A synonym for a tablet computer, which is a single flat panel and on-screen keyboard. In 2010, HP introduced tablets under the Slate brand, and many vendors define their tablets as slates. Although a slate tablet may come with a detachable keyboard, there are many industries that require a single-panel device without extra hardware, and the physical keyboard just adds cost. For example, slates are often used in a retail environment, where the device is handed to a customer for a finger-written signature. See
Tablet PC and
tablet.