HP’s 12-Inch Pro Slate 12 Runs Android, Steals HTC’s Design Mojo
It appears that the photocopiers are running at full steam in the tech world. In mid-November, Nokia showed no mercy with its Android-based N1 tablet that looks like a near clone of Apple’s iPad mini. Today, Hewlett-Packard is jumping onboard with its new Pro Slate tablets, which look supersized versions of the HTC One (M8) smartphone.
There are two models in the new tablet family: the 12.3-inch Pro Slate 12 and the 7.9-inch Pro Slate 8. Specs wise, neither tablet is likely to set your hair on fire thanks to the 2013-era Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM. And while similar tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 feature 2560x1600 displays, the Pro Slate 8 makes do with an iPad Retina-like resolution of 2048x1536. The Pro Slate 12 takes an even further step back with a screen resolution of just 1600x1200. And despite the fact that Android 5.0 Lollipop was introduced in early November, both tablets are still running Android 4.4 KitKat. We’re assuming that HP will provide to Lollipop at a later date.
On the plus side, the Pro Slate 8 is the first to ship with Corning’s Gorilla Glass 4 and both tablets come bundled with HP’s new Duet Pen which allows you to “instantly digitizing the notes you write on paper.” In other words, you can write on any surface and have the result show up on your tablet, which could be a real boon to frequent note takers (we’re looking at you, college students).
Both tablets are available with either up to 32GB of internal storage and include microSD slots for expansion. You’ll also find a 8MP rear camera and 2MP front camera along with 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0+LE.
As for pricing, neither of these tablets come cheap. The Pro Slate 8.4 will set you back $449, while the larger Pro Slate 12 will retail for $569. That’s a hefty price to pay for that nifty Duet Pen. Both tablets are available today.
