HP recently announced their first webOS tablet, the HP Touchpad, which we were told would go on sale in the summer of 2011, but now it seems that it may launch as early as April 2011.
According to Digitimes, the HP TouchPad may go on sale as early as April, and HP are expected to have around 4 to 5 million tablets available at launch, according to Digitimes manufacturing sources.
Specifications and Features
The HP TouchPad will launch with webOS 3.0 and it will feature a 9.7 inch multitouch display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. This screen size and resolution are designed to provide a comfortable viewing experience for both media consumption and productivity tasks. The device is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm processor, which should offer robust performance for multitasking and running demanding applications. Additionally, it comes with 512MB of RAM, which, while modest by today’s standards, was quite competitive at the time of its release.
Other specifications on the HP TouchPad include a 1.3 megapixel camera for video chat, which is ideal for staying connected with friends and family through video calls. The tablet also supports Adobe Flash, allowing users to view a wide range of web content that relies on Flash technology. This feature was particularly significant at the time, as many websites still used Flash for multimedia content.
The HP TouchPad also includes a virtual keyboard, making it easy to type emails, documents, and messages. The inclusion of a light sensor, accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope enhances the user experience by enabling features such as automatic screen brightness adjustment, orientation detection, and navigation capabilities.
Market Position and Competition
The HP TouchPad enters a competitive market dominated by established players like Apple’s iPad and various Android tablets. HP’s decision to use webOS, an operating system originally developed by Palm, sets the TouchPad apart from its competitors. WebOS is known for its intuitive user interface and multitasking capabilities, which could attract users looking for an alternative to iOS and Android.
HP’s strategy to release 4 to 5 million units at launch indicates their confidence in the TouchPad’s potential to capture a significant market share. By launching earlier than initially planned, HP aims to capitalize on the growing demand for tablets and position the TouchPad as a viable option for consumers and businesses alike.
The tablet’s support for Adobe Flash is another differentiating factor, as it allows users to access a broader range of web content. This feature could appeal to users who rely on Flash-based websites for work or entertainment. Additionally, the inclusion of a front-facing camera for video chat positions the TouchPad as a versatile device for both personal and professional use.
HP’s extensive distribution network and brand recognition could also play a crucial role in the TouchPad’s success. By leveraging their existing relationships with retailers and enterprise customers, HP can ensure widespread availability and visibility for the TouchPad.
The HP TouchPad represents a significant entry into the tablet market for HP. With its competitive specifications, unique features, and early launch date, the TouchPad has the potential to make a substantial impact. As the tablet market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the TouchPad fares against its competitors and whether it can carve out a niche for itself in this rapidly growing segment.
via Crunch Gear
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