Little did we know that HP and Adobe have developed a touchscreen computerized tablet, similar to the iPad, known as the “HP Slate”. Furthermore, it was completely overlooked that this device was first presented 3 weeks before the iPad at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES-2010).
Usage of these devices for photographers has been up in the air, considering the fact that they don’t necessarily boast a lot of storage space, and the iPad doesn’t have a single USB port.
Personally, I see using this device more for consultations, as an interesting way to present portfolio and slideshows to clients. I can see them now, cuddling up in a booth holding the tablet together, “touching and swiping” as they “ooh and aah”.
One big advantage that the HP Slate has over the iPad is it’s ability to display Flash and HP isn’t shy about pointing out that over 85% of the top 100 web sites use flash and over 75% of on-line video is in Flash.
According to PCWorld.com, you can expect the HP Slate to be available Mid-2010 and at a price below $500.
Check out HP and Adobe’s Overview Video:
7 Comments at "HP + Adobe = Pad That’s Not iCrippled"
Love what it has to offer, but….. I’m mac based and feel like I will be continually Icrippled with how stylish and non-functional the Ipad is going to be.
If all I was going to be using this for was Web, I would say that yes flash is a BIG deal. BUT, NON-FUNCTIONAL? I think apple and their slide shows via aperture are awesome. Lets not forget iCal and Email and Iwork etc….
@David, I feel ya. Went and talked to the guys at the Apple Store today. They comforted me by telling me that they do have a CF card reader for the iPad. Though it doesn’t have USB it does have a Sync port that’s identical to the iPod and iPhone.
@Thomas – I don’t believe that they will have Aperture running on the iPad, more along the lines of iPhone Apps as far as image editing. Again, I’m thinking it will be useful as a digital/”wow your clients” portfolio, but not versatile enough to be used on the job.
Great find and awesome post.
well they haven’t mastered the short and to the point video
I can’t wait for this and the other competition! Flash, USB, and a real OS! The best thing about the iPad is that it sets the standard for form-factor and pricing, both of which are great.
guess what…the internet? there’s an app for that. no need to have flash when the major websites will configure their pages just for the ipad. HTML5 is coming in the next couple of years as well which will make flash unnecessary. The ipad is a step forward.
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