HP releases new video of the Windows 7 Slate PC

HP has released a teaser video of the new Windows 7 slate PC, first demonstrated during the Microsoft CES 2010 keynote.

The video, spotted by Gear Diary, is an interview between Greta Schlender, a HP Spokesperson, and Phil McKinney, CTO of HP’s Personal Systems Group. McKinney explains the development and excitement around the Slate PC ahead of Apple's rumoured iPad device. McKinney claims 2010 is the year of the Slate form factor due to "convergence of low cost, low powered processors" and Windows 7 which is a touch aware operating system allowing for third party applications to thrive.

Neowin got a hands on with the Pegatron Slate PC at CES earlier this month. Although the Slate devices are an exciting and new form factor we firmly believe that Windows itself has a long way to go until it can be used as touch only. HP and other device manufacturers will likely build touch interfaces on top of Windows 7 to provide an even better touch friendly experience. Unfortunately, as is the case with Windows Mobile, building applications on top of an operating system to gloss over the misdoings of the system is a recipe for disaster. HTC has tried this approach with its Windows Mobile devices over the years but as soon as you need to step out of the vendors touch interface then the annoyances and issues of an operating system not designed for touch ensue. It remains to be seen whether HP can build their Slate to withstand these issues.

Unfortunately there's still no pricing information available or a firm release date. Ballmer demonstrated the device in Las Vegas last month at the Consumer Electronics Show but HP had no devices available for attendees to observe. A HP spokeperson would only confirm the device is "coming later this year".