utilize location-based services, adding value for travel-related applications.

Sensors and Battery

The device includes sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, supporting various apps and functionalities dependent on motion sensing and direction orientation. The non-removable Li-Po 4100 mAh battery offered up to 10 hours and 30 minutes of multimedia usage, a respectable endurance level ensuring ample usage throughout the day.

Operating System

Running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, the HP Slate7 Extreme provides a user-friendly interface with access to Google Play Store offerings. Although it doesn't come with the latest Android updates, Jelly Bean was widely appreciated for its smooth performance and better power efficiency.

Conclusion

HP Slate7 Extreme served as a valuable mid-tier tablet with a focus on gaming and multimedia consumption. Its solid Nvidia Tegra 4 processor made it attractive to power users, particularly for media playback and gaming. While it may be overshadowed by the advanced technologies of today’s tablets, its contributions to the tablet market during its era were significant. With a price tag of approximately 150 EUR, it was accessible to a broad consumer segment, offering good value for the features packed within.