HP TouchPad Unveiled

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Corporate News, Handhelds

Seems like Palm HP is finally getting its act together, or synergized if you will, as it pertains to webOS. A slew of new platforms running the multitasking beast that is webOS have officially been unveiled, and the outcome is satisfactory to say the least. The TouchPad tablet in particular is especially impressive, and offers just as much (and more) than other tablets we’ve seen lately.

The TouchPad specs include: webOS 3.0, a 9.7-inch display, a 1.2Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-CPU APQ8060 processor, 1024x768 resolution, 1GB RAM, 16/32GB storage, 1.3 MP front camera, 3G and 4G variants, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, gyroscope, accelerometer, and a weight of 740 grams. Also, HP's TouchPad comes equipped with Flash capabilities and Beats audio. The TouchPad appeals to professionals with an on-screen QWERTY keyboard for on-the-go editing of Word and Excel files, as well as Powerpoint and PDF functionality.

Of course, the TouchPad will launch with a load of accessories, such as a lightweight carrying case, wireless keyboard and the Touchstone charging dock. The most impressive feature of the TouchPad (and the other new webOS devices for that matter) is the synergy between the different platforms. For example, Touch-to-Share seamlessly transitions information from one device to another. Simply touch one of the new HP devices (Pre 3, Veer, and TouchPad) together and watch as one device effortlessly transfers the URL of a webpage to the other device.  For example, tap the back of the TouchPad to the Pre 3 display and the TouchPad will load the same webpage from the Pre 3 onto the TouchPad’s 9.7-inch display in seconds. Furthermore, the TouchPad’s photo application can wirelessly print to HP printers and display Facebook comments on photos without loading the Facebook application. It’s this kind of synergy that makes the webOS brand so appealing in 2011.

As of yet, the price of the TouchPad hasn’t been announced; but the TouchPad will be available in Wi-Fi-only form this summer, with 3G/4G models debuting at a later date.