10 Quick Thoughts on the HP Stream 7 Windows 8.1 $99 Tablet

Released just a month ago as the least expensive Windows tablet at $99, HP’s new Stream 7 Windows 8.1 tablet was featured on a Black Friday sale at Office Depot. With an Intel processor, 32GB storage, and a 1280 x 800 resolution screen, the Stream 7 promises much for a low price. Here are some first impressions a week later.

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Here are the basic specs:
– Windows 8.1 operating system
– 1GB memory
– 32GB storage
– 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z3735G quad-core processor
– 7 inch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution
– Up to 8 hours of battery life
– 2MP rear camera
– 0.80 lb

These are My 10 Quick First Impressions
1. Thick and Heavy – and solid
2. Screen is lower quality, and a fingerprint magnet
3. Speedy performance for the price
4. Full Windows Experience
5. Back comes off for SD card install
6. No support for USB cable transfer
7. Too few apps available
8. Sound quality is mediocre
9. Win 8.1 is a better 7″ tablet experience
10. Ability to connect keyboard & mouse and run REAL apps!

Check out my video impressions

Where to buy: Microsoft Store for $99. This comes with one year of Microsoft Office 365 Personal (tablet & 1 PC, normally $69.99), and the ‘Signature’ edition comes with no trial software or bloatware.

What do you think? Are you interested in a tablet like the Stream 7?

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!