21” Android tablet…my personal review

[pavka007]

(I do not work for ANY PC/Pad etc company and this is my personal opinion not any form of advertising or else.)

About a month ago I came across an article regarding Lenovo N308. In short this was desktop (kind off) 19.5 “ Android pad.
I liked the concept but the price was way above £300 mark so I couldn’t see me getting anything like this.
Fast forward to a week ago I visited a friend and in his kitchen was this great looking 21” HP Slate Android pad mounted on the wall with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse on the worktop.

My first reaction was to laugh, but he stopped me and asked me to look at it as a High spec TV with full Internet capabilities.

I’ve read few reviews on a different AiO (All in one) Android based computers/pads… whatever you call them.
99% of the reviews were very, very negative. However all of them were approaching this….. from a DESKTOP prospective. The request from my friend to look at it from a different prospective made the whole Android Pad looks much more appealing.

If you look for a second TV with full Internet and games experience it is simply superb.

Later this very evening after I came back home I’ve checked the HP web site and…..surprise, surprise, they had the same set up for £199.00 including next day free delivery. Needless to say I’ve bought one on the spot. It was delivered 36 hours later and I am delighted. After activating my Google account I had all my apps loaded and the fun started.
XBMC is running superb, Catch on TV as well but the main benefit for me is that I can watch over 50 Italian TV channels using Google Apps. It feels like I am at home in Italy.

The display is FULL HD and the TV looks superb, not to mention Netflix, the whole new world.
This will not replace your main TV by far, but if you want/need second TV for your bedroom, kitchen, this is the best you will ever need. E-mail, internet browsing, Skype etc.Touch screen control or with wired/Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and you are laughing.
Why pay 250/350 /450 for 7-10” pad when you can get this for only £199.00 ?
Yes of course there are few negatives, NO battery, so needs to be plugged, only 8GB storage (but 3 USB ports and Card reader) and only 1GB of RAM. However this is a small price for such a great gadget.

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/ads/slate-21/specs.html

Edited by pavka007 on Tuesday 13th May 19:05

[pavka007]

Bullett said:

pherlopolus said:

I am intrigued how you get live TV on these, do you have a WiFi/Bluetooth tuner, or only use it for pre recorded programs?

Over the internet via something like this http://www.tvcatchup.com/
Most of the separate services offer live as well.

Plus you have XBMC as well

[pavka007]

tribbles said:

jas xjr said:

just ordered one .

Me too.

May get another one if it's really good!

I am sure that both of you will love it
Just remember, it is not a computer. Use it as a TV with abilities to run full Internet and you will love it.
I am writing this response on the Slate with my Bluetooth keyboard from my iMac

[pavka007]

gpo746 said:

Do any of the Italian TV channels show porn - the proper stuff - not with the fuzzy squares over the bits ?

I don't want to get banned but one of the apps available from Google store have few interesting channels after 10 pm UK time

[pavka007]

tribbles said:

I did read a lot of reviews where the owner didn't realise what they were buying (along the lines of 'This doesn't run Windows and I hate Android')...

Spot on, this is the reason why they are so many negative reviews, people just don't read before thy part with their money

[pavka007]

Type R Tom said:

Starting to wish I hadn't seen this! Thinking headphone socket out to ceiling speakers or the Sonos app and a play 5 or connect for a jukebox attached to the wall, would be much easier to switch songs while cooking etc.

You haven't done it yet? Come on you can do it

[pavka007]

tribbles said:

There is a Pro version which has an HDMI input as well...

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/ads/aio-products/slate21-...

But not £199....

ETA: Can't even find it on the UK web site, so maybe it's not available over here...

Edited by tribbles on Friday 16th May 12:02

Not available yet in the UK, however fort additional to the speck: HDMI port, 2GB Ram (vs 1GB) and 16GB of storage (vs 8GB)doesn't justify almost 250 quid more for the price.

[pavka007]

hornetrider said:

fk me that's cheap. Bought!

Cheers for the heads up OP.

You are welcome

[pavka007]

ZesPak said:

pavka007 said:

Not available yet in the UK, however fort additional to the speck: HDMI port, 2GB Ram (vs 1GB) and 16GB of storage (vs 8GB)doesn't justify almost 250 quid more for the price.

250 quid more?
If it goes to the exchange rate, it'll be hardly £50 more. The storage alone nearly justifies that! Not to mention that it can act as a touchscreen for external devices (ie a computer). That's what the USB "B" connector is for if I'm not mistaken. Oh it also comes with Mouse & Keyboard. Not a biggie but still at least £10 each.

Sorry my bad on this. The HP website is listing price starting FROM £307 going up to £398...ouch., but not available yet.
The system is listed as Android 4.3 out of the box, but HP have announced that they will roll update to the "basic" one (£199.00 quid)to 4.3 as well. So the real difference between the two is one HDMI port plus 2GB ram vs 1GB of Ram... Not really justifiable for over 100 to £200 quid on the price.
The £199.00 quid one is with wired mouse and keyboard as well, so not difference there either.

Here are the links:

£ 307.00 quid
http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/products/desktops/product...

£398.00 Quid
http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/products/desktops/product...

Edited by pavka007 on Friday 16th May 17:47

[pavka007]

jas xjr said:

some web pages render a little oddly such as PH . but i can live with that .

This is because is displaying the page as mobile version, usually on the bottom of the page you have a link to desktop version and it is fine.

Some of the posts above are asking what TV you can watch. Everything from FILMON to XBMC and various other TV streaming apps. After the latest update on XBMC now the platform is running superb. Xnavi is full with all the latest movies plus much more stable SKY sport channels. Last night some people enjoyed the boxing I WAS TOLD. I would never think to watch pay per view event for free.......

[pavka007]

98elise said:

What I mean is does it have a VESA mount on it. Its a big tablet rather than a monitor isn't it?

Yes it does:
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Android-Tablets-e-g-H...

Look at page 10 here:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03894454.pdf

Edited by pavka007 on Sunday 1st June 09:22

[pavka007]

Matt.. said:

Are there any reasonably priced options that have a larger screen? Looking for one for the kitchen / to use whilst having breakfast

27inch would be a better size.

You do have option of 27" screen...however it will cost you close to 600 quid $1099.00)
Acer will sell you one on the spot I am sure about that
Or you could go for the 24" version for only £350.00
http://www.very.co.uk/acer-da1-nvidia-processor-1g...