HP's Slate 21 All-in-One: This Desktop-Tablet Hybrid is Mostly Just a Big Tablet

On Monday, HP introduced a new all-in-one desktop computer and tablet hybrid at its HP World Tour event in Beijing, becoming the latest technology company to attempt to bolster its pc sales by bridging the gap between conventional computers and tablets. The HP Slate 21 looks like a small desktop computer, but it runs Android and can convert to an on the go touchscreen tablet.

The HP Slate 21 All-in-One is a member of their "Slate" series of tablets, but comes with a massive 21.5-inch display and is meant to be more than just a touchscreen device. With a kickstand that props the tablet up into about a 30-degree angle and the keyboard and mouse, the tablet converts to a small-screen all-in-one desktop computer. However, it will only run Android 4.2.2, and not the more desktop-friendly Windows 8 operating system. Instead, HP is relying on Google web apps like gmail, calendars, notes, and docs to provide the software that the company hopes is sufficient to give the Slate 21 users a desktop computing experience.

The Slate 21 All-in-One comes with a full-HD IPS touchscreen display with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080,running on the quad-core Nvidia Tegra 4 processor, which is a step up for processors compared to the company's previous Slate lineup, according to CNET Asia, which reported the press event. Only a few other specs are known about the new hybrid desktop/tablet device right now. It will come with built-in DTS sound technology, and a HP TrueVision HD Webcam for video chatting (and photography as well, though if you thought taking a picture with an iPad-sized tablet was awkward, try doing it with a 21.5-inch desktop/tablet hybrid).

On HP's blog, Eric Wiggins of HP said that the decision to make the Slate 21 All-in-One's an Android-only system, instead of Windows 8 or a mix of the two, was made because the Slate 21 is meant to act as a bridge for mobile devices. "Honestly, the larger screen allows for a better shared experience. This could replace one or two mobile devices in your home that could be used as a shared device for the house," said Wiggins. "Creating a large-screened device with touch functionality, we thought we could unlock more uses."

Wiggins said up to 5 users will be able to create Android profiles on the Slate 21, and HP's Wireless Direct sharing software comes installed on the device. "The Slate 21 is optimized around cloud content and streaming," said Wiggins, "but there is still 8GB of memory on the device, itself." A relatively meager capacity of 8GB puts the Slate 21 more in the category of a large tablet than a desktop computer, but Wiggins says there are some features that will make a switch to desktop easier. "Mobile form-factors such as tablets and phones aren't exactly optimized for desktop productivity, so we leveraged KingSoft office software... as well as additional languages for the physical keyboard. We've also incorporated USB drivers to recognize a keyboard so you can enjoy true desktop productivity," said Wiggins on HP's blog.  

Earlier this month, ASUS and Samsung both released laptop/tablet hybrids that generally boasted better specs than HP's hybrid offering, along with both Windows 8 and Android operating systems on their devices. However, HP is releasing the Slate 21 All-in-One this September, for $399, so with a price-point that low, HP's hybrid could become a popular low-end hybrid choice. Check back with us for more updates on HP's new hybrid, as well as other technology news.