When the tech world first heard about iPad, it went wild with speculations of a MacBook running on a tablet. However, the iPad seemed more like a blown-up iPod Touch. Because of that, a lot of people turned their hopes on the HP Slate, HP's tablet concept of a real netbook running on a tablet.

Just a couple of days ago, our friends from Conectica.ca claims that they were able to get up close and personal with the HP Slate and this is their verdict:

- A little bit thicker than the iPad with 0.57 inches but does not compromise the portability

- Rear and back panels are made of plastic but still feels tough and dense

- Runs on Windows 7 and has an Intel Atom processor - good deals if you ask me

- Two cameras - one 3 megapixel camera at the back and a VGA camera in front

- Can play 1080p HD video (the iPad can only play up to 720p)

- Its multi touch screen is a bit smaller than the iPad (8.9 inches as compared to 9.7 of the iPad) which makes the extra thickness unnoticeable

- USB port and docking port are available

- Downside - extremely slow loading time (which is quite common for netbooks, I must say) and the battery life of 5 hours (compared to the iPad's 10 hours)

However, if you want to have a portable computer with you anywhere you go, I suggest you wait for the HP Slate's release as compared to stepping into the bandwagon and getting yourself a blown-up iPod Touch in the form of an iPad. Just my 2 cents worth.

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