HP TouchPad
| File:HP TouchPad.jpg HP TouchPad | |
| Developer | Hewlett-Packard |
|---|---|
| Type | Tablet Computer |
| Release date | 1 July 2011 (US), pre-order availability 19 June 2011 |
| Introductory price | US$499.99 (16GB), US$599.99 (32GB) |
| Operating system | HP webOS 3.0 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-CPU APQ8060 1.2 GHz |
| Memory | 1 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB or 32 GB internal storage |
| Display | 9.7 in (25 cm) XGA capacitive, multitouch screen; 18-bit color, 1024 × 768 px display |
| Sound | Internal stereo speakers and Beats Audio |
| Input | Touchscreen and resizable virtual keyboard |
| Camera | 1.3 MP front-facing webcam |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 3G and 4G variants Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR |
| Power | Rechargeable 6300 mAh battery |
| Dimensions | 240 mm (9.4 in) (w) 190 mm (7.5 in) (h) 13.7 mm (0.54 in) (d) |
| Mass | 740 grams |
| Related | Apple iPad, BlackBerry PlayBook, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Tablet PC |
| Website | www.hpwebos.com |
The TouchPad is a mobile tablet computer from HP, initially announced on February 9, 2011, to be sold in the United States beginning July 1, 2011, and in many countries shortly thereafter.[1] HP plans to release an AT&T cellular connected version of the HP TouchPad tablet later this summer.[1]
The device serves primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games and web content. Document editing, other than via Google Docs and Box, will not be enabled at launch.[2]
The TouchPad has a 9.7-inch (25 cm) screen, and runs webOS 3.0 on a 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor.[3] The device supports proximity-based sharing, allowing compatible devices to wirelessly exchange data, media, and information, via Bluetooth.[4]
Hardware
There are 16 and 32 Gb versions. Specifications are accessible as a PDF.[3] Accessory prices and specification sheets are also accessible.[5]
Screen and input
The HP TouchPad has a 9.7-inch (25 cm) XGA capacitive, multitouch screen with a 1024x768 resolution display, the largest screen device powered by webOS; it is the same size as the Apple iPad 2. The glossy display makes blacks look deeper and colors more vivid. There are four physical buttons on the TouchPad: the volume up/down on the side, the power button on the top, and the "card view" button below the screen, for entering the card-like multitasking view.
Connectivity
The Atheros chipset supports Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR with A2DP stereo Bluetooth. Although there is no phone radio on the TouchPad, the tablet can share URLs, phone calls, and text messages with webOS phones via Bluetooth pairing.[6]
Audio and output
The TouchPad has internal stereo speakers and Beats Audio.
Power and Battery
The TouchPad uses a rechargeable 6300 mAh battery, with optional wireless charging by Touchstone charger. On the Touchstone, the TouchPad enters a mode called Exhibition Mode.[citation needed] The battery life is estimated as 9 hours.[citation needed]
Cost of Materials
The TouchPad hardware was disassembled and reviewed. The HP TouchPad's Bill of Materials are stated at $318.15 with an assembly rate of $10.[7]
Optional accessories
- Touchstone
The Touchstone is a wireless charging dock. While charging with the Touchstone, the TouchPad can be set to an Exhibition mode, the user chosing whether to display photos in a digital photo frame, or show upcoming appointments. The Touchstone also enables wireless communication between a HP Pre3 and a TouchPad. Tapping on a specific region will transfer web links to the Pre. This technology is known as “Touch to Share”.
- Case
The protective case doubles as a stand for watching videos or typing, and does not need to be removed to charge the battery.[8]
- Keyboard
A wireless Bluetooth keyboard with a webOS function key next to the space bar is available.
Software
The TouchPad uses webOS 3.0, a card-based multitasking environment. Open applications can be arranged into "stacks." webOS unobtrusively notifies users of messages, emails, and calendar agenda items, appearing on the top right of the screen, rapidly reviewed by a swipe gesture. webOS 3.0 integrates Adobe Flash.
OS Features
- Video chat
The front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera allows video chat between compatible webOS devices. It is intended that Skype will be integrated. Other video calling apps may be available in the HP App Catalog.
- Just type
By typing on the main screen, the Touchpad searches contemporaneously across many sources, retrieving matching contacts, mails, web pages, and Twitter and FaceBook pages. The home screen can also direct post to social networking sites.
- Wireless printing
The TouchPad can print wirelessly to any new and most old HP printers. The wireless printing in the TouchPad is similar to Air Print on iOS 4, but does not require the printer to have specific software.
- Synergy
webOS Synergy can integrate accounts on Gmail, Yahoo!, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Microsoft Outlook (via Exchange ActiveSync). Calendars from multiple sources can be viewed together or one at a time. For messaging, Synergy combines all conversations with each contact into a single chat-style window.[9]
- Kindle
A webOS tablet optimized, preinstalled "Kindle for the TouchPad" directly accesses Amazon's ebook library.[10]
- Document editing
Document editing, other than via Google Docs and Box, will not be enabled at launch.[2]
- App catalog
PreCentral has lists of webOS apps in various categories.[11] A centralized compilation of webOS 3.0 specific apps has not been issued. HP began offering the webOS 3.0 SDK in late March.[12]
Advertising and Product Review
HP TouchPad received mixed reviews from media outlets on its marketing campaign, webOS developer push.[13] Some outlets said the Tablet PC could be a viable competitor to Apple and Android tablets.[14] HP’s advertising campaign launched July 7, 2011, and features actor Russell Brand, Jay-Z, LeBron James, Miranda Cosgrove, Lea Michele and Manny Pacquaio. The ads showcase various features of the TouchPad such as the “Touch to Share" feature that permits the HP TouchPad tablet computer to dock and transfer data to the Veer mobile phone. For example, a TouchPad owner could download an online recipe simply by touching the tablet to the Veer phone and then use the Veer phone to find the ingredients while shopping at the supermarket.[15] All Things Digital says the launch of the TouchPad is HP’s first major attempt to get webOS to developers.[16]
References
- ^ a b HP News Release: “HP Announces HP TouchPad Availability for United States, Europe and Canada. Wi-Fi version of first HP webOS tablet also coming to Asia Pacific later this year .” June 9, 2011.
- ^ a b Dan Ramirez. webOSroundup. CONFIRMED: HP TouchPad Won’t Have Have Document Editing at Launch. 6/17/2011 http://www.webosroundup.com/2011/06/confirmed-hp-touchpad-wont-have-document-editing-at-launch/
- ^ a b HP TouchPad Wi-Fi 32GB http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/hp/tp-32wf-us_1_tg_17459_05-20-11.pdf
- ^ Ziegler, Chris (2011-02-09). "Palm Pre 2 vs. HP Pre 3: what's changed?". Engadget. Retrieved 2011-02-09.
- ^ Make the most of it with accessories for HP TouchPad. http://h71016.www7.hp.com/html/touchpad_options/index.asp?jumpid=re_r2910_palm_tpoptions/auto/heasmith
- ^ HP http://www.palm.com/us/products/pads/touchpad/index.html. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Actual Cost of HP TouchPad. http://www.webosbuzz.com/content/186-cost-hp-touchpad-materials-318.html
- ^ "HP TouchPad". Palm, Inc. February 9, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2011.
- ^ "Palm Unveils All-new webOS" (Press release). Palm, Inc. 2009-01-08. Retrieved 2009-05-27.
- ^ "Engadget". Engadget. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
- ^ WebOS App Gallery. PreCentral. http://www.precentral.net/app-gallery
- ^ Kevin McLaughlin. CRN. HP Opens WebOS App Catalog To TouchPad Developers. 20110602. http://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/229900067/hp-opens-webos-app-catalog-to-touchpad-developers.htm;jsessionid=+jA35ZR-hGjK7I9rNZ2XJw**.ecappj01
- ^ IDG/Computerworld: “HP to address TouchPad issues with software update.” July 6, 2011.
- ^ IDG/Computerworld: “HP TouchPad could emerge as viable iPad competitor.” Igam Shah. May 19, 2011.
- ^ NY Times: “Hewlett-Packard enlists young stars to sell TouchPad. July 7, 2011.
- ^ Wall Street Journal: “All Things Digital: What the TouchPad launch says about HP’s WebOS ambitions.” July 6, 2011.