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Why the HP Slate will fail

Why HP's 'iPad Killer' Will Fail — Datamation.com

The company is trying to complete with a device that is fundamentally different. The iPad runs what is essentially a cell phone operating system. It's designed exclusively for mobility. It's a touch smartbook, rather than a touch netbook. The HP Slate, on the other hand, is running a desktop operating system -- Windows, no less -- plus an application interface layer that can only add to the processing and memory burden.

HP is trying to compete with the iPad on price. The Slate will start at $549. How does a PC match the price of a cell phone? You mis-match on performance. You add only 1 GB of RAM. You use an underpowered processor. You offer sucky battery life. I'm not aware of a single Windows expert who recommends running Windows 7 on fewer than 2GB of RAM. The reason is that Windows 7 is a sluggish, unusable pig with only 1 GB. Sure, the Slate has more memory and processing power than the iPad. But the iPad is a big cell phone. The Slate is a small PC. There is no conceivable way that the Slate can even approach the iPad's impressive overall performance running Windows 7 in 1 GB of RAM.
 
LOL

Oh yea? Where? I would LOVE to see some video of someone running W7 with 1GB of RAM and multitasking with no slowdown. Should be about as easy to find as footage of Bigfoot

Sure it will have a little bit of slowdown but not become a "sluggish, unusable pig". If you Google "Does Windows 7 run well on 1GB RAM?" You will get your answer. Of course people recommend having a minimum of 2GB RAM, but people with 1GB RAM are reporting that they're doing fine. It's not exactly as fast as Windows XP but much faster than Windows Vista.
 
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Well, considering I do this for a career...even in a VM with 1 gig of RAM Win 7 was noticeably snappier than Vista ever was. It multitasks fine with that amount of RAM. Obviously not with resource hungry apps such as CAD or PhotoShop but that's not what you're using a tablet for anyway.

And you put a custom UI over (like HTC's Sense) it like the HP Slate will use and then tried it? Doubtful.
 
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And you put a custom UI over (like HTC's Sense) it like the HP Slate will use and then tried it? Doubtful.

I love how you get owned by not knowing that Windows 7 runs fine on 1GB and then combat with a question that obviously is a No answer because the HP Slate wont be released until June. Do you know how much RAM the iPad has?
 
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I love how you get owned by not knowing that Windows 7 runs fine on 1GB and then combat with a question that obviously is a No answer because the HP Slate wont be released until June. Do you know how much RAM the iPad has?


Yep, 256MB. Big difference is that it runs an OS built for a mobile device unlike the Slate which will run a full on desktop OS with only about 1/4 of the RAM as most desktops use. The iPad also uses a processor specifically built for it, the Slate will run a general purpose not customized for it. Have fun multitasking with that :)
 
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Windows 7 is not really designed to run on a slate- ESPECIALLY if they put Starter edition on it, which strips out all of the tablet PC features. Microsoft, HP, Dell, etc have tried this- their have been slates around for a LONG time. They simply haven't gotten it right. I loved my Tablet PC and OneNote is brilliant.

However- will it smoothly play hi-res video with 1GB of Ram? Is there an easy way of syncing content with my PC? Will the battery last?

The iPad will do well because it is capable of doing what consumers want to do on the go simply, easily, and well in a sexy, slim package. An Android based tablet should be able to do this as well. A full windows OS will need the same management as your desktop PC- which is more than many consumers want to deal with. Give me an android tablet- 7"-9" screen, wifi, 1GB ram, 1Ghz processor, camera, MARKET, and an 8+ hour battery for $400 with an option for 3G and I'm sold. What I don't need is another laptop that is a compromised one at best.
 
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Yep, 256MB. Big difference is that it runs an OS built for a mobile device unlike the Slate which will run a full on desktop OS with only about 1/4 of the RAM as most desktops use. The iPad also uses a processor specifically built for it, the Slate will run a general purpose not customized for it. Have fun multitasking with that :)

Someone's computer-illiterate.
 
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Yep, 256MB. Big difference is that it runs an OS built for a mobile device unlike the Slate which will run a full on desktop OS with only about 1/4 of the RAM as most desktops use. The iPad also uses a processor specifically built for it, the Slate will run a general purpose not customized for it. Have fun multitasking with that :)

I won't spend hundreds for a device that I don't need. That's just silly. ;)
 
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if you want to find an alternative to the slate, that RUNS android OS check out the wepad

WePad - Designed in Germany | WePad


So far everything about it dominates the slate, and functions much better than the Ipad. :)


That may not even be released and if it is, it will not have access to the Android market making it pretty useless. Unless of course you are one of the 2% of the population in love with Unbuntu and have always wanted to take it with you :)
 
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The HP Slate will fail, because:

1) HP doesn't have millions of brand-whores who piss away money like it grows on trees.
2) A computer without a keyboard is just a dumb idea, why pay more for a device that can do less. (See reason #1)

The HP Slate will fail because PC owners are smart enough to know a rip-off when they see one. Apple fan-boys will waste money just to be trendy.

My netbook runs just fine with 1GB RAM. Plus I get the added benefits of a real keyboard and all the flash video sites I frequent work flawlessly. Nevermind the fact that my netbook only cost $299.

Touch interfaces are fine when you have no other choice. But when you actually want to get something accomplished besides casual gaming and web surfing, you're going to want a REAL keyboard.

-Mike
 
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