The HP Slate 500: Eight models of Windows 7 tablet goodness


Great news, Internet. The Windows 7 HP Slate isn’t dead. According to HP’s site, the Slate is very much alive — all 8 variations of it — and it seems like HP will indeed put it head-to-head against the Palmpad like I thought.

Don’t too excited just yet. These models are anything but official as they were simply found on some random HP product listing. However, the brief description — embedded below — should make some people’s day. It seems like the original HP Slate complete with Windows 7, 8.9-inch screen, dual cameras, and — this is new — some sort of stylus/pen input.

What’s in the box
Headphones

Summary

No matter where you are or what kind of fun you’re in the mood for, the HP Slate 500 is all you need. Exclusive HP software gives you access to photos, videos and everything on the Internet with just a touch, while Windows® 7 Premium gives you the power to do what you want. The unique design and 22.6 cm (8.9″) screen put the full Internet in your hands, while two cameras (video and still) let you capture life as it happens or participate in web conferencing. Adjust the screen orientation to fit your content and use the pen to write or draw as if on a piece of paper. Whatever you want to do, the HP Slate 500 helps you do it – and makes it more fun too.

Related products

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The information contained in this document is subject to change with or without notice. Hewlett Packard makes no warranty of any kind with respect to this information. Hewlett Packard specifically disclaims the implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Hewlett Packard shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damage alleged in connection with the furnishing or use of this information.

There are currently eight different model numbers listed for the Slate, which could mean a few different things. First of all, HP is notorious for mutli-model platform lines, with tiny differences between each model like storage capacity, 3G modem, and software pack. Or they could be destined to different retailers, who often force manufacturers to use different model numbers in order to cut down on competitive price matching. Or there could be multiple series with a few models heading to the consumer market and the others meant for enterprise users.

However, the inclusion of model numbers seem to say pretty clearly that this platform is alive and slowly working its way through HP’s massive product development pipeline.

So HP’s plan is to out two totally different tablets, eh? The webOS Palmpad and the HP Slate 500 running Windows 7. Things are going to get interesting. [via PC World]