News - HP Slate PC lives to fight another day

[HEXUS]

Windows-based tablet dubbed the HP Slate 500?

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[Clydonian]

I'd be more inclinded to by a tablet with a full operating system, thats one of the reasons I have held off on buying the ipad.

[MSIC]

I have no problem with an OS that provide full functionality (one of the reasons I opted not to get an ipad recently), however a full OS with a standard interface does not work for a tablet.
You need large, simple icons like iOS has, or indeed the older Palm OS. Heck, even the modern Ubuntu NBR would work quite well, just not Windows.

It's more than just the ability to launch programs, its also about how you save / copy / delete files, boot and shutdown (ie you shouldnt have to, it should be pick-up and use), how the window manager works and how you close a window. Even ubuntu NBR isnt ideal for finger interface, as a stubby digit may just as easily minimise as close a window.

IMO it needs a proper, researched, invested and well developed OS rather than just a nice 'layer'.

[Lucio]

Totally agree with the sentiment that running a "normal" OS is a waste of time for a tablet, unless it's one of those dual purpose tablet/laptop deals.

Personally I'm keen to see what an Android based tablet is going to be like, as I'm hoping it'll offer a serious alternative to the iPad and at a lower cost.