CNET has learned that HP will announce the HP Slate 500 tablet on Monday October 25th. The leaked documentation they have received suggests that the Slate 500 is pretty much the device last seen in September.
Rumoured HP Slate 500 specifications:
- Processor: 1.86GHz Intel Atom Z540 with Intel GMA 500 and Broadcom Crystal HD Enhanced Video accelerator
- Operating system: Windows 7 Professional
- Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Display: 8.9-inch WSVGA touchscreen
- Input: Optional keyboard and optical mouse, HP Slate Digital Pen
- Memory: 2GB DDR2 RAM
- Storage: 64GB SSD SD card slot
- Camera: front-facing webcam / 3MP rear-facing
- Connectors: 1 USB port, HDMI out
- Battery: 2-cell 30WHr Lithium-ion polymer
- Other: HP Slate Dock included
CNET also reports that HP will sell the HP Slate 500 with docking stand, carrying case, and stylus for US$799.
A short CNET review of the device also calls out what had been evident on the prototype: The lack of touch-centric functionality in Windows 7. Microsoft did confirm that it will add new touch optimizations sometime in 2011 but that a major focus on a touch-based UI will not occur until Windows 8.