HP TouchPad With 9.7-inch and WebOS 3.0 and 1.2 GHz Dual-Core Snapdragon The Brief Review
If you've got a few minutes to spare, HP would like to explain how its TouchPad distinguishes itself from other tablets.
A new series of videos touts the TouchPad's key features, ahead of its launch on July 1 (starting at $499). Of course, what HP doesn't show in these videos are the TouchPad's inherent weaknesses: The hardware, while comparable to other current tablets in raw power, measures closer to Apple's first-generation iPad than the thinner and lighter iPad 2, so HP doesn't spend much time talking about it.
There she is, the HP TouchPad. It's the webOS slate we've been yearning for ever since probing (then) Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein on our first-ever Engadget Show, but sadly, it looks as if HP has yanked any and all Palm labeling from the final product. Other specifications include webOS 3.0, "true multitasking," Touch-to-share, instant-on productivity, a 9.7-inch display (1024 x 768 screen resolution), a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon CPU (!), inbuilt gyroscope, accelerometer, compass and 16GB / 32GB of internal storage space. There's also a front-facing 1.3 megapixel webcam, support for video calling, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, A-GPS (3G model only), "twice the memory of a Pre 2" and a set of stereo speakers.
There's a new paneled email application a Growl-like pop-up notification system, support for Skype calling, compatibility with Amazon's Kindle e-book store, plenty of cal / email integration courtesy of HP Synergy, a slick virtual keyboard, VPN support, wireless printing as well as Google Docs, QuickOffice, Dropbox and Box.net compatibility.
The HP TouchPad is the device to bring it to market, and the capacitive tablet can now be pre-ordered in select markets.
The TouchPad Wi-Fi will be available in 16GB and 32GB versions, selling for $500 and $600, respectively. Optional accessories for the TouchPad include the HP Touchstone Charging Dock, a Wireless Keyboard and a TouchPad Case (all sold separately). U.S. retailers and commercial resellers for the TouchPad include Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, Sam's Club, OfficeMax, Amazon.com, Fry's, Microcenter, other leading local and regional retailers, as well as HP's online stores.
HP is confident that the TouchPad will become a success though:
"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 TouchPad Wi-Fi will be available in 16GB and 32GB versions, selling for $500 and $600, respectively. Optional accessories for the TouchPad include the HP Touchstone Charging Dock, a Wireless Keyboard and a TouchPad Case (all sold separately). U.S. retailers and commercial resellers for the TouchPad include Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, Sam's Club, OfficeMax, Amazon.com, Fry's, Microcenter, other leading local and regional retailers, as well as HP's online stores.
HP is confident that the TouchPad will become a success though:
"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.