HP tablet pegged at $544 in Europe

The in-progress HP slate may actually be more expensive than the iPad when it goes on sale, a Spanish hands-on has revealed. The tablet is said to be shipping to the US in June, and in Europe would carry a price of 400 euros, or $544. While not a direct US translation, the price could make it more expensive than the $499 iPad even while it ships later.

The testers at Clipset also note that the hardware is essentially a netbook adapted to tablet form. HP's design is "fat" compared to the half-inch iPad and uses an ordinary Intel Atom processor to drive Windows 7. Some of its netbook heritage comes through in expansion, which includes a rear camera, USB and a card reader. The design is unique in having a rubber backing that makes it easier to grip.

While not yet official, the tablet is considered Microsoft's best hope before the Courier for competition in the tablet arena. It's already known to use an virtually stock version of Windows 7 and, since it uses an x86 processor, to support in-browser Flash out of the box. Whether it will be capable of HD video, how much storage it will hold and other characteristics are still mysteries.

By Electronista Staff