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Although you are probably more familiar with Windows and iOS, I suggest you give yourself a week or two with the Pro Slate's – albeit dated – Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) operating system. I prefer iOS, but the Android system is just as good for simple navigation and basic data entry.
Native Android applications, such as Photos and News & Weather, aren't as robust as Apple's, and having to register everything with Google is a bit of an annoyance, but the difference between Android, iOS and Windows won't be a hindrance for the novice or intermediate user.
Here is the HP Pro Slate 12 configuration sent to TechRadar for review:
Spec sheet
- CPU: 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (quad-core Krait 400 CPU)
- Graphics: Adreno 330 GPU
- RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 (800 MHz)
- Screen: 12.3-inch, 1,600 x 1,200 CT-40 FIT Glass
- Storage: 32GB eMMC
- Ports: 1 x micro USB 2.0; 1 x 3.5mm stereo headset/headphone/microphone jack; 1 x ZIF connector with pogo pins
- Connectivity: 802.11ac with antenna diversity (Miracast-enabled); Bluetooth 4.0 + LE; NFC supporting Android Beam
- Camera: 8MP rear-facing; 2MP front-facing
- Weight: 1.87 pounds
- Size: 11.82 x 0.31 x 8.73 inches (W x D x H)
The HP Pro Slate 12 can house up to 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM (it starts at 16GB and 2GB of RAM), so don't expect this tablet to be your primary device. If you're leaning toward using it for everyday data entry and immediate storage, you'll want to purchase extra capacity in the cloud, or an external drive.
You'll absolutely love the Pro Slate's breezy and quiet quad-core Snapdragon processor. I was able to flip between applications and tasks without any lag time whatsoever, and when I ran more energy-draining tasks, like playing Empires and Allies at full screen brightness and volume, I didn't notice any lull whatsoever.
Benchmarks
- Geekbench 3 CPU - Single Core: 908; Multi-Core: 2,794
The Pro Slate's multi-core score is slightly below average. Comparable tablets, like the aforementioned Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 and the Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000, performed better, with the Note Pro 12.2 narrowly edging out the Slate with a score of 2,797.
However, the Dell tablet, which features an Intel Core M processor, wallops the Android tablets with an average score of about 5,000 on third party tests. For reference, other notable tablets on the market also trounce the Pro Slate.
The Surface 3, which also features a Core M processor, scored in the 3,300 range, and its bigger brother, the Core i5-powered Surface Pro 3 scored in the magnificent range of 5,500. Just for reference, the iPad Air 2 scores about 4,500.
So, if what you're after is a device that can multitask and run data heavy tasks, such as spreadsheeting and video editing, you're probably better off going with another tablet that benchmarks higher. However, if you're simply after intuitive data entry and long battery life, the Pro Slate 12 might be right for you.
