Like many of those vendors in that list, HP continues to squarely target business users with its Slate 2. This update adds a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) embedded security chip 1.2 to provide an extra layer of protection for the data stored on the tablet. And the company has two business-friendly accessories—the HP Slate Bluetooth Keyboard and Case, $79; the case adds significant thickness to the tablet, but it also provides a convenient, all-in-one carry-case for toting the Slate about. HP also showed its Retail Mobile Point of Sale Case, which has a credit card magnetic stripe reader and a barcode scanner built-in.
The Slate 2 has few other changes over its predecessor. Cosmetically, it looks almost the same, save for the now-plainer design on the back. The dimensions are practically the same, though the Slate 2 is fractionally thicker and heavier, at 5.9 by 9.21 by 0.61 inches, and starting at 1.52 pounds. It has an 8.9 inch some improvements display with 1024 by 600 pixel resolution and N-trig capacitive touch and digitizer display for use with the included pen input.
When I handled the tablet, it felt fairly well-proportioned in-hand, even though it is thicker than other tablets I’ve held. The screen felt responsive in short trials, and the new addition of the Swype keyboard—a first for a Windows tablet—was a welcomed alternative to Microsoft’s own, less-conducive on-screen keyboard.
HP ships the Slate 2 worldwide later this month.