A YouTube user has posted a lengthy video demo of a HP Slate device running Windows 7.
The video, spotted by Engadget, shows a good overview of the hardware and buttons but also shows the device booting into a fully usable copy of Windows 7. Although the device boots in 30 seconds, compared to the iPad"s 15 second boot time, it"s clear from the start that Windows 7 isn"t suitable for a slate style device. Windows 7 appears to be difficult to navigate using just your finger. The onscreen keyboard also takes approximately 60% of the screen space and does not push any content above it to make it user friendly.
The physical dimensions and hardware on the slate look impressive however. The device is expected to have an 8.9" screen, two cameras (one for video and one for images) and will allow users to use a pen to write on the screen. The HP Slate was originally unveiled at CES earlier this year. The project has suffered its fair share of set backs, including rumours that it had been shelved. In April this year, HP acquired Palm, which threw the future of the Slate into doubt given HP now owns palms former operating system, webOS, which many thought may have instead been chosen to run on the device. HP executives have refused to confirm if the Slate is still on the table.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in July that Windows 7 Slate devices will be coming "as soon as they"re ready".