If you are a big tablet fan and have been waiting for something different from the Android tablets and the iPad to hit, the HP TouchPad may be for you. Back in March, we mentioned that the 32GB version would sell for $599 when it landed this month. That price has been confirmed.
A photo of the inventory system at Wal-Mart has been leaked and it shows that the TouchPad will hit Wal-Mart stores at $599 with 32GB of storage. I think that price is too high for the tablet to be a success. If it were a few hundred dollars less it would do well. At the $599 price, you can get an iPad or a high-end Android tablet.
HP TouchPad Features and Specifications
The HP TouchPad is powered by the webOS operating system, which was initially developed by Palm. This OS is known for its intuitive interface and multitasking capabilities. The TouchPad features a 9.7-inch display with a resolution of 1024×768 pixels, which is comparable to the iPad’s screen. It is equipped with a 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, making it quite powerful for its time.
In addition to its processing power, the TouchPad comes with 1GB of RAM, which helps in running multiple applications smoothly. The tablet also includes a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for video calls, although it lacks a rear camera, which might be a drawback for some users. The device supports WiFi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, ensuring good connectivity options.
Market Competition and Challenges
Most people will go with either of those tablets, which are more known, before going with the unknown webOS. The tablet has WiFi and there is no indication of pricing on the smaller 16GB versions tipped for $499 previously. Take a look and our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
The HP TouchPad faces stiff competition from well-established players like Apple’s iPad and various Android tablets from manufacturers such as Samsung, Asus, and Motorola. One of the main challenges for the TouchPad is its pricing. At $599, it is priced similarly to the iPad and high-end Android tablets, which already have a strong market presence and a loyal customer base.
Another challenge is the app ecosystem. Both iOS and Android have a vast number of applications available, while webOS has a relatively limited selection. This could be a significant drawback for users who rely heavily on apps for productivity, entertainment, and other purposes.
However, the TouchPad does have some unique features that could attract a niche audience. For instance, its ability to seamlessly integrate with other HP devices, such as printers and smartphones, could be a selling point for users who are already invested in the HP ecosystem. Additionally, the webOS interface is highly praised for its ease of use and efficient multitasking capabilities.
In conclusion, while the HP TouchPad offers some compelling features and a unique operating system, its high price and limited app ecosystem may hinder its success in a market dominated by iOS and Android devices. It will be interesting to see how HP addresses these challenges and whether the TouchPad can carve out a niche for itself in the competitive tablet market.
via PreCentral
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