Slate Tablets Comparison

Tablets Comparison: iPad vs. Galaxy Tab vs. HP Slate 500 side-by-side comparison of the Apple iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and the HP Slate 500 - See full-size table

Melanie Pinola

Apple's iPad, Samsung's Galaxy Tab, and HP's Slate 500 are often mentioned as competing in the same slate tablets space. As you see in the comparison chart, these three tablet computers are pretty similar in terms of screen resolution, touch input, and wi-fi connectivity.

Which one is best for you will ultimately depend on things like your operating system and software preference (Apple apps or Android? or full-fledged Win7?), need for camera for video conferencing/calling, and 3G/4G availability. Here's some info to help you make your decsion:

Apple iPad: the ground-breaking "magical and revolutionary device" which has set the initial bar for popular slate tablets. Among the iPad's advantages: hundreds of thousands of apps, the broadest support from third-party developers and product manufacturers, and a large and beautiful screen.
Samsung Galaxy Tab: This Android tablet has a slightly smaller form factor, dual cameras, is nearly 1/2 the iPad's weight, and is carried on all four major US wireless providers. Depending on your configuration, it could also be less expensive than the iPad.
HP Slate 500: is targeted towards business users. Besides offering the robust Windows 7 operating system, the Slate 500 is also the only one of these tablets to be optimized for inking (use of digital pen or stylus input) -- excellent for note-takers and artists alike.

See the next page for an additional comparison that includes RIM Playbook and Cisco Cius, both more enterprise/business-friendly devices...

View the original article here

Fujitsu ST5011D Slate

I was quite pleased with how easy it was to use the Stylistic ST5011D slate-style Tablet PC. It was lightweight and I liked the fact that the slate automatically adjusted orientation when I changed the position of the Tablet PC. Using this Tablet PC outdoors was a great benefit. Mobile workers don't always have the choice to work indoors and quite often using a Tablet PC or laptop outdoors is frustrating. Having a display that was viewable in any circumstance is a great feature of this slate.

The review unit I received had a 60 GB hard drive and 512 MB RAM. Also included were a wireless keyboard, executive portfolio and Tablet dock.

I had wondered just how well a slate-style Tablet PC would compare to a convertible-style Tablet PC; without a keyboard always available would it be more difficult to enter information? The Stylistic ST5011D proved to me that you don't always need a keyboard. I was pleased with the stylus input methods available - keyboard entry or handwriting recognition. I found very few errors with the handwriting recognition even when my writing (cursive) reverted to a scrawl. When printing I had no errors. It was like working with pen and paper except no waste of paper. Which was very handy for quick notes.

What I liked most with the slate-style Stylistic was it wasn't difficult or awkward for me a lefty to use as the keyboard entry screen can be placed anywhere on the display that's comfortable for the user.

Having a range of connection options is another benefit to this slate-style Tablet PC. No matter what location I happened to work from, I was able to connect to an in-house network or the Internet.

The battery life was quite impressive, I was able to work for just shy of 5 hours before recharging the battery.

I can see it proving to be a very beneficial tool for workers in sales, Insurance, Real Estate and Law Enforcement. Used with a portable printer, it would make completion of forms quick and easy.

source from about.com