HP Slate 17 Comprehensive Review Specs & Pricing

Overview of the HP Slate 17

Launched in September 2014, the HP Slate 17 offered an innovative approach to large-screen tablets. While it has since been discontinued, the Slate 17 remains a curious development in the evolution of portable devices, providing users with a large display and more than functional hardware for the time.

Design and Build

The HP Slate 17 boasts a substantial presence with its dimensions of 418.1 x 283.2 x 15.8 mm and a weight of 2005 g. This adds a sense of robustness and durability. It was available in striking colors of Snow White and Sweet Yellow, making it not just a device but a style statement.

Display

One of the standout features of the HP Slate 17 is its massive 17.3-inch IPS LCD screen. The display offers a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels which, although may not match modern retina screens, provided a detailed and vibrant viewing experience at the time. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 69.7%, it was quite the display for enjoying multimedia content.

Performance

Under the hood, the Slate 17 is powered by an Intel Celeron N2807 chipset. The dual-core 1.58 GHz CPU, while not the most powerful, was adequate for routine tasks and media consumption. It was equipped with 2GB of RAM which, combined with the Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) OS, ensured smooth user experience relative to its contemporaries.

Storage Capacity

The tablet contains 32GB of internal storage, which should be ample for storing apps and media. Additionally, it features a dedicated microSDHC card slot, providing users with the option to expand storage as necessary. This allows flexibility for users with extensive media collections or applications.

Camera Specifications

Photography enthusiasts might find the camera capabilities modest, as the Slate 17 features a single 0.9 MP camera capable of capturing video at 720p@30fps. In an era focused on selfies, its lack of a front-facing camera might be seen as a drawback for many.

Audio and Connectivity

The audio experience on the HP Slate 17 is augmented by stereo speakers, a feature that enhances media consumption. An included 3.5mm audio jack allows for traditional headphone usage. Connectivity-wise, the device supports Wi-Fi, including dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct options, and Bluetooth 4.0, catering to a wireless lifestyle. However, it lacks cellular capabilities, positioning it squarely as a home device rather than one for on-the-go use.

Battery Life

Powering the large display and other functions is a Li-Po (43 Wh, 3-cell) battery which provides a talk time of up to 7 hours and 45 minutes for multimedia use. For such a large screen, this battery performance is commendable and suits the device’s role as a home media hub.

Additional Features

The HP Slate 17 includes an accelerometer sensor which supports various orientation-based functionalities. This might enhance viewing and gaming experiences for users who appreciate additional interactivity with their tech.

Pricing and Availability

At launch, the HP Slate 17 was priced at approximately 370 EUR. Given its feature set, particularly the large display, this pricing was competitive, aiming to attract consumers looking for an amalgamation of tablets and all-in-one PCs. The device is no longer in production, having been discontinued, but it offered unique value during its availability.

Conclusion

The HP Slate 17 serves as an intriguing chapter in the history of personal technology. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, its design and feature set exemplified innovation and a different approach to the conventional tablet. This makes the device an interesting retrospective for tech enthusiasts and a symbol of HP’s efforts to bridge the gap between tablets and larger computing devices.