We just got an email from HP to let us know that their first webOS tablet, the HP TouchPad, will go on sale in the US from the 1st of July 2011 and in the UK in the middle of July. HP will start taking pre-orders from the 19th of June.
The HP TouchPad will come in two different versions, one with 16GB of storage which will retail for £399 and one with 32GB of storage which will retail for £479.
“What makes HP TouchPad a compelling alternative to competing products is webOS,“ said Jon Rubinstein, senior vice president and general manager, Palm Global Business Unit, HP. “The platform’s unmatched features and flexibility will continue to differentiate HP products from the rest of the market for both personal and professional use. This is only the beginning of what HP’s scale can do with webOS.”
Key Features and Specifications
As a reminder, the HP TouchPad features a 9.7 inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. This makes it ideal for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading e-books. The device is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which ensures smooth performance and the ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously. Additionally, it comes with 512MB of RAM, which supports the processor in delivering a seamless user experience.
The HP TouchPad will come with webOS 3.0, HP’s proprietary operating system, which is known for its intuitive interface and multitasking capabilities. One of the standout features of webOS is its card-based multitasking system, which allows users to easily switch between open applications. This makes it particularly useful for both personal and professional use.
The tablet also includes a 1.3 megapixel camera on the front, designed primarily for video chat. This feature is particularly useful for business professionals who need to attend virtual meetings or for families wanting to stay connected with loved ones. The device supports 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth, ensuring that users can stay connected whether they are at home, in the office, or on the go.
Additional Features and Market Position
One of the unique selling points of the HP TouchPad is its integration with other HP devices. For instance, the TouchPad can easily sync with HP’s line of printers, allowing users to print documents directly from the tablet. This feature is particularly beneficial for business users who need to print documents on the fly.
Another noteworthy feature is the TouchPad’s support for Adobe Flash, which was a significant advantage at the time of its release. Unlike many competing tablets that did not support Flash, the TouchPad allowed users to view a wider range of web content, including videos and interactive websites.
HP has also emphasized the TouchPad’s potential for professional use. With its robust email client, calendar, and document editing capabilities, the TouchPad is positioned as a versatile tool for business professionals. The device’s ability to handle complex tasks and its seamless integration with other HP products make it a compelling choice for those looking for a tablet that can serve both personal and professional needs.
In terms of design, the HP TouchPad features a sleek, black exterior with a glossy finish. It is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The device also includes a virtual keyboard that is spacious and easy to use, further enhancing its usability.
In summary, the HP TouchPad offers a range of features that make it a strong contender in the tablet market. Its powerful hardware, intuitive webOS platform, and unique integration with other HP devices set it apart from the competition. Whether you are a business professional looking for a reliable tool or a casual user seeking a versatile tablet, the HP TouchPad is worth considering.
With its release just around the corner, it will be interesting to see how the HP TouchPad performs in the market and whether it can carve out a significant share in the competitive tablet landscape.
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