Today, we finally have confirmation from HP as to just what's going on with the Windows 7 Slate PC first showed off by Steve Ballmer at CES 2010. PC World yesterday spotted a product called the HP Slate 500 on the Hewlett Packard website. Seen here, thanks to the wonders of Google Cache, the Slate is described as an "all you need" device that lets you browse the web, watch videos, look at photos, or "capture life as it happens" with either one of the Slate's two cameras (photo and video).
Full description below:
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.
Obviously, given previous rumors, this listing sparked quite a bit of discussion. Responding to questions about the HP Slate and whether or not it was still alive, HP this morning confirmed that the device is still on the road to production. Engadget cites a HP representative as saying the Slate is "in customer evaluations now" and HP "will make a determination soon on the next steps."
