HP’s first webOS tablet will go on sale shortly, the HP TouchPad, and many of us, myself included, have been wondering what the HP TouchPad would actually be like, and whether it would be able to compete with the Apple iPad and the various Android Honeycomb tablets available on the market.
Hardware wise, the HP TouchPad features a 9.7 inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels, there is also a dual core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor and 512MB of RAM.
It comes with HP’s new version of webOS, webOS 3.0, and it also features a 1.3 megapixel camera on the front for video chat, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and 802.11 b/g/n WiFi.
Software and User Experience
One of the standout features of the HP TouchPad is its operating system, webOS 3.0. This OS is designed to offer a seamless and intuitive user experience. The card-based multitasking system allows users to easily switch between open applications, making it highly efficient for multitasking. Additionally, webOS 3.0 includes a feature called “Just Type,” which allows users to start typing directly from the home screen to search the device, the web, or even initiate new tasks like composing an email or updating social media.
The HP TouchPad also comes with a suite of productivity apps, including Quickoffice for document editing, and support for Microsoft Exchange. This makes it a viable option for business users who need to stay productive on the go. The inclusion of HP Synergy allows for seamless integration of information from various sources like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft Exchange into a single, unified view.
Performance and Battery Life
The dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor ensures that the HP TouchPad is capable of handling multiple applications simultaneously without any noticeable lag. The 512MB of RAM, while not groundbreaking, is sufficient for most tasks that the average user will perform on a tablet. However, it may fall short when compared to some of the higher-end tablets that offer more RAM.
Battery life is another critical aspect of any tablet, and the HP TouchPad does not disappoint. It offers up to 8 hours of continuous use, which is comparable to other tablets in its class. This makes it suitable for a full day of work or entertainment without needing to recharge.
A number of our fellow technology sites have already reviewed the new HP TouchPad. Have a look at the reviews below to see what they thought about the first webOS tablet. Take a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
HP’s webOS Tablet Plays Solid Hand Against a Stacked Deck – Wired
HP TouchPad Review: Unbreak My Heart – Gizmodo
HP TouchPad Review – Engadget
HP TouchPad Review – BGR
HP TouchPad Review – Slashgear
The HP TouchPad offers a compelling package for those looking for an alternative to the Apple iPad and Android Honeycomb tablets. Its unique webOS 3.0 operating system, combined with solid hardware specifications, makes it a strong contender in the tablet market. While it may not have the same level of app ecosystem as iOS or Android, its intuitive user interface and productivity features make it a viable option for both casual and business users.
Image Credit: Jon Snyder/Wired
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