Software
Apart from the Android 4.1.1. the HP Slate 7 almost doesn’t have any preinstalled applications.
The exception is the Google Chrome browser, which recently have become a part of the standard software package for many manufacturers.
Moreover, HP added the HP ePrint application. This is a mobile client for the HP ePrint Center cloud print service, supported by a number of new printer models of the company. A user will be able to send documents, images and web-pages to printer from a mobile device using his/her own account on the HP ePrint Center. The server then sends the documents to any of the user’s/organization’s/public service’s emails registered at the HP ePrint Center. Further the printer receives the document by email and prints it.
Thus, one doesn’t have to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while connecting the gadget to a printer. There is no need to install any drivers as well. The HP ePrint makes it possible to print using the equipment located in the same room with the user, as well as using remote, for instance, office equipment. There is only one condition that is to be observed – the printer that supports that kind of operation is to have constant internet connection.
The device has one software improvement – beats audio, which is meant to get better sound quality. The software amplifies the low frequencies, and makes the upper and the middle ranges clearer. The beats audio on and off modes are not really noticeable while listening to music using the device’s speakers. The difference becomes prominent when using the headphones.
HP Slate 7 produces loud and clear sound, yet it lacks bass sound. The bass sound can be received when turning the beats audio function on. The settings offer three modes: “Beats-in-Ears”, “beats-out-of-ears” and passive beats. It is the low frequencies’ focusing that makes the difference between the modes. The Beats-In-Ears technology creates the main impression. On the other hand the technology offers nothing new, the same effect can be easily reached by using equalizer in any of the players available on the Google Play Store.
Generally, that is all about the HP Slate 7 software peculiarities. All the rest is the standard Android 4.1, which is well-known among the great amount of users.
It is also worth mentioning that HP slate is connected to a computer as a media device, not a USB-device. As for Windows 7 and 8 that peculiarity creates no problems, while when used with Windows XP some difficulties while copying files using Explorer may appear.
Conclusion
HP Slate 7 creates favorable impression for a device of its class. It is compact, quite convenient, offers enough performance, and quite good sound characteristics. The HP ePrint option may be useful for those who have already bought a modern HP printer. On the other hand, the display glance, poor camera and lack of GPS and radio receiver are definitely the shortcomings of the device. HP Slate 7 wins thanks to powerful graphics and enough autonomous operation time.
Eventually, we get a budget tablet PC, which is mainly fit for use at home or in the office. The device fits best for watching movies or reading books in bed, it can be applied as a notebook or a reference book during the conference, of course if you are ready to acquire the office software.
The HP Slate 7’s life on the market greatly depends on its cost – the brand markup, the quality and the support for the device should be advantageous in comparison to its Chinese competitors of the same class. Judging from that standpoint the device prospects are not really clear.
Price
HP Slate 7 price in the USA is $139. And that is a good offer. One should agree that is not much more expensive than Chinese gadgets, especially taking into consideration the brand markup, and the device’s characteristics have no significant difference; especially, if GPS is off the game. However, let’s first study the market leaders’ offers.
ASUS MeMO Pad HD ME173X
ASUS MeMO Pad HD ME173X costs $30 more. For that price one gets display resolution of 1280x800 pixels and Android 4.2 OS.
ASUS Nexus 7
And, of course, one shouldn’t forget about the ASUS Nexus 7. Given that the latter has no 3G-module, but still equipped with Tegra 3 and 8GB flash memory the total device price is going to be $110.
It is worth mentioning as well that these devices support GPS and has radio receivers.
Advantages:
- Good sound
- Remote print option
- Quite good display quality
- High assembly quality
- Good Performance
- Powerful graphics
Disadvantages:
- No GPS
- No FM-receiver
- Poor camera characteristics
- No 3G variant of the device
- Poor set of the pre-installed software, clean Android
- Glaring display
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