HP Slate 7 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of the HP Slate 7

The HP Slate 7 is an Android-based tablet computer introduced by Hewlett-Packard in early 2013. Designed to compete in the budget tablet market, the Slate 7 came with a 7-inch display, offering consumers an affordable alternative for basic multimedia usage, browsing, and more. The device was officially announced in February 2013 and released in April the same year, but it has been discontinued since its initial launch.

Design and Build

The body of the HP Slate 7 exhibits a compact and robust design. With dimensions of 197.1 x 116.1 x 10.7 mm and a weight of 372 grams, it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry. The device was available in two color options, Black/Silver and Red, making it visually appealing to a diverse consumer base. While it did not come with cellular connectivity, its design emphasized simplicity and ease of use.

Display Features

The device features a 7.0-inch FFS+ LCD screen, delivering a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels. Although the pixel density (about 170 ppi) is modest by modern standards, it was acceptable for general use and media consumption at the time of release. The screen size and resolution made it suitable for web browsing, reading, and streaming videos.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Slate 7 is powered by a dual-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, paired with 1GB of RAM. This configuration allows for basic multitasking and adequate performance for everyday tasks. The device runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which was current during its release, providing a variety of applications and features from Google’s ecosystem.

Storage and Expandability

The HP Slate 7 provides 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC card slot. This expandability was a key feature, allowing users to increase storage capacity for additional applications, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

For photography, the Slate 7 features a 3.15 MP rear camera capable of recording videos at 720p@30fps. Although not designed for professional photography, the camera is sufficient for quick snapshots and video recording. The front-facing VGA camera allows for basic video calling, catering to the needs of users looking for front camera functionality.

Audio and Connectivity

The tablet offers good audio quality with stereo loudspeakers and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating a variety of audio accessories. For wireless connectivity, the Slate 7 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA, and Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR profiles. However, it lacks positioning services, NFC, and radio connectivity, which limits some wireless communication features.

Power and Battery Life

The Slate 7 is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion battery that provides up to 5 hours of multimedia usage, a reasonable offering for portable devices in its class during its time of release. Although the battery life may not support extensive use away from power sources, it suffices for intermittent multimedia consumption and general use throughout the day.

User Interface and Experience

Running on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Slate 7 provides a clean and user-friendly interface. The operating system supports a wide range of apps and features, making it a suitable device for users familiar with the Android ecosystem. The inclusion of a standard accelerometer sensor enhances interactive applications and gaming experiences.

Market and Positioning

Priced at about 130 EUR, the HP Slate 7 aimed to capture the interest of cost-conscious consumers and those new to tablets. Its affordability combined with the main features offered a decent entry point into the world of tablets for budget-minded buyers. However, its lack of cellular connectivity and the rapid advancement of competitive devices led to its discontinuation.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the HP Slate 7 served its purpose as an entry-level tablet during its brief presence in the market. While it may not boast the advanced features or high-performance specifications of today’s tablets, it provided a reasonable experience for casual users in its era. Although discontinued, it remains a part of HP's efforts to penetrate the tablet market and offer diverse computing options to its customer base.