In HP’s webOS event yesterday, the company unveiled their long-awaited tablet device, HP TouchPad, for tablet lovers. With amazing features and specifications, the tablet has received appreciation from those who followed the event, and people have suddenly started referring it as the new iPad killer or the real iPad competitor.
Let’s have a look at the specifications first so that it would be easier for us to understand what HP has offered in TouchPad.
Features and Specifications of HP TouchPad
- Platform – webOS
- Display - 9.7-inch XGA capacitive, multitouch screen with a vibrant 18-bit color, 1024×768 resolution display
- Camera – 1.3 MP for video calling
- Battery – Rechargeable 6300 mAh (typical) battery
- Memory – 16 GB / 32 GB internal storage
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, USB 2.0
- Other features – Integrated IM and SMS, Email, Sensors, Dual-Core 1.2GHz SnapDragon processor
Now that we know the details of HP TouchPad, it’s time to analyze the device.
The Good
HP TouchPad has been designed with some of the best features available in the market, which includes the dual-core SnapDragon processor, video calling feature and a decent battery. At this moment, TouchPad is the only tablet that has dual-core processor. Most of the tablet devices, including iPad, have single core processor to run the device. With the integration of such high end processor, TouchPad will obviously support quality apps, HD videos and games. This new device has the potential to handle PC games as well as console games, but it would solely depend on HP’s tablet strategy.
HP team showcased Email feature of TouchPad in last event. The Email facility is neatly designed to serve the purpose of sending, receiving and viewing different mails. Apart from this feature, users can also enjoy the integrated IM and SMS on the tablet.
One of the reasons why Apple’s iPad is popular among the users is that it has perfect screen size and resolution. HP team seemed to have learned the importance of tablet display, as they have included 9.7-inch display with 1024×768 resolution. Certainly, the new HP TouchPad will exhibit great navigating experience for its users.
Touchstone technology used in TouchPad is really impressive and is something new for the tech world. The way we sync our mobile devices with computers; Touchstone feature also resembles the similar feature. However, it’s much more advanced than wired syncing. Check below for more details.
The Bad
As far as features are concerned, we can’t point out single feature from TouchPad and say that it’s not up to the mark. But, there are few things that HP could have placed in their tablet to make it more effective.
TouchPad has the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology for data transfer, but not everyone can rely on these two features for Internet surfing and other important tasks. These days companies are building 3G-enabled tablets to provide extra connectivity feature for users. HP’s new tablet doesn’t have 3G support, which I personally think is the important feature for tablets.
HP did a wonderful job by putting video calling camera, as it has become an essential feature for tablet users. That’s good.
Oh wait, they just forgot the rear camera! Yep, the TouchPad won’t allow you to capture images and photos on the device. It’s still unclear why they removed the rear camera from TouchPad. An image capturing camera would have added more spice to this tablet.
Is it the real iPad 2 killer?
As compared the original first generation iPad, HP TouchPad has advanced facilities and specifications. But, is it the real iPad 2 killer? The answer is NO.
The TouchPad tablet has everything you need in a tablet device. However, we should understand that TouchPad is not the future device. Almost all the tablets in this field has more or less same features, and you won’t find any mind-blowing thing in HP’s tablet.
Of course, iPad 2 is not launched yet, still leaked details and Apple sources suggest that the upcoming iPad will be far more superior in terms of quality and features than previous models. Even if we look at the iPad 3G and TouchPad simultaneously, iPad wins the race with small margin. The support from third party developers, quality apps and games, and closed system are favorable for iPad.
If we simply compare iOS 4.3 with webOS 3.0, iOS is well ahead in the competition. The webOS supported TouchPad surely has good specifications, but its OS is not that cool. First generation iPad users can enjoy millions of apps on the tablet, while webOS has few thousands of apps that are developed for different devices. It means TouchPad users will not get too many options to download and install apps and games.
One thing for sure, HP TouchPad is probably the closest iPad killer/competitor we have ever seen. Good job, HP!
What about Android tablets?
Again, Android 3.0 OS has same or even better features than webOS 3.0. From yesterday’s presentation at the event, we can say that some of the TouchPad features like Email have pretty much similar design and functionality to Android OS features. Nothing innovative!
Looking at the current announcements in various events, Android 3.0 based tablets will leave more impact in users’ mind than webOS based tablets.
The Future of TouchPad
The designer team at HP has done a commendable job by introducing a tablet that has the capabilities to do interesting things, but limited resources and lack of third party developers support will make it a just another gadget in the town (like HTC HD2 mobile phone). In the future, TouchPad series might do well with 3G/4G tablets. The only thing that TouchPad need is strong community support. Once webOS attracts users and developers, no one can stop the success of their future tablets.
Do you think TouchPad will survive in the tablet competition? Share your views below.
Must Read - HP TouchPad - The Real iPad 2 Killer?
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