Specs: webOS 3.0, 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB, 32GB storage, 9.7-inch capacitive screen at 1024x768, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 740g.
What we think: The touchpad looks like one of the most powerful tablets yet announced, running the as-yet unreleased dual-core Snapdragon APQ8060 1.2GHz CPU. It's also running Palm's webOS 3.0 which sets it apart from all the Android tablets but at 740g it's rather heavy.
After its unveiling at HP's San Francisco webOS event last week, we've now had our paws all over HP's new slab. Did we like it? You'll have to read on to find out.
The new tablet looks far better than it does in many photos and isn't as plasticky as it might appear. Here it is in the wireless charging dock (more details on the tech involved later).
In fact, it's a highly tactile and solid-feeling, if not weighty, device and – here's the shocker – we really, really like it. And if it can undercut the iPad on price? Then it's a serious contender.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 vs TouchPad vs iPad vs Xoom vs PlayBook
HP representatives were obviously coy on price but, for the record, we don't think it will be as cheap as the iPad (not that the iPad is cheap).
HP webOS 3.0 seems like a superb interface and one that might well withstand the Android 3.0 Honeycomb onslaught. But, we must say, that there's still a little work to be done.
When changing the orientation of the tablet it doesn't respond instantly. There's a pause with Honeycomb, but the TouchPad takes a lot longer. And though it might not be a huge amount of time, it's these little things you notice when comparing webOS to Honeycomb and iOS.
The webOS cards system works fantastically well on the tablet and the multitasking is wonderfully fluid. It's great to be able to flick cards on and off the screen and move between them. The operating system will need better support for developers though.
There is a clever wireless pairing tech involved – it's the same Touchstone tech that's used in wireless charging for the Palm Pre. Hold the new Pre3 to the TouchPad's physical button and it will 'take' the web page that you have on the screen so you can continue to use it on your phone if you move off.
Messaging is also extremely good, while the email is laid out really nicely. Each new mail you write opens as a new card so, if you want to, you can leave a card and return to it later. Again the Messaging also works with your HP phone handset if you have one. Receive a text on your Pre3 or Veer and it will appear on your TouchPad.
Photos are also a great experience – there's full Facebook integration (presumably more services will be supported at launch). You can also add Facebook comments from the image window.
There's a front-facing camera – HP showed Skype working on the Pre3 at its event last week, so it's pretty safe to assume the VoIP service will make it to the TouchPad by the time of launch.
There's also the standard headphone jack on the top of the unit.
We think the HP Touchpad is a superb tablet device. But better developer support is absolutely crucial, and it will live or die by its pricing.
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