HP’s first webOS tablet, the HP TouchPad, goes on sale shortly. The initial version comes with a 9.7-inch touchscreen display, but now it seems that HP may be getting ready to launch a 7-inch version as well.
We know that HP has other TouchPad models in the works and have even heard a rumor of a 7-inch TouchPad before. According to the Taiwan Economic News, HP has ordered around 400,000 to 500,000 TouchPad tablets per month from Inventec, and the order is reported to include a 7-inch version of the TouchPad as well as the existing model.
Expanding the TouchPad Lineup
The introduction of a 7-inch TouchPad could be a strategic move by HP to capture a broader segment of the tablet market. Smaller tablets are often more portable and can be more appealing to users who prioritize mobility. The 7-inch model could compete directly with other popular tablets in the same size range, such as the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Google Nexus 7, which have been well-received for their compact form factors and ease of use.
Unfortunately, we don’t yet have any specifics on what hardware will be inside the 7-inch version of the HP TouchPad. However, it is reported to launch sometime in August. If we get any more information before then, we will let you guys know.
Potential Features and Market Impact
While details are scarce, it’s reasonable to speculate that the 7-inch TouchPad will share many features with its larger sibling. The 9.7-inch TouchPad is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-CPU APQ8060 1.2GHz processor, and it would make sense for the 7-inch version to have a similar or slightly modified chipset to maintain performance standards. Additionally, the smaller TouchPad is likely to run the same webOS operating system, which has been praised for its intuitive interface and multitasking capabilities.
The inclusion of a 7-inch model could also mean a more competitive pricing strategy. Smaller tablets generally cost less to produce, which could allow HP to offer the 7-inch TouchPad at a lower price point, making it more accessible to a wider audience. This could be particularly appealing to students and professionals who need a portable device for note-taking, reading, and light computing tasks.
Moreover, the 7-inch TouchPad could benefit from the same ecosystem of apps and accessories as the 9.7-inch model. This would provide users with a seamless experience across different devices and could encourage more developers to create apps for the webOS platform, further enriching the user experience.
Source Crunch Gear
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