GADGET WATCH: HP TouchPad

The iPad competitors keep on coming. This week sees HP launch its TouchPad in the United States, the tablet powered by the WebOS software it acquired during the Palm buyout last year.

So far nothing has been able to dethrone Apple’s key gadget. But HP offers a powerful tablet with enough software power that it could potentially pose a threat. But does it have what it takes to grab a slice of the tablet market?

Features and hardware

There are two versions of the HP TouchPad, a 16GB and 32GB. Both feature the same types of hardware, the only difference is the memory.

The TouchPad has a 9.7-inch multitouch screen, featuring a 1024×768 display. It supports WiFi and Bluetooth, along with A2DP stereo Bluetooth. Phones using the WebOS software can tether to share phone calls and text messages.

Battery life is estimated at nine hours, although that is sure to be lower with consistent use.

The gadget itself is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.2Ghz processor. It also features a 1.3 megapixel camera on the front of the device.

The software features a variety of different apps including the browser, email, messaging, photos, calendar apps. Users can also download apps from the WebOS market, although most of these are designed for WebOS phones.

What’s the verdict?

So far the biggest complement seems to be directed at the “card” system. Instead of using regular app icons, WebOS presents different types of “cards” that represent an app.

When users pick a card, they open up onto the screen. When you want to close one, you swipe back to the home screen, or swipe upwards to get rid of the card. Multiple “cards” can run at the same time.

The Wall Street Journal points out these cards are pretty smart.

“For instance, the contacts and photo cards combine both local and online content, from sources like Google and Facebook; and cards with related functions, like an email message and an attachment you’ve opened, are stacked atop one another.”

The WSJ also points out you can sync upcoming WebOS phones and send voice calls, text messages, much in the same way BlackBerry phones can link up with the PlayBook.

CNET also says email is a good feature, allowing you to combine accounts from a number of different sources including Gmail, Exchange and Yahoo.

Some reviewers have also praised the inclusion of document editing suites.

ComputerWorld praised the multitasking efforts, saying that switching between apps is “a far more intuitive system than Apple’s”.

However, it also points out a number of flaws. For one thing, Flash performance isn’t stellar, and neither is the on-screen keyboard. Both can tend to lag.

Reviewers have also pointed out a number of glitches, including an inability to connect to Wi-Fi networks, along with app crashes.

“One thing that the TouchPad doesn’t always give you is a blazing-fast response,” the Guardian says. “Quite a lot of the time, you’re left gazing at its tail-chasing white circle icon as it communicates with HP’s or other companies’ servers.”

And ZDNet says while the multitasking features could even be better than the iPad’s, (along with the in-built ability to print documents), there’s a lot lacking in the entertainment arena.

“The TouchPad simply doesn’t have the app or entertainment catalogue to compete with Apple’s iTunes or iOS ecosystem. However, if it could partner with Amazon, it could make up a lot of ground very quickly, at least on the entertainment side,” it says.

Who’s it for?

It’s important to point out that the HP TouchPad won’t be released in Australia until the end of the year, although fans will be able to pick one up if they’re travelling in the US.

While the TouchPad may be aimed at consumers who want a tablet but not an iPad, it seems they haven’t yet nailed the “entertainment” aspect. The list of apps available is thin, and the ability to download movies, music and games is pretty limited.

But if you’re a busy executive and on the run, the TouchPad may be for you. It won’t cost you as much as the iPad, contains a lot of power, and the powerful email app should help you out a lot as well. Just don’t expect the smoothest performance.