The ExoPC Slate
In Eastern Canada, on the shores of the mighty St. Lawrence River, sits the small city of Rimouski, Quebec. Once the hockey home of superstar Sidney Crosby, it won’t be long before Rimouski will be known for something else; producing one of the first Windows 7 tablet devices, the ExoPC Slate.
In response to a story I wrote titled, The Tablet Flood Descends Upon Us, I received an email informing me that I had forgotten about a key entry in the race; the diminutive ExoPC Slate. I say diminutive not because the tablet itself is small, but that this relatively miniscule Quebec-based company of the same name has seemingly pulled off what many major manufacturers are struggling to get right; how to market an innovative and intuitive Windows 7 tablet.
Though its original release date has been pushed back a number of times, with news that the ExoPC Slate is going to hit store shelves in early September, this surprisingly innovative tablet will be one of the first to run Microsoft’s Windows 7, and if Apple’s success with the iPad has shown us anything, it’s that being first counts for a lot.
With every new bit of tablet or mobile technology being touted as a possible iPad or iPhone killer these days, I truly think those titles have been robbed of all meaning. In fact, while I have yet to ban the words from my blog posts, I tend to employ them tongue-in-cheek, meaning that before I seriously apply that moniker to any device, it’s going to have to prove itself first.
So while I’ll refrain from laying that heavy burden on the ExoPC Slate, for anyone waiting for a serious Windows 7 tablet with an iPad like interface and netbook capabilities, you may want to remember the name ExoPC.
While its screen may look like a digital rendition of the classic game Connect Four, this slate employs a unique and intuitive user interface overtop of its Windows 7 OS. Each of the circles on the 11.6 inch touchscreen can be customized to contain different programs, shortcuts, or websites, with added controls along the device‘s periphery. Although several reviews have found that the screen is laden with poor viewing angles, the fact that it is as responsive to touch as the ubiquitous iPad means that for those looking for an iPad alternative, a worthy candidate has finally arrived.
That being said, while there will be some that absolutely fall in love with the user interface, there will be many—like me—that aren’t as thrilled to see a screen absolutely filled with buttons.
In the end, the truth is that for the ExoPC Slate to seriously compete with the iPad, it really needs to be flawless, and for me this tablet simply doesn’t cut it. Although I freely admit that its user interface is one of the most intuitive skins I’ve ever seen for Windows 7 and its netbook like capabilities will make it appealing for those looking for a simple, mobile computing device, as I’ve always said, for a new tablet device to succeed it’ll have to either be cheaper than the iPad, perform better than the iPad, or contain more features than the iPad, and the simple fact is, the ExoPC Slate doesn’t do any of these things.
With a price tag of $599 (placing it between the iPad 16GB and GB models), a user interface that you’ll either love or hate, and the fact that early reviews have been mixed, means that while the ExoPC may experience some initial success, its legacy may be as an example for how future Windows 7 tablets should perform; simply a step in the right direction.
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Written by: Matt Klassen. www.digitcom.ca >. Follow TheTelecomBlog.com > by: RSS >, Twitter >, Identi.ca >, or Friendfeed >
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The EXOPC Slate (now dubbed the EXO-1) does beat the iPad on features. It includes: 2 USB ports, a mini-HDMI port, an SDHC slot for up to 32GB cards, a built-in webcam and microphone, 802.11n wifi, and optional GPS and 3G connectivity. Beyond hardware, the EXO-1 has available virtually every program written for Windows computers instead of the apps Apple has approved. In fact, there will be nothing that keeps a user from installing Linux and having access to that world as well. Are there any other features I have forgotten?
i agree it has to show itself still. The screen viewing angles have been worked out. They have been furiously working on the device by listening to the early reviews and the forum members, so that the device will deliver what has been promised. They have literally set up a forum and worked closely with its members to give the people what they have wanted. So much so that when the members said they didn’t like the name of the first canadian release, they changed it. Plus the first 1000 members are getting a exopc branded device. One that is not released to any but the forum members. This company has it right. The ipad is beautiful, but limited. I know the exo wont be a high end workhorse. But its limits are far beyond that of the ipad.
Mr. Klassen,
As a customer who has been following the story of the EXOPC for a year or more, I want to thank you for showing the EXOPC to your readers.
There are a few things in your article that are either out-of-date, or I have a counter-point that I would like to present.
Excuse me if I ramble on for a minute.
You said – “Although several reviews have found that the screen is laden with poor viewing angles…”
This is actually no longer a concern. A while back, the EXOPC team tested and switched to a screen with a MUCH better viewing angle.
see here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA5AgtFG5SQ
“…there will be many—like me—that aren’t as thrilled to see a screen absolutely filled with buttons.”
This is a fair point, but the good news is, the EXOPC UI is just a Windows application. You can minimize or close it, at will. You don’t want buttons, then you don’t have to have them.
“…for a new tablet device to succeed it’ll have to either be cheaper than the iPad, perform better than the iPad, or contain more features than the iPad, and the simple fact is, the ExoPC Slate doesn’t do any of these things.”
On your three qualifications to succeed:
1. The EXOPC is in the same price range as the iPad, which I think is just the right place for now.
2. To say it doesn’t perform better does not compute for me. It is technically a more powerful piece of hardware, with many more output/input options, plus the entire catalog of Windows applications.
3. Again, it’s a Windows 7 computer. By default, it has many more features than any mobile OS slate.
“…and the fact that early reviews have been mixed…”
I haven’t seen any mixed reviews. The only negative I have seen at all is about the screen (which has been fixed).
Thanks for the article, and taking the time to read my reply.
Have a good week!
Dreamcat, thanks for the update. I had heard varying reports of some that still felt the screen issues had yet to be worked out, but its good to know that weakness has been resolved.
I will clarify that most of my critique of the device comes as second hand information. I have yet to get my hands on the Exo-1 and so freely admit that I’m not speaking from personal experience.
That being said, I tend to approach most new technology with a attitude of scepticism. Many have said the Exo-1 is great, but I’ll wait till it proves itself in the open market before I start singing its praises.
Tim, looks like you have the features well covered.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no great fan of the iPad or Apple in general, but the iPad has won the hearts and minds of the masses across the continent. With the Exo-1 sporting features that I would still consider comparable to what the iPad offers, will it be enough to win over those star struck Apple lovers?
I do agree though, having the Windows 7 OS will offer the device more versatility, but Win7 is certainly not without its difficulties as well. Thanks for the comment!
Dear Mr. Klassen,
i have also been following the exo-1 for some time now and i just wanted to reiterate what dreamcat stated in more detail. it is true that the exo is in the same price range, and a far as performing better? it most certainly does, without question. it has a more powerful processor along with the ability to multi-task, unlike the ipad. also, in terms of features, it has two usb ports (three including dock) mini hdmi out, 1.3 mega pixel camera, and supports flash (which is what over 77% of videos on the web need to be viewed) i’m not quite sure from whom you recieved your information but you may need to double check that source. i may have come off a little strong but i just wanted to reinforce what DREAMCAT stated.
“…as I’ve always said, for a new tablet device to succeed it’ll have to (A) either be cheaper than the iPad, (B) perform better than the iPad, or (C) contain more features than the iPad, and the simple fact is, the ExoPC Slate doesn’t do any of these things.”
Matt, seriously? How about all 3? (A) It is priced the exact same for the equally outfitted 16gb model. (B) It will play flash, (C) It has a full OS, not a phone OS.
Bryan,
In fact I am serious. What I’m saying is that the Exo-1 is comparable to the iPad, which is exactly why it won’t compete. Do I think having Flash, Windows 7, and the same price will allow the Exo-1 to compete with the iPad? No. Aside from people who hate Apple–or love Windows I guess–what reason will the public have for turning to the Exo-1 rather than the dominant and immensely popular iPad? Simply put, you match what’s on the market right now and you’ll never succeed. I’ve seen it time and time again. That was my only point.
Matt;
I don’t mean to pile on, but I have to respectfully disagree.
The iPad competes with the iPod, iPhone, and other “gadgets”. There are simply too many hoops to jumt through to make the iPad a business tool, while the EXOPC is perfectly suited right out of the box. So, sure, there will be plenty of pro or anti-Apple sentiment that determined purchase, but running full Windows 7 creates a huge number of additional uses that the iPad will never be able to accomplish.
I’m just a consumer, and do not work in the tech field. I LOVE gadgets, and even I knew enough to wait for the Windows offering.
Hey Matt,
You mentioned something there that I found interesting. “There are simply too many hoops to jumt [sic] through to make the iPad a business tool.” And I couldn’t agree more. The Exo-1 may, in fact, prove its mettle as a business device, but that’s exactly why it won’t compete with the iPad. I question whether people will flock to it as an equally popular consumer device? Will there be lineups for the Exo-1? I doubt it, rather I think tablets like this may see more success with corporate users. If ExoPC is looking to produce a device that corners the business market, they actually won’t be competing with the iPad at all, but if they’re looking to produce a device for every Joe gadget-lover out there, I just don’t think they’ve done enough to unseat the iPad.
I am really surprised battery life is not mentioned here. Weight/size and battery life are as important factors in slates. Ipad – 680 g, ExoPC – 850 g, size – comparable (14 mm thick both), but battery life of 4 hours is a big con – against 9 hours in ipad. Personally I am pleasantly surprised they managed 4 hours out of such a power-hog as Win7 with whooping 11.6″ screen. Apple specifically targeted power in their design cycle, and they did a hard-to-believe job at it. Anyway, I would buy ExoPC for myself, if they will sell in Canada.