HP today launched several new tablets but the one that truly stands out from the pack is the 12.3-inch Pro Slate 12. The Pro Slate lineup actually has two tablets, there’s a 7.9-inch Slate 8 as well, but the spotlight is undoubtedly on the 12-inch model. Many companies have jumped on the large tablet bandwagon already, even Apple is expected to launch a 12-inch iPad, so HP is merely joining the party.
To be blunt both Pro Slate tablets from HP look like enlarged versions of the HTC One (M8). Design aside these tablets don’t really boast the best specifications, sure a Snapdragon 800 with 2GB RAM is a capable package, but it doesn’t raise any eyebrows.
Biggest difference between both tablets is the screen size and resolution. The HP Pro Slate 8 has a 7.9-inch display with 2,048×1,536 pixel resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio but the HP Pro Slate 12 has a meagre 1,600×1,200 pixel resolution on a 12.3-inch display. The new HP Duet Pen comes bundled with these tablets, it allows users to write on any surface and that writing will automatically come up on the tablet.
Both Slate tablets come with Android KitKat pre-installed and several HP applications come pre-loaded as well. HP is painting them out to be business oriented tablets which is probably why the price tags are $449 and $569 for Slate 8 and Slate 12 respectively, that’s a bit too much to ask from consumers in the market looking for an Android tablet with these specs.