Tag: Slate

ExoPC Slate

Posted by ts On 10.06.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Joanna Stern

We don’t say this very often, but some products are just worth the wait. And well, the ExoPC Slate looks like it’s going to be one of those very products. After months of following along, we finally got to spend some quality time with the 11.6-inch slate at Computex, and came away surprisingly impressed. Read on after the break for our impressions of this Windows 7 tablet, what that funky UI is all about, and a video of the Slate in action. Oh, and after you’ve done all that, don’t forget to feast your eyes on the gallery below.

ExoPC Slate hands-on

When it comes down to size, the 11.6-inch ExoPC Slate fits right in between the 12.1-inch JooJoo and the 9.7-inch iPad. And though it’s better held in two hands, it’s still just as thin and light as Apple’s tablet. Overall, we were quite taken with the build quality of the prototype device we saw, and the fact that it manages to make room for two USB ports, an SD card slot and an HDMI out. There’s also a VGA webcam along the top bezel. Internally, the tablet packs an 1.6GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD. On top of all that, the Slate promises full 1080p playback thanks to its Broadcom Crystal HD chip. While our experience with the HD solution has been flaky at best, we did witness a high-def clip play smoothly on the screen.

But the hardware and specs of the ExoPC aren’t what impressed us the most about the tablet. Nope, the capacitive touchscreen and the custom software layer on top of Windows 7 stole the show. While we found the 1366 x 768-resolution screen to be super reflective and ridden with poor viewing angles, it was extremely responsive to light taps, swipes and multitouch gestures within Windows 7 Ultimate and ExoPC’s own UI. And the latter is just the sort of thing we have been looking for in a Windows 7 slate. We’ve taken to calling it the Connect Four interface, but regardless of what ExoPC officially calls it, the Win 7 layer is incredibly unique and simple to navigate with a finger. Each of the circles can be customized to contain a different program or website shortcut and there are added setting controls along the peripheries. The video demo should speak for itself, but after just a few minutes of playing around with the device we had gotten the hang of closing apps by dragging them to the side and getting back to the main menu. Interestingly, the ExoPC guys aren’t just relying on regular Windows applications — they have created polished, touch-friendly e-book, music and photo gallery programs. They’re also working with other developers to create an app store. However, those that prefer a standard Windows 7 tablet experience won’t be disappointed — you can easily get back to the OS and they plan to ship it with a stylus for navigating menus / handwriting input.

Here’s where we’d love to tell you the wait is over, but unfortunately it isn’t. ExoPC has a ways to go in terms of working on the LCD quality and the UI integration, but promises that the tablet should be ready by early September for $599. Of course, we’ll believe that when we see it, but at least we’re one step closer to knowing that there are some very solid and innovative Windows 7-based tablets out there.

Update: Our bad for not mentioning the promised battery life. According to ExoPC, the two-cell battery should last five hours on a single charge, but a bit longer when playing video using the Broadcom card. We’d say that we’re probably looking at more like three hours with WiFi on, but we won’t know until we actually get to test it.

HP Slate

Posted by ts On 21.04.2010

source – liliputing.com

HP is working on a slate PC with an 8.9 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display and a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor. We’ve known that much for ages. What we haven’t really known is how the Windows 7 tablet will stack up against the competition, because all we’ve seen to date is the information HP wants us to see. But the folks at Conecti.ca got their hands on a real, pre-production model and the verdict is… that it’s alright, but nothing too special.

I have to say, I’m disappointed but not surprised. I’ve spent some time with a number of convertible tablets with Intel Atom processors and various versions of Windows, and they tend to suffer from a couple of problems. The operating system just isn’t that easy to navigate using touch-only controls — even with Windows 7 Home Premium’s advanced multitouch gesture support. And they tend to feel sluggish when performing some tasks, such as auto-rotating the display. I suspect this is at least partially due to the low power processor.

What is interesting is that the Spanish site conecti.ca has removed their early review of the HP Slate from their site by a direct request of Hewlett Packard Mexico. What this could mean is lets hope HP will do a little more work to improve the performance of the Slate. It turns out in the end that close cooperation between Software and Hardware producers is vital for delivering a good product in the end(as is the case with Apple and the iPad).

Hiton HT960 tablet: cheaper HP Slate alternative

Posted by ts On 09.04.2010

source – alltouchtablet.com/

We’ve talked about the HP Slate tablet quite a few times here, but there’s nothing different to it than other Atom powered slate tablets besides the HP brand name and the endorsement from Microsoft. Of course a brand is a brand, and this is a reason people look carefully for deals that seem too good to be true, like the Hiton HT960 tablet device which will be 100$ cheaper than the HP Slate (which will sell for 549-599$).
Of course there are some trade offs to be made, like the not to sleek looks and the somewhat lower hardware specs: Windows XP instead of Windows 7 and 16 GB SSD storage instead of the 32GB default of the HP Slate. What do you think? Is it worth it or we’re dealing with another hoax?

Hiton HT-960

HP Slate vs iPad – specs and video

Posted by ts On 08.04.2010

source – alltouchtablet.com/ by John Pope

We’ve talked a few times about the HP Slate tablet, presented by Steve Ballmer during CES 2010, which is supposed to be a direct competitor to the Apple iPad slate tablet. A lot of rumors have appeared during past months about this mysterious product, but not much more than that.

Today it’s time to take a first look at the specs and see also at a short video with the main features, which by the way, seems a direct hit on the iPad’s lack of USB port, webcam/digital camera and memory card expansion slot. As you can see below the HP Slate is essentially a netbook tablet, the only way you can fit a fully operational OS and a long lasting battery into the same case.

But before we get to the video let’s see the main hardware features of the HP slate:

  • 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor
  • 32GB of Flash storage (speedy, which is always good)
  • 1GB non-upgradable RAM (too bad it doesn’t come with 2GB of RAM)
  • SDHC card slot
  • 5-hour battery life
  • VGA front-facing camera and 3-megapixel camera at the back
  • USB port
  • 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 capacitive multi-touch display

HP Slate

Price is not yet set but expected to fall right in between 549 and 599$. It’s a little bit more than the entry level iPad, but considering you get a fully fledged computer running Windows 7 (possibly Home Premium) I say is worth the extra cash. What I believe it will be sub par compared to the iPad on the user experience front, as I don’t think the Atom Z CPU is not capable or offering a seamless experiencecompared to the iPhone OS found on the iPad. And I’m not speculating. I’m certain of this as I’ve already tested the Asus EEE PC T101MT with an Atom Pinetrail CPU that was very sluggish on common tasks.

But this it arrives on market (sometime this year, till then here’s the official HP page for Slate) here’s the video presentation below:

And a comparison photo that highlights the strong points of both HP Slate and Apple iPad, as seen by Engadget.

HP Slate vs Apple iPad

Seven iPad alternatives

Posted by ts On 06.04.2010

source – crunchgear.com/


We ran through the seven mainstream iPad alternatives a few weeks ago. You should know the list anyway.  They include the usual suspects of the ModBook, Notion Ink Adam, HP Slate and Dell Streak along with a few others. But there are a bunch more portables either currently available or coming out real soon that could also have made that list. Consider the following seven computers alternatives to the standard iPad alternatives.

Spring Design Alex Ebook Reader

While the Alex is really an ereader first, it’s still capable of a lot more with Android running on a 3.5-inch color LCD under the 6-inch e-ink display. Since it’s Android, everything works as it should so it can browse the web, send emails, and access the Android Marketplace via Wi-Fi or 3G. But the real magic is that the two screens can be linked so that content on the small screen can be pushed up for easier viewing on the large screen. It also handles book navigation and selection. Think of it as a suped-up Nook and instead of B&N, there’s a partnership with Boarders but any ebook standard will work. Available in either black or white at $399 and the company is taking pre-orders right now with an expected shipping date of April 14.

Advantages over the iPad

  • USB power charging
  • User-replaceable battery
  • Longer battery life with only the e-ink screen

Disadvantages

  • Smaller screens
  • Less storage

enTourage eDGe dualbook

One look at this thing and you can tell it’s something different. Two screens, combined with a hinge that also holds a speaker. It’s really not just an ereader with an Android netbook bolted on, either. It’s so much more and truly shows what the future of computer could hold for everyday joes, but more so for academia. Oh, and unlike the similar Microsoft Courier concept, this thing is real and available for $499 right now. Read our review here.

Advantages over the iPad

  • More touchscreen real estate
  • SD card slot
  • 2 USB ports
  • User-replaceable battery

Disadvantages

  • No 3G
  • Less storage

WePad

The WePad may be the most complete alternative to the iPad with Linux at the core and access to the Android Marketplace. It’s reportable going to be less expensive, as well, when it first its German retailers in the coming months.

Advantages over the iPad

  • Webcam
  • 2 USB ports
  • WePad App Store + Android Marketplace
  • Multitasking
  • Works with all ebook formats
  • Larger screen
  • Flash support

Disadvantages

  • None we can see

Lenovo Skylight Smartbook

Yes, it’s a netbook but give the Skylight a chance before scrolling down to the next iPad alternative. 10 hour battery life, 2 lbs weight, and a bright 10-inch screen are pretty standard noondays. But then throw in a 3G wireless into a thin and sleek package powered by a custom web interface and you have one tasty treat.

Advantages over the iPad

  • Full keyboard
  • USB ports
  • SD card slot

Disadvantages

  • Unproven OS (that’s a biggie)
  • No touchscreen

Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid

It’s a tablet! No, it’s a netbook! No, it’s both! An Intel CULV processor handles Windows 7 while in netbook mode and an ARM CPU takes care of the Skylight OS when the tablet is all by itself. It packs 3G, 128GB SSD all in a design that’s truly the best of both worlds. The U1 Hybrid slated for a summer 2010 release. See it in action here.

Advantages over the iPad

  • Windows 7
  • Two-in-One design
  • USB port
  • SD card slot
  • Larger screen

Disadvantages

  • No access to the App Store
  • It will probably be more expensive

ExoPC

It looks like an iPad, costs the same as an iPad, has similar tech specs as the iPad, but it isn’t made by Apple. The ExoPC might be the absolute best iPad alternative for Apple haters as long as they feel comfortable owning an obvious iPad clone. The ExoPC is supposed to be released sometime this spring.

Advantages over the iPad

  • SD card slot
  • User-replaceable battery
  • Supports Flash and Silverlight
  • Wireless and wired networking
  • Windows 7
  • 3 USB ports

Disadvantages

  • No access to the App Store
  • Shorter battery life at 4 hours

Your smartphone

And finally, your smartphone should really be considered an iPad alternative. Think about what the iPad can do and then compare it against your current phone. It could be a Palm Pre, Droid, HD2, or even iPhone. You can surf the web on these phones, edit photos, read sheet music, play electronic instruments, read comics, watch TV shows, play racing games and the list goes on and on and on. Sure, the iPad has that massive screen to further exploit those apps, but most of the functions are the same.

Neofonie WePad 11.6-inch Android slate

Posted by ts On 22.03.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Joseph L. Flatley

Another day, another Android tablet render. This one, the imaginatively titled WePad, is as ambitious as its name might suggest. (You know, because “we” is plural of “I”? Yeah, it’s a stretch.) Dwarfing the iPad with its 11.6-inch (1366 x 768) display, a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, GMA 3150 graphics, webcam, two USB ports, flash card reader, UMTS modem, and a mooted six hours of battery life, we could see ourselves picking one up — provided the price point is decent. But that’s just the beginning! The manufacturer, Neofonie, also has designs on a WePad app store and, if all goes according to plan, this thing’ll sport genuine Google Android and the Android Market. The company also mentions something called the “WeMagazine publishing ecosystem,” the basis of a turn-key operation for getting your own branded device out on the e-reader market, so if you’re looking to get into the biz just hit the source link to begin your adventure. As for us, we’ll wait to see a final product before we jump to any conclusions.

HP Slate €400 with Atom comes in June

Posted by ts On 19.03.2010

source – engadget.com/ by Vladislav Savov

Reputable Spanish publication Clipset has the first concrete report on pricing and internal specs for HP’s Slate. Seemingly obtained from HP itself, the €400 ($546) price tag positions the Slate a notch above netbooks and bodes well for the expectation that it’ll undercut the iPad’s entry level pricing. Straight currency conversations are inadvisable in such situations, so we’ll just have to wait until official stickers for the iPad in Europe are known or HP announces US prices for the Slate. Further info includes an Atom CPU, Flash support, USB connectivity, a memory card reader, and a back-mounted webcam (see it after the break). The launch of this Windows 7 device is slated for June, while retail availability in Europe is said to be expected at some point “before September.” It’s not clear what all that means for the US, but we doubt HP will be making its home turf wait longer than the rest of the world. Rest assured, we’ll be reaching out to HP HQ before they’ve had their first cup of green tea to find out.

Samsung confirms slate PC in the works — Engadget

Posted by ts On 17.03.2010

source – engadget.com/ By Laura June

Well, the details are extremely thin here folks, but it looks like Samsung’s working on a tablet PC – or ‘slate’ if you’re into the new fangled lingo – just like pretty much every other manufacturer on the planet. Speaking with APC (the website, not the clothier), Philip Newton, director of Samsung Australia’s IT division, said that the company is working on a slate PC for the second half of 2010 that will have “PC-grade processing power and connectivity” — two things Newton had previously cited as the main things lacking in the iPad.

see more at engadget.com

Lenovo Says “No” to Slate PCs following launch of X201

Posted by ts On 08.03.2010

source –thinkpads.com by John Hobbes

lenovo_thinkpad_x200_tablet_outdoor_screen_slate-display

Lenovo recently discussed with CNET that their experience shows businesses and even many private customers don’t want a slate only PC with no physical keyboard. The informal interview coincides with the recent launch of their ThinkPad X201 Tablet convertible notebook and is certainly fueled by the attention on Apple’s slick new iPad.

Lenovo has shown enterprise customers mock-ups of slate devices that would be business-appropriate, but no one was interested due to the lack of physical keyboard. They even went as far as to ask high school kids:

Majapuro said Lenovo even got feedback from high school kids. “These were 14-year-old kids, who, I thought, would be most willing to try a virtual keyboard but they said no, we want the physical (built-in) keyboard.”

Although, somehow I doubt they asked high school kids if they wanted a super slim, stylish device that “has an App for everything” and will automatically elevate you to cult status, free with every purchase.

You can have a convertible netbook, a dual-screened giant workstation, a true convertible tablet and even a 14-15 inch multitouch laptop, but no slate (from Lenovo) for you.

Source: [CNET]

Entourage eDGe review – 9.7 inch eInk screen and 10.1 color LCD, powered by Android OS

Posted by ts On 05.03.2010

source – alltouchtablet.com author – John Pope

Entourage eDGe: nice to get as a gift

Covering CES 2010 early this year I was surprised by the amount of dual screen netbooks and hybrid devices small producers tried to push into market to see customer’s reaction. Entrourage eDGe is one such product featuring a dual screen design, one 9.7 inch eInk screen and 10.1 color LCD, both powered by Android OS and an 1.2 GHz CPU.
Laptopmag is the first to post an early review of the Entourage eDGe and shared their opinions with all of us, so here’s what you can expect from this nice concept. Even if 1.2 GHz seems a lot for a mobile CPU, in practice the device is overall slower than the Motorola Droid, which has a 550 MHz CPU. Also things are not getting too far with the battery life, which is not helped by the Power Management software that seems not to be able to close the screen once you fold the device.

The nice part is the ability to focus attention on just one screen by folding the Entourage eDGe back on back and flip the device to face the screen you want. Unfortunately the resistive touchscreen layer on the LCD screen is hard to press some times and has shallow viewing angles, while the eInk screen can be used with a special stylus made for the digitized screen that allows the user to take notes on the eBooks he reads. The only problem is that a page with annotations takes 4 seconds to turn.

The virtual keyboard is not that responsive but gets the job done

Even if it uses Android, Entourage eDGe doesn’t have access to Android Market so there aren’t many apps you can install and the book library only has 250.000 books and I’m not talking about bestsellers here. Add to that over one million of Google Books and I guess you can be satisfied, but no newspapers and magazines are available.
For now the 499 $ dual screen tablet is a nice concept but there’s much to be improved and hopefully there will be a second generation of Entourage eDGe.

read entire article with video review at alltouchtablet.com

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